What She Overheard in Her Own Marriage novel Chapter 325

"Mom, yes, I'm heading to Serenity Monastery. Don't worry about me. I've just been under so much pressure at work lately, and I needed some time to clear my head. It coincides with my father's memorial, so I wanted to go somewhere quiet."

"But why did you go alone? Why didn't you take Logan or the other bodyguards?" Elaine pressed.

"Mom, I hate having an entourage trailing after me. I prefer being alone. It's peaceful. Please, just trust me," Noelle's voice remained soft and compliant.

"You stubborn girl... How am I supposed to relax when you do things like this?" Elaine's anxiety spiked.

"Mom, I'm on the highway right now, so I need to focus. I'll call you later, okay?"

"Fine. Drive safely, and call me the second you arrive."

"I will."

Hanging up, Noelle switched her phone to silent.

She drove steadily, leaving the sprawling city behind and heading toward Serenity Monastery, located about ninety miles away in the mountains.

Meanwhile, Finnian had barely slept a wink, finally drifting off around 5 AM. Dexter had everything finalized for the private jet, scheduled to take off for Switzerland at 9 AM.

Around 7 AM, Finnian's phone buzzed aggressively.

Frowning, he grabbed it and saw Mrs. Wagner's name.

"Mr. Sanders, Noelle drove off by herself early this morning. She said she was going to a memorial for her father, but she didn't take anyone with her. We have no idea where she is, and she isn't answering her phone."

Finnian's exhaustion evaporated instantly.

He sat up straight in bed.

She was acting recklessly again.

"Did she mention which temple she was going to?" Finnian pinched the bridge of his nose. "Is it Serenity Monastery?"

"She didn't say, Mr. Sanders. You used to accompany her there all the time—you would know better than I do."

Finnian gripped the phone, silent for two tense seconds.

"I'll handle it."

Ending the call, he immediately dialed Dexter. "Put the flight on hold. I have a situation to deal with."

"Boss, our exit is coming up. The parking lot is about seven miles up the mountain."

Finnian nodded without opening his eyes.

He knew Noelle was spiraling due to the vicious corporate gossip, which made her sudden solo trip incredibly alarming. She had always been so fierce and proud, navigating life effortlessly under the protection of the Sanders family. But since Rafael's death, the relentless professional setbacks had chipped away at her armor, and it broke Finnian's heart to watch.

The radiant smile she once wore had been replaced by a quiet, desperate ambition. He hated seeing her carry that burden alone. He knew that if his brother were still alive, Rafael would be rushing up this mountain to protect her too.

Shortly after they exited the highway, Dexter's phone buzzed with an urgent update. His eyes went wide. He cast a nervous glance at Finnian before carefully speaking up. "Boss... that background check you requested on Simon Quinn? We just got a hit."

"Spit it out," Finnian commanded, finally opening his eyes. A sharp, predatory coldness flickered in his gaze.

"His colleagues confirmed he took a sudden leave of absence today. They aren't sure where he went, but we have people digging into it." The moment Dexter finished speaking, the air in the car seemed to freeze solid. A suffocating silence choked the cabin.

After what felt like an eternity, Finnian let out a low 'Mm', retreating back into his thoughts.

Dexter looked from the winding mountain road ahead to his phone screen. He couldn't imagine the war waging in his boss's head. He was supposed to be boarding a private jet to chase his wife across the globe, yet here he was, racing up a mountain to track down Noelle. Dexter honestly wondered which destination his boss truly cared about more.

Sweat drenched Noelle's clothes by the time she finally reached the temple gates.