What She Overheard in Her Own Marriage novel Chapter 81

Kaia's cold mockery: "He has to give her an explanation and prove to the world that Noelle has the Sanders family backing her. It's just a partnership, very standard. He won't let her lose."

"Kaia, I'd really love to know—are you actually mad?" Silas leaned in, his dark eyes locked on her flawless face. "That's a top-tier resource she just got."

Kaia looked down, her gaze sweeping over her left ring finger. "Of course I'm mad. But what Finnian might not realize is that you can't just throw resources at someone and expect them to make waves. The more he does this, the less independent Noelle becomes. Ultimately, it turns into endless reliance. I don't see that as a good thing. Though, if he plans to protect her for the rest of her life, that's a different story."

Silas's smile widened, and he gave a slow, quiet clap. "Well said. What you want right now is the value of your own name, Kaia, not the empty title of Mrs. Sanders. You're right. No matter how good the Cytogene AG partnership is, it's still a handout from Finnian. We have our own research direction. Even if we start small, at least every step we take is solid."

Kaia paused, surprised by Silas's apt summary.

Silas stared at her intently. "When you look at it this way, doesn't it seem like they're rolling around in the mud while you're already standing safely on the shore?"

Kaia hid the dimness in her eyes and said softly, "I still lost."

With about ten days left until the holidays, a major event occurred at The Sanders Estate.

Rafael's memorial plaque was formally brought into The Sanders Family Chapel.

It was placed right at the front, with the plaques of their ancestors stacked in rows behind it, looking down in silent vigil from the towering altar.

After work, Noelle was summoned to the Estate for dinner. She had a sinking feeling that this meal was going to be a trap.

The rumors circulating at the company must have flown over the high walls of the Estate and reached Josephine's ears.

For the dinner, Noelle had purposefully changed into a simple, elegant white silk dress, paired with a matching shawl. Her long hair was pinned back with a single, elegant pearl clip. Stripped of her sharp corporate edge and lacking her usual expensive jewelry, she looked frail, obedient, and submissive.

As soon as she stepped out of the car, Giles, the butler, approached and informed her that Josephine was waiting for her in the chapel.

Taking a sharp breath, Noelle made her way to The Sanders Family Chapel.

Candles burned here year-round, but the lighting remained dim.

The air was thick with the scent of history, carrying an oppressive weight that made it hard to breathe.

Sitting in a grand armchair, the stern-faced Josephine looked like an unassailable deity.

Noelle's heart sank further. Unpleasant memories from the past rushed back, and she could already feel a phantom ache in her knees.

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