What She Overheard in Her Own Marriage novel Chapter 90

Around 3:00 PM, Finnian brought Brynlee over to Jane. "Mom, Brynlee needs a nap. Could you keep an eye on her?"

Jane, who had been chatting with some aunts, immediately took Brynlee into her arms. Seeing the little girl's drooping eyelids, she smiled warmly. "Don't worry, I've got her. Are you heading out, Finnian?"

"Yeah, there's something I need to handle at the office. I'll be back." Having settled his daughter, Finnian left the Estate.

Kaia was upstairs giving Josephine a therapeutic massage. The older woman complained of insomnia and shoulder pain—old ailments flared up by her recent anger.

As evening approached, more extended family members arrived. Five large tables were set up between the main hall and the side dining room, all brightly lit.

The exquisite dishes on the mahogany tables looked even more appetizing under the crystal chandeliers.

Wearing an elegant silk jacket, Josephine commanded the room with the undeniable presence of the family's reigning matriarch.

Elaine was busy directing guests to their seats, but she looked noticeably tense.

She kept glancing toward the living room entrance, eventually stepping aside to make a call. "Finnian, all the guests are seated. Where are you?"

"Mom, something came up. I won't be back for dinner," Finnian said quickly before hanging up.

Elaine stared at her phone, stunned. When she tried calling back, it went straight to voicemail.

"That brat. Does he not know what kind of event this is? If he doesn't show up, how am I supposed to explain this to his grandmother? Pick up the phone!" Elaine called several more times, but got no answer.

Desperate, she called his assistant, Dexter.

Dexter answered politely. "Mr. Sanders drove off on his own. I don't know where he went."

"Are you sure you don't know?" Elaine demanded, her tone taking on an authoritative edge.

"Ma'am, I wouldn't dare guess Mr. Sanders's whereabouts."

Elaine had no choice but to hang up. The three tables in the main hall were full, except for two glaringly empty seats. The guests were already exchanging quiet, speculative glances.

Silas was also in attendance. Dressed in a relaxed suit, he exuded a casual charm, sporting his usual playful smile. He had brought a gift for Brynlee, and he currently had the little girl giggling uncontrollably.

"Everyone is here. Let's begin," Josephine announced, her face darkening as she noted the empty chairs.

"Grandmother, my dad isn't here yet!" Brynlee piped up loudly, her chin resting in her little hands just as the room fell silent.

"Where is Finnian?" Josephine couldn't hold back her anger anymore. She put down her fork and glared at Elaine. "It's the holidays. It's a major family gathering. I don't care how busy the company is; he has no excuse for missing this."

The guests mingled, toasting and chatting. Kaia made sure Brynlee was fed and happy, but whenever her eyes drifted to that empty seat, she couldn't stop the familiar sting in her chest.

"Mommy, where did Dad go? Why isn't he back yet?" Brynlee looked miserable as she walked to the bathroom. Everyone was here except her dad, and she felt incredibly let down.

"He's probably just busy with work. Be patient, okay?" Kaia comforted her softly.

"He has to work on such an important day? He has the worst luck," Brynlee muttered, using a phrase she must have picked up somewhere.

Kaia's lips twitched in a joyless smile. "He doesn't have bad luck. He's got it all figured out." He was just getting the best of both worlds, maintaining a perfect family while keeping his little side project happy.

"He does have bad luck! There's all this yummy food and he doesn't get to eat any of it because he's working." Brynlee tapped her smartwatch. "Nope. I feel bad for him. I'm going to call him."

"Brynlee, don't—" Kaia tried to stop her, but the little girl had already dialed the number.

It rang for a while with no answer.

Brynlee blinked her big, dark eyes. "Daddy's being silly. Why isn't he picking up?"

Just as Kaia was about to tell her to hang up, a soft, familiar female voice came through the speaker. "Brynlee? Are you looking for your dad?"