What She Overheard in Her Own Marriage novel Chapter 63

"Kaia, it seems I haven't understood you well enough in the past. Perhaps Finnian and I have been spending a lot of time together lately because of work, but I hope you don't misunderstand. We're both just doing what's best for the Sanders family. We are family, after all," Noelle retreated, not daring to push any further.

"Family?" Kaia's expression was icy. "Professionally, Veridian and Aethelstan might end up as competitors. Personally, you are the widow of Finnian's late brother. That makes you an elder. Since we are family, it's best we keep those boundaries crystal clear."

Noelle's eyes chilled.

This seemingly mild-mannered sister-in-law was far harder to deal with than she had imagined.

"If you feel that way, then maybe I'm overthinking it. Finnian and I have known each other for thirteen years. You probably can't even imagine the depth of the bond we've built. Still, I wish Veridian Future the best of luck."

Kaia raised her glass indifferently. "And I wish Aethelstan a bright future."

Noelle bit her lip and turned back toward the main hall, her steps just a fraction too hurried to maintain the illusion of absolute grace.

Kaia took a sip of her lemon water just as Dr. Miles Kendrick walked over. She pulled herself together and smiled. "Miles, you made it."

Miles studied her face quietly for a moment. "What were you and Noelle talking about?"

"Just the future of our competition and collaboration," Kaia said lightly.

Miles leaned against the railing, gripping his glass tightly. He looked at her. "Kaia, you and Finnian... are you two doing alright?"

Kaia stiffened. Miles was part of Finnian and Noelle's inner circle. If Noelle bragged about knowing Finnian for thirteen years, then Miles had a front-row seat to their 'deep bond' the entire time.

"Why do you ask?" Kaia forced herself to remain steady.

A flash of raw sympathy softened Miles's gaze. Before he could say anything, Finnian walked over, carrying Brynlee.

"What are you two talking about?" Finnian's dark gaze swept over them before settling on Kaia. "Brynlee needs to use the restroom. Take her."

Miles stared at the scene for a long moment before setting his glass down and disappearing into the crowd.

Kaia led Brynlee into the restroom. The little girl needed to use the stall, so Kaia waited patiently by the sink.

Just then, voices drifted in from the corridor, buzzing with the unmistakable thrill of gossip.

"Did you see her? The actual wife showed up. I have no idea what she was thinking. Coming here tonight just makes her a laughingstock."

"She looks so plain. She can't hold a candle to Ms. Lawrence's outfit."

"Right? I heard she trained under some famous doctor and had this incredibly high starting point. Everyone made her out to be some kind of genius."

"Genius? Please." Someone scoffed, lowering their voice conspiratorially. "Doesn't matter how smart she is if she's being pushed out of the way. I heard she's leaving Aethelstan entirely. All her core projects were stripped from her. How is that any different from being exiled?"