What She Overheard in Her Own Marriage novel Chapter 62

Brynlee looked her mother over with wide, curious eyes before scanning the room. "Aunt Noelle looks really pretty today too. Her dress is so bright and fancy."

Kaia glanced up and saw Noelle holding a champagne flute, gracefully greeting the guests.

She wore a sweeping magenta gown paired with a matching diamond jewelry set. Her makeup was immaculate, and every movement exuded the undeniable glow of a woman riding high on success.

Finnian had also arrived early. He was sitting on a sofa nearby, chatting with a group of friends. Seeing Kaia, he stood up and walked over to her and Brynlee.

"Brynlee, want Dad to take you to get some food?" Finnian's gaze lingered on Kaia for two full seconds, his eyes darkening slightly, before he scooped up their daughter and walked away.

Kaia had barely picked up a glass of water when several academic acquaintances approached her to chat.

After a brief conversation, Noelle's gentle voice drifted from behind her. "Kaia, can I steal you away for a second?"

Kaia turned to see her. There was a glimmer in Noelle's eyes—the subtle, unyielding pressure of a victor.

"About what?"

"Let's grab a seat out on the terrace," Noelle suggested with a smile, turning and leading the way.

Outside, the winter snow was falling heavily, the biting wind raging against the glass, but inside the enclosed terrace, it felt like spring.

"Kaia, you haven't congratulated me yet." The moment they stepped inside, Noelle turned to face her, smiling. "I've heard those words from so many people today, but the one person I really wanted to hear them from was you."

Kaia looked at her with an expressionless face. "It's not smart to be too greedy."

Noelle rested her hands on the railing, gazing out at the snowy sky. "Yes, being greedy is bad."

But now... she had been exiled. How much longer could she keep up this high-and-mighty act?

"Kaia, I've always envied you. Independent, level-headed, brilliant. But you do have one flaw... you're a bit too cold. Too distant," Noelle remarked, feigning casual observation.

"Only those standing at the bottom complain that the mountain is too cold. The truth is, the view from the top is something those looking up will never see, no matter how hard they try." Kaia let out a sharp, unforgiving laugh.

Noelle froze, then forced a self-deprecating chuckle. "Fair enough. By the way, people might gossip about your transfer to Veridian Future, but please trust me, this was the best arrangement Finnian could make. Aethelstan is pivoting entirely to cutting-edge innovation right now. The pressure is immense, the pace is brutal, and you still have your clinic hours. It would just be too exhausting for you. Having you keep an eye on things over at Veridian... I'm sure you understand his reasoning."

Kaia listened quietly before replying, "My career and my accomplishments don't need anyone's 'arrangements'. As for being exhausted..."

Kaia met Noelle's gaze head-on. "I do what I love, so I don't find it exhausting. You, on the other hand, Ms. Lawrence, just took over Aethelstan. You have a million fires to put out, relationships to manage, and an entirely new landscape to navigate. Juggling so many personal and professional obligations... that must be truly exhausting."

The smile on Noelle's face stalled for two seconds. Was Kaia mocking her? Implying she had to juggle her job and her illicit affair?