What She Overheard in Her Own Marriage novel Chapter 371

"I'm out of the country," Finnian Sanders replied moments later. "We'll talk when I get back. I'll have my mom take her."

"Got it," Julian Kendrick answered.

Finnian forwarded the situation to his mother, Elaine Sanders, who showed up at Noelle Lawrence's door that very night.

Noelle opened the door, immediately throwing her arms around the older woman. "Mom, what are you doing here so late?"

As Elaine explained why she'd come, Noelle's heart skipped a beat—a mess of relief and sheer panic.

"I'm perfectly fine. Finnian's just overreacting," Noelle said in a soft, delicate drawl. "An upset stomach is completely normal."

Elaine nodded. "Maybe so, but you can never be too careful when it comes to your health."

"I know. Thank you for checking on me, Mom. I promise I'm taking good care of myself. I still need to be around to look after you," Noelle coaxed, laying the charm on thick.

"You always know exactly what to say," Elaine beamed. "Oh, that reminds me. There's an auction coming up in a few days. We should go together and see if we can find something nice."

"Do you like antiques?"

"It's not for me. Your grandmother is turning seventy soon. I want to help you pick out a spectacular gift to get back in her good graces." Elaine hated seeing the rift between Josephine and Noelle grow wider; she desperately wanted them to make amends.

Noelle stiffened. Inwardly, she scoffed. That vicious old woman had treated her like dirt—why should she bother sucking up to her?

But Noelle wouldn't dare let her resentment show. She flashed a sickeningly sweet smile. "Thank you, Mom. You're the best. I wouldn't even know where to start without you."

"Let's head to the hospital first thing tomorrow," Elaine suggested.

"We can't. I have back-to-back meetings all morning," Noelle lied smoothly. It wasn't that she didn't want to go; she was terrified of what they'd find.

She absolutely had to keep this pregnancy a secret until she was safely out of the first trimester. For now, no one could know.

Kaia's heart sank. Celine had poured her soul into that design studio. Over the years, she had built a stellar reputation. For an original designer, a plagiarism scandal was a death sentence.

"Book your flight. I'm coming with you," Kaia said firmly.

Celine held up a hand. "No, Kaia, you don't need to do that. You promised Brynlee you'd take her out to lunch. I can handle this alone."

"But—"

Celine gripped Kaia's shoulders, forcing a reassuring smile. "No buts. You coming back won't change anything right now. Take Brynlee out. Give this vacation the perfect ending."

Seeing she wouldn't win this argument, Kaia relented. "Just... be safe. Text me the second you land."

"I will," Celine promised.

Hearing the commotion, Brynlee poked her head out from the bedroom, where she'd been watching cartoons. Seeing the suitcase, she scrambled over. "Celine, where are you going?"