What She Overheard in Her Own Marriage novel Chapter 36

Kaia, usually so fiercely confident, was left with nothing but self-deprecating mockery.

She had always believed Aethelstan couldn't function without her. She never imagined Finnian could just wave his hand, poach a top-tier talent, and replace her entirely.

This wasn't just a threat to her career; it felt like a meticulously engineered, full-scale humiliation and ambush.

Noelle truly lived up to her status as the Sanders family's golden child. She had actually managed to extend her reach right into Finnian's executive hiring decisions.

Kaia couldn't stomach sitting there a second longer. She put down her fork and stood up. "Excuse me, I have a family matter to attend to. I need to head out early."

She grabbed her purse and coat and turned toward the door.

Just as she reached the exit, Finnian's voice called out from behind her. "I'll ride back with you."

Kaia turned around and watched the man approach through the dimly lit night. He was shrugging into his suit jacket, buttoning it up as he walked toward her. Even in the low light, his striking, chiseled features were undeniable.

This was the face Kaia had stared at obsessively for countless nights.

The moment she had officially become his bride, hidden beneath her veil, she had been a naive girl, her heart racing with the desperate hope of someone deeply in love.

Kaia flatly rejected him. "Take your own car."

"What's wrong?" Finnian noticed she was upset and immediately guessed, "Are you mad that Gordon is here?"

Kaia ignored him and strode toward her Mercedes parked by the curb.

Finnian caught up in a few long strides. As she unlocked the car, he opened the passenger door and slid right in.

"Aethelstan's capital division needs a completely new management structure."

Kaia found the sheer absurdity of it suffocating.

"Of course, to make up for the inconvenience and your financial loss, I will transfer three percent of my personal company shares to your name." Finnian laid out his massive financial compensation.

Kaia's pupils contracted slightly. What made Finnian so sure she could be bought off with cash?

Whether out of blind rage or crushing disappointment, Kaia challenged him directly. "Noelle has zero relevant executive experience and no public track record to justify this. Appointing her will trigger catastrophic internal management chaos. External investors and corporate partners will heavily scrutinize the Sanders family's judgment and professionalism. Aethelstan's valuation and ability to secure funding will take a massive hit."

Finnian frowned, clearly displeased that she dared to question him.

"Experience can be acquired. A track record can be built. I will assign my best team to support her."

"As for external scrutiny," Finnian's tone turned ice-cold, dripping with absolute, unquestionable arrogance. "The Sanders name is the only backing she needs. She is an elite talent raised entirely by this family. If I say she is qualified, then she is qualified."