What She Overheard in Her Own Marriage novel Chapter 97

Surrounded by her peers, Kaia didn't let her expression drop, but she also didn't really engage with Noelle.

"Kaia, is everything going smoothly at Veridian? Finnian mentioned you'll be starting mass production after the holidays," Noelle said, leaning in as if to make casual conversation.

"Everything is on track. Thank you for asking," Kaia replied coldly.

The group then transitioned into discussing spring outbreak prevention. Kaia offered several insightful suggestions, and Noelle, eager to show off her knowledge in pharmaceuticals, chimed in with her own theories.

During the coffee break, everyone moved toward the long table of exquisite pastries.

As Noelle reached for a dessert, her sleeve pulled back slightly, revealing the edge of a Colombian Emerald Bracelet. A woman standing next to her gasped and gently pulled Noelle's sleeve up further. "Wow, look at that clarity! And it's that perfect, vibrant green. This must be worth millions!"

Noelle casually tugged her sleeve back down, laughing softly. "A friend gave it to me. He said the color suited me."

"Wow. That kind of emerald is incredibly rare—it means you're one of a kind to him! You're a lucky woman, Ms. Sanders."

Another woman chimed in, "It's so hard to find a man willing to put that kind of thought and money into a gift these days. That's what makes it so special."

"He was mostly just complaining that I dress too plainly for the holidays, so he got me something with a pop of color," Noelle said between sips of tea.

As she spoke, her gaze intentionally swept over Kaia. Noticing Kaia freeze for a fraction of a second, Noelle lifted her chin ever so slightly.

Kaia gripped her silver stirring spoon tight. Noelle's casual bragging felt like a needle plunging straight into her heart.

So, the tender affection he showed her was something he could easily replicate for someone else. He made the exact same restorative tonic, and even used the exact same excuse about her dressing "too plainly for the holidays." The only difference? He gave Kaia a scarf worth a couple hundred bucks, while he gave Noelle a multi-million-dollar emerald bracelet.

Kaia didn't join their conversation. Instead, another colleague approached to chat with her.

As the event continued, Noelle rubbed the warm ceramic of her teacup. Seeing Kaia surrounded by respected professionals, the brief high of her petty victory evaporated.

Around 9:00 PM, Kaia left early. Watching several professors eagerly escort her to the elevator, a flash of cold hatred crossed Noelle's eyes.

With the New Year fast approaching, Kaia's workload finally lightened. Silas had flown overseas, leaving her in charge of Veridian's day-to-day operations. She condensed all the critical tasks into a tight schedule, dedicating every spare second to being with Brynlee for the holidays.

Two days before New Year's Eve, Kaia attended a medical charity gala as Veridian's representative in Silas's absence.

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