What She Overheard in Her Own Marriage novel Chapter 375

"Mom, you didn't have to wait out here for me," Noelle said, her voice dripping with affectionate reliance.

Elaine's heart ached for her. Knowing Josephine had deliberately excluded Noelle from the group chat made Elaine furious. If Noelle ever found out the old woman viewed her as an outsider, it would crush her.

"It's nothing. I heard your car and wanted to come out," Elaine said gently.

Noelle offered a sweet, demure smile and followed Elaine into the living room, taking a seat on the plush sofa.

"Is Finnian here?" Noelle asked casually, wrapping her hands around a glass of water.

Elaine glanced toward the second floor. "He went straight up to his study as soon as he got here. Probably working."

"Did Brynlee come with him?" Noelle asked, feigning innocent concern.

"Yes, she followed him up. That little girl seems even more attached to her parents after their trip." Elaine had noticed the shift too. When she had tried to hug her granddaughter earlier, Brynlee had squirmed away after a second, desperate to follow Finnian upstairs.

A shadow passed over Noelle's eyes.

So that was Kaia's game. Using the child to bridge the gap and save her failing marriage.

And of course, a smart kid like Brynlee knew exactly how to play the mediator to keep her parents together.

The thought made Noelle's blood boil.

"Here, try this premium green tea. I just bought it," Elaine offered, reaching for a delicate teapot.

"Oh, no thank you, Mom," Noelle said quickly. "I've had so much coffee today. If I drink tea now, I'll never get to sleep."

Elaine's face filled with pity. "You need to cut back on the caffeine, honey. If you're tired, just rest."

"I know. Thanks, Mom," Noelle replied, playing the obedient daughter perfectly.

Did he even know she was here?

Staring at the cold water in her glass, a familiar, sickening panic began to take root in Noelle's chest.

Kaia walked straight into Josephine's room. The older woman's face lit up. Wasting no time, Kaia had Josephine sit up while she sat at the edge of the bed, her expert hands finding the pressure points along Josephine's neck and shoulders.

Josephine closed her eyes, letting out a breath of pure relief.

"You have magic hands, Kaia. The tension is already melting away."

Kaia smiled softly. "Just working out the knots."

Josephine nodded, then seamlessly shifted the topic. "Did you enjoy your trip?"