“My mom said that after the car crash, she had amnesia and was saved by Chole’s father Noelle let out a mocking laugh. “As for the real reason, I can guess it’s not nearly as simple as she makes it
sound.”
“So, have you forgiven her?” Finnian asked.
“Forgiven?” Noelle gave a bitter, helpless smile. “She’s still my mother. I can’t just leave her to die Finnian, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to keep this from you. I just didn’t know how to bring it up. She appeared so suddenly…”
Noelle finally turned to look at Finnian. The cold wind whipped her long hair around, and her eyes laid bare her unmasked vulnerability and fear. “Finnian, can you keep this a secret for me? I’m terrified…”
“Terrified of what?” Finnian watched her quietly, his voice laced with concern.
Noelle lowered her head, looking utterly helpless. “I’m afraid that if Mom and Grandma find out, they’ll kick me out of the Sanders family. Especially Grandma. I don’t know why she’s never liked me, but if she finds out I have my own family now, she’ll definitely have a reason to… Finnian, I don’t want to leave the Sanders family.”
Seeing the tears shimmering in her eyes, Finnian felt a tug at his heartstrings.
“Noelle,” his tone softened considerably. “Don’t cry. You did nothing wrong. Grandma’s dislike isn’t personal; it’s purely about business interests. If you don’t want to leave the Sanders family, then you won’t. At Mom’s birthday banquet, you’ll be officially recognized as a daughter of the Sanders family.”
Noelle stared at Finnian blankly for a long moment before a relieved smile broke across her face. “Okay. Knowing you have my back, I’m not afraid anymore. Finnian, can we keep this from Kaia too? She’s been holding a lot of prejudice against me lately. I know she’s a good person, but… I just don’t
want to risk it.”
“Don’t worry. She won’t find out,” Finnian reassured her gently.
“I’m freezing. Let’s go back,” Noelle said suddenly, hugging her arms.
Finnian led her back to the car, and Noelle tiredly leaned her head against the seat and fell asleep.
A moment later, a man’s suit jacket was draped over her, carrying the faint, crisp scent of pine.
Subconsciously, Noelle nuzzled her face against the collar of the jacket to draw more warmth, pulling it tighter around herself.
The black Bentley drove away from the riverfront, heading toward a high–end apartment complex in
the city center.
By the time Finnian returned to the mansion, it was already 11 p.m.
Kaia had long since fallen asleep with Brynlee.
The next morning, when Layla was getting ready to hand–wash Finnian’s shirt, she immediately caught the scent of cherry blossoms. This wasn’t the first time Layla had noticed it, and her whole body froze for a moment.
Chapter 195
She recognized that scent. She used to smell it on Moate di the sea baassa Benk aagi carried a faint, clean scent–like blushed tas less al sacha tayar
distinctly different
Layla sighed softly, glancing toward the master bed manga sase shared on
her chest
Meanwhile, the crisis at the materials company had been ad
To celebrate the factory’s reopening, Pearl and David Shaw Chosen werde Southam gia
restaurant
Pearl had dressed up especially for the occasion, wearing a brand new purple sheath thesS WITH THE hair styled in large, glamorous waves. She had always been naturally beautiful Heat Tr mood had improved, she looked even younger and more radiant Nicelle was the sorting ma mother, possessing that same striking bone structure and an effortless, magnetic grase
David brought along Chris Shaw, his eldest son from his previous marrage, and Chice was there DE
well.
When Noelle stepped into the private room, she saw the family of four already seated at the table.
Her face was devoid of expression as she walked in coldly
“Noelle, quick… come sit down!” Pearl practically jumped out of her seat, eagerly pulling out a chair
for her.
Sitting nearby, Chloe felt a sudden rush of bitter jealousy. Before Noelle came into the picture, she had been her mother’s only daughter. Her mother had treated her like a princess. Now, Noelle had
stolen all the attention.
Chris was about the same age as Noelle. Seeing her walk in, he immediately stiffened with awkwardness.
David stood up as well, smiling broadly. “Noelle, we really owe you for this one.”
Looking at the four people in front of her, Noelle desperately wanted to keep her distance, yet she couldn’t sever the ties of blood.
She sat down and poured herself a glass of warm water. “I had to drink too much at a business dinner the other night. My stomach has been acting up for two days, so I can’t eat anything spicy”
Hearing this, the Shaw family felt a renewed wave of guilt toward her.
“No problem! We’ll just order some mild dishes then,” Pearl said hurriedly.
Chloe aggressively slammed her utensils onto the table and crossed her arms. “Sister, isn’t that enough? It’s not like you didn’t get anything out of it. You pocketed half the profits, so why are you acting so high and mighty with us?”
Noelle’s face instantly turned livid, shooting daggers at her classless half–sister.
David and Pearl jumped in shock, not expecting their youngest daughter to run her mouth like that.
Chris quickly scolded her, “Would you shut up? If it weren’t for Noelle, we wouldn’t have survived this
crisis.*
Chapter 135
Chloe’s eyes went red. “I didn’t say I wasn’t grateful! But her attitude is ruining it for everyone!”
Noelle could clearly see that Chloe was jealous because their parents were paying more attention to
her now.
“Since I’ve acknowledged you and Mom, this relationship is a fact. If you can’t stand me, you just have to deal with it. You can run your mouth when you finally make it to a position above mine.” Noelle lifted her chin proudly, her tone dripping with absolute arrogance.
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Whats She Overheard in Her Own Marriage