Whats She Overheard in Her Own Marriage novel Chapter 117

Elaine took a delicate sip of her tea, her gaze sweeping over the room before landing on Noelle, who sat quietly with her eyes respectfully

lowered.

lle has lived with the Sanders family for eighteen years. She was

s wife, and now

e, and to hon stan, the ma

ne paused

anquet, I w

now on, s my da

that

a widow. To put an end to the vicious gossip

od, sweat, and tears she’s poured into

have come to a joint decision.”

ing out clearly. “Next month, at my birthday ounce that I am legally adopting Noelle. From ecognized daughter of the Sanders family. She is ave every ounce of respect, status, and privilege ame.”

ng room instantl

t her mother–in-

yes again.

y hadn’t been y shock.

ctively

1. ad.

nreadable, before slowly

1. s. She sat there, completely

at Finnian, her eyes swirling with a

n unbreakable bond with the Sanders ughter was not what she had in mind.

1. ed. Where is this coming from?” Noelle ectly panicked, her eyes darting nervously.

e’s horror for sheer gratitude. She reached out and

elle’s arm, h

ng into a maternal coo.

fraid. F

house will ever

ty tricks behind

Chapter

your back, they’ll be dealing directly with me.”

Finnian remained dead silent. His mother’s words were a thinly veiled threat aimed squarely at Kaia.

Finnian believed that ever since Rafael’s memorial, Kaia had become ruthlessly ambitious, deliberately stepping on Noelle, stealing her projects, and humiliating her professionally–all of which had deeply offend

nother.

putting Kaia in her place, warning her not to be greedy. seemed like a necessary reprimand.

don’t deserve this kind of kindness. I…” Noelle’s mind was

a million miles a minute. She didn’t know how to spin this. The identity” felt less like a protective shield and more like a permanent aightjacket.

Of course you deserve it. You’ve always been such a good girl–smart, obedient, and respectful. What mother wouldn’t want a daughter like

k, making sure everyone understood exactly you?” Elaine laid

who her favori

Compare indepe

pla

was cold, overly intellectual, and fiercely s sweet, deferential, and knew exactly how to s exactly what Elaine wanted in a

w, a daughter.

over her skin.

er mother–in–law’s mouth was a deliberate slap in the

on was announced, Noelle would officially be Finnian’s t shiny new label, all their past indiscretions were be magically erased. And if Kaia ever dared to question g bond,” she would be the one painted as paranoid and tful.

Chapter 117

Kaia was brilliant. It didn’t take a genius to decode Elaine’s master plan.

“Finnian, what do you think?” Elaine asked. They had already discussed it, but she needed him to verbally agree in front of the two women.

Finnian’s voice was gravelly, heavy with something unspoken. “You’ve put a lot of thought into this, Mom. I have no objections.”

With th

stood up, refused to look at anyone in the room, and

W

up her teacup, taking a slow, steady sip. Finnian was trying to

, but his abrupt exit

ove” becoming his

stared blankly at

she was genuinel fting from sister–ir ow, right?

oelle’s gaze radiant sm

me so mu

you are

he was spiraling. Was the reality of lly breaking him?

orway. For the first time in a long t… maybe there was a silver lining. technically meant they were ‘closer‘

s eerily calm face before she plastered on you for protecting me. Thank you for loving to wait until your birthday. Starting right now,

ffectionately rested her head on Elaine’s

ent seven years trying to be the perfect

t even know how to be a daughter anymore. Am I ke a spoiled kid around you?”

armly, affectionately tapping Noelle’s forehead. “Of In my eyes, you’ll always be my little girl.”

arned her sharp gaze to Kaia “Kaia. What are your thoughts

ed a faint, icy

he right one,

do not want a

Chapte

repeat of what happened last week. Family members stealing credit from each other and stabbing each other in the back over corporate projects is absolutely unacceptable,” Elaine lectured sternly.

Kaia remained perfectly composed, her voice flat. “Mom, if someone lacks the basic courage to face the truth, then calling them a coward is just stating a fact.”

Elaine

on her words, her face flushing with anger.

umped in, playing the peacemaker. “Mom, don’t be mad at really did do something wrong. She has a point. I need to ware of my own shortcomings and work harder to fix them.”

e just too soft–hearted,” Elaine sighed, shooting Kaia a dirty look. gardless of the past, Noelle is now a daughter of the Sanders family. As the daughter–in–law, you need to show her the proper respect. Do not embarrass this family in public.”

Kaia stood up. “M

leave you two t

Elaine’s fa

refuse

re’s nothing else, I’m going to head home. I’l

bonding.”

ther. Kaia was entirely too arrogant. She e, even to her elders.