"Fine. We'll go tomorrow for lunch," Kaia agreed.
"Good. We'll head out together in the morning."
Finnian looked down at her profile, looking like he wanted to say more. But Kaia quickly gathered her files, stood up, and walked out of the room.
Finnian stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows for a few seconds before slipping his hands into his pockets and leaving the building with his executives.
The next morning, the weather was bitingly cold. Finnian had arranged for a luxury SUV. Dexter drove, while a trailing security vehicle was loaded with gifts.
In the car, Finnian played with Brynlee, who was bouncing off the walls with endless energy. Kaia sat quietly in the captain's chair, listening to the two of them.
The Chavez family lived in a quiet, academic neighborhood near the university. A single old plum tree bloomed in the corner of their yard, its faint, sweet scent hanging in the air.
Finnian was dressed less formally than usual—a high-end black turtleneck under a charcoal cashmere coat. The casual look only highlighted his tall, athletic frame and striking features.
Dexter and the security detail unloaded several beautifully wrapped boxes. To cater to Warren's tastes, Finnian had gone out of his way to source rare calligraphy scrolls and antique book replicas.
Jane and Warren were waiting at the door. Seeing the family of three arrive together, their smiles widened.
"Mom, Dad, Happy Holidays," Finnian greeted them warmly, dropping the intimidating persona he used in the boardroom.
"Come in, come in, Finnian! Make yourselves at home," Jane smiled brightly.
Warren had already brewed a pot of tea and set out snacks. Seeing Dexter and the detail handling the heavy lifting, Jane quickly set up a table for them in another room, earning their polite thanks.
"Grandpa! Grandma! We saw you yesterday, and now we get to see you again today! I'm so happy!" Brynlee skipped behind them, shaking her little head as she spoke in her sweet voice.
Jane's heart melted. She patted the girl's head. "We are too! We wish we could see our little sweetheart every single day."
Finnian sat on the sofa, resting his hands casually on his knees, a warm smile on his face as he watched his daughter run around.
Warren had a dignified, academic air about him. Unlike the businessmen and politicians who constantly sucked up to Finnian, Warren treated him normally. Stripped of his corporate power plays, Finnian appeared much more relaxed and approachable.
"Kaia mentioned the recent shake-up at the office and her move to a different department," Warren said slowly, breaking the comfortable silence.
Finnian saw right through his brother-in-law's eager questions.
As Leo and Sophia arrived, perfectly timing the meal, Kaia helped her mother carry the dishes from the kitchen.
Leo and Sophia sat with Finnian in the living room, naturally bringing up politics, economics, and industry trends. Finnian offered just the right amount of insight and advice.
Leo hung on his every word. In fact, Sophia's eyes lit up as well.
Finnian was a man of few words, but when he gave an opening, it usually led to a closed deal.
Glancing toward the kitchen, Finnian said to Leo, "Let's keep this between us for now. I have a few projects opening up after the holidays. Bring your portfolio over then, and we'll see where we can fit you in."
Leo knew his sister's stance. Over the years, his company had secured several contracts from The Sanders Conglomerate. While Kaia never outright forbade it, she constantly warned him to build a self-sustaining business model, arguing that relying on others was a recipe for disaster.
"Absolutely, absolutely! We won't mention a word to Kaia. I'll get in touch after the holidays."

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: What She Overheard in Her Own Marriage
Please update soon. This story is good. And I'm hoping it won't go till 2000 chapters.. Although it's current slow pace is telling....