What She Overheard in Her Own Marriage novel Chapter 99

"Director Kendrick bids one million."

"Mr. Wallace bids 1.1 million."

The auctioneer's voice boomed through the room as the bidding war quickly pushed the price to 1.7 million.

"Three million."

Suddenly, Dexter, Finnian's assistant, raised his paddle.

"Wow! Three million! Mr. Sanders is truly generous in his support of medical history!"

"Do we have any other bids? Anyone willing to top three million?" the auctioneer asked excitedly.

Miles glanced at Kaia, who was frowning deeply.

"Three and a half million," Miles said, raising his paddle again.

Across the room, Finnian and Noelle both turned to look at them. No one else countered, and the antique chest and texts went to Miles.

The auction wrapped up about forty minutes later, transitioning into an open cocktail hour.

Noelle suddenly walked over. "Kaia, why was Miles so desperate to get that old chest? I asked Finnian to buy it for you, but we didn't even get the chance."

Miles froze, shooting a look at Kaia.

"Really?" Kaia replied coldly. "Am I supposed to thank you for that?"

Noelle acted completely immune to Kaia's icy tone. She smiled brightly. "I know you better than anyone. You're obsessed with old medical texts. The second I saw those books, I knew you'd love them. Oh well, since Miles bought it, I'm sure he'll just give it to you anyway. The result is the same, so no need for thanks!"

Just as Kaia was trying to figure out how to shut down the conversation, an investor walked up to her with a genuine smile. "Dr. Chavez, do you have a minute? I'd love to talk to you about the new sedative formula you're working on."

Kaia immediately smiled and nodded. "Of course. Let's talk over here."

Miles gripped his wine glass and looked at Noelle. "Did you enjoy your little performance?"

Noelle smirked. "Obviously. Aren't you having fun, too?"

Miles's face hardened, looking like a man who had just been caught.

"Kaia, this one is for you. Happy New Year." Finnian handed her a matte, dark gray jewelry box.

Kaia didn't reach for it, but Brynlee was practically vibrating with curiosity. She reached over and popped the box open for her mother. Resting on the black velvet was a stunning jewelry set. The centerpiece was a flawless, thumb-sized aquamarine stone the color of the deep ocean, surrounded by a halo of crushed diamonds. It came with a matching bracelet and ring. The design was minimalist yet incredibly luxurious, perfectly complementing Kaia's elegant, understated style.

"Whoa! Dad, you're so biased! Mommy's present is so much prettier than mine!" Brynlee pouted, but then she tilted her head and smiled. "Mommy, put it on so I can see! I bet you'll look so pretty."

Kaia didn't touch the box. She looked at Finnian and said flatly, "I didn't get you a New Year's gift, so I won't be accepting this."

Brynlee blinked, then put her hands on her hips. "Mommy! You even bought me a giant panda bear! How could you forget to get Dad a present?"

Finnian's face stiffened. He looked at Kaia and said smoothly, "We've been married a long time. It doesn't matter if you didn't get me anything. I had this custom-made for you. Just take it."

"Mommy, it's so pretty! You have to keep it!" Brynlee insisted, snapping the box shut and shoving it into Kaia's handbag. "But next year, you have to promise to get Dad a present, okay?"

Kaia looked at her daughter acting like a tiny dictator, not knowing whether to laugh or cry. Finnian didn't stay long. He stood up. "Get some sleep."

"Dad, aren't you going to sleep with us tonight?" Brynlee grabbed his fingers. "On New Year's Eve, the three of us always sleep in the same bed! You can't leave!"