What She Overheard in Her Own Marriage novel Chapter 401

Kaia woke up dazed. Realizing she was leaning against Finnian's shoulder, she quickly sat up and got out of the car.

Finnian smiled faintly and followed her out.

Back at the hotel, the immediate agenda was showering and changing for the evening's dinner.

Kaia opened her suitcase in her room. Having packed in a rush, she only brought business attire. She chose a champagne blouse and a knee-length black velvet skirt, pinned her hair up, and applied light makeup.

Downstairs, she ran into Silas. He wore a sharp navy suit and his eyes lit up when he saw her. "Our Tech Goddess looks absolutely stunning," he praised.

Kaia had heard his compliments before and replied playfully, "Of course. My looks are the least impressive thing about me."

"Dr. Chavez, you really don't know the meaning of modesty," Silas teased.

"If people are willing to compliment me, being modest just feels insincere," she laughed.

They were chatting by the elevator when a low cough sounded behind them.

Turning, they saw Finnian's tall figure standing on the plush carpet, dressed in a sleek black suit.

Hearing their banter, Finnian's expression darkened. Did that sound like flirting? Or was he overthinking?

Kaia and Silas instantly straightened up at his arrival.

At the lavish dinner, Cytogene's silver-haired German executive raised his glass. "Dr. Chavez, Cytogene is very much looking forward to working with you. You are an outstanding researcher."

Kaia clapped glasses with him. "Thank you. I'm looking forward to it as well."

The executive looked at Finnian with a smile. "Mr. Sanders, the woman by your side is truly exceptional."

Finnian glanced at Kaia, his eyes warm. "Yes, she's the best."

Kaia gripped her wine glass tightly, refusing to meet his gaze.

After dinner, Kaia decided to take a walk by the lake. The wine had made her dizzy and flushed; she needed the cool air.

She had asked a female subordinate to accompany her, but when they stepped out of the elevator, Finnian emerged from the adjacent one.

"Mr. Sanders," the subordinate greeted, then added tactfully, "Dr. Chavez, I won't interrupt you two. I'll head back to my room."

Finnian nodded, appreciating her quick exit, then turned to Kaia. "I'll walk with you."

"Kaia, are we... really so estranged that we can't even exchange a normal greeting?" he asked suddenly.

"Yes," she replied icily.

He stopped in his tracks, staring at her retreating figure. "What exactly are you so angry about? Can we just talk?"

She stopped, looking back at him. "I don't want to talk."

He choked on his words. He had expected her to list all his faults and yell at him. Being berated would be better than this suffocating indifference.

"I'm sorry. In the office the other day, I shouldn't have brought up you and Silas..."

"I didn't take it to heart," she interrupted.

He searched her face; it was completely placid, without a trace of anger.

"Who is the man in your diary? Can we talk about him?" For some reason, his volume rose sharply.

The night wind swept across the water, blowing the loose strands of hair around her face. She stopped completely, her eyes locking onto his like frost.