What She Overheard in Her Own Marriage novel Chapter 394

The auction officially commenced, and the attendees quickly filed into the hall to claim their seats.

Kaia spotted Finnian's table near the very front. Under the bright lights, every subtle gesture they made was clearly visible. Finnian, still wearing his black mask, was looking down at his phone.

The first few items were calligraphy and porcelain. Kaia didn't raise her paddle once.

Brynlee leaned in and whispered, "Mom, why is Dad wearing a mask? Is he sick?"

Kaia glanced over at Finnian. Right then, he seemed focused on the stage, where an intricate ivory carving was up for bid. Elaine liked it and raised her paddle.

Seeing Elaine's interest, Noelle leaned close to Finnian, whispering something to him. Finnian simply nodded in response.

"You can ask him yourself after the auction is over. I'm not really sure," Kaia answered her daughter softly.

Brynlee murmured an "Oh," resting her chin in her hands, her enthusiasm clearly deflating.

Next came a collection of exquisite jewelry, sparking intense bidding wars across the room. Noelle raised her paddle for a stunning sapphire necklace, battling it out with several wealthy socialites before finally claiming the winning bid.

A few more antiques crossed the block, but none caught Kaia's eye. Silas was purely there for the entertainment; he had zero interest in the artifacts.

Finally, the auction reached its grand finale.

Driven by the auctioneer's booming, dramatic introduction, the image of the Imperial Jade Statue flashed across the massive screens. Under the stage lights, its deep, flawless green seemed practically liquid. Every eye in the room locked onto the masterpiece.

The Buddha's eyes were cast downward with infinite compassion, a serene smile ghosting its lips.

"Starting bid: twelve million dollars!"

Kaia raised her paddle.

The auctioneer's voice echoed through the massive hall. "Thirteen million!"

"Fourteen million! A new bid from the gentleman in the front!"

Just then, Noelle raised her paddle. The auctioneer's excitement spiked. "Fifteen million from the lady in the front row!"

"Sixteen million!" The auctioneer swept his hand toward Kaia's section, causing a ripple of heads to turn in her direction.

Noelle frowned, clearly not expecting any serious competition for the statue. She turned and murmured something to Finnian, who merely gave another curt nod.

Emboldened, Noelle raised her paddle again.

His mother's words left Finnian momentarily flustered. He quickly countered, "They didn't come alone. Kaia's mother is with them, and they brought Brynlee too."

"That doesn't make it right," Elaine huffed angrily.

Once the auction concluded, Elaine intentionally blocked Kaia's group right outside the main lobby doors.

"Dad!" Brynlee launched herself at Finnian, her tiny hand reaching up to poke his mask. "Dad, why are you wearing a mask? Are you feeling sick?"

"No, I'm perfectly fine," Finnian replied with a gentle smile.

"So, are you trying to hide from people?" Brynlee had meant to ask if he had a rash or something, but the words tumbled out a bit too bluntly.

Finnian's smile faltered for a second before he forced a dry chuckle. "Of course not. Dad just didn't want the press to know he was here today."

"Oh!"

Beside them, Elaine glared disapprovingly at Kaia and Jane, before shifting her sharp gaze to Silas. "Kaia, what exactly are you doing parading around with Silas?"

Jane crossed her arms, her voice dripping with ice. "Is there a problem with that? Finnian and Noelle seem to be glued at the hip everywhere they go. Why the double standard?"