Chapter 187
Chapter 187
Kaia sat back in her chair, looked up at Silas, and replied evenly, “Just some workplace. gossip. I wouldn’t call it a fight. It’s already been handled.”
Silas noticed the weary shadow in her eyes and let out a soft chuckle.
“Kaia, there’s no one else here. You can drop the PR speak with me. What did Finnian say to you?” Silas asked, his tone surprisingly serious.
Kaia’s fingers curled slightly against the surface of her desk.
Silas took a step closer. “I know how your assistant operates. She’s great at her job, but she’s a straight shooter, and fiercely loyal to you. She only lost her temper today because they pushed her into a corner.”
Kaia didn’t argue. He was right.
“I know Laura handled it badly and gave them ammunition. I’ve already talked to her. She understands she can’t let personal emotions dictate her behavior at work. It won’t happen again,” Kaia said, looking up at him. “I’m sorry. Did this cause a headache for corporate?”
“Not at all.” Silas seemed surprised she was apologizing to him. His gaze deepened. “My cousin has always prioritized the ‘big picture’-especially when a certain someone is involved. He gets tunnel vision. I just don’t want to see you get hurt.”
Kaia’s carefully maintained composure rippled slightly at his words.
Silas studied her stoic expression and sighed. “Even the people working for you couldn’t take it anymore, so why do you keep swallowing it? You don’t get a medal for being a human doormat.”
“Silas.” Kaia looked him dead in the eye. “Let’s not mix corporate issues with my private life.”
“Kaia, silence and compromise don’t always bring peace. When it’s time to play hardball, you have to play hardball. You’re a brilliant woman. I just want to make sure you know how to protect yourself.” Silas frowned slightly, the usual playful glint in his eyes completely replaced by genuine concern.
Faced with advice that clearly crossed the boundary of a typical boss-employee relationship, Kaia actually took it to heart.
“Thank you for checking on me, and for the advice.”
After a long pause, she added softly, “Some ties can’t be severed overnight. But I know exactly what I’m doing.”
Silas watched her, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes before he smoothly reverted to his usual demeanor. “Alright. As long as you’ve got a plan. Any plans for tonight? I just got back.
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Chapter 187
want to grab dinner? I can walk you through the latest project updates.”
I’m actually heading to my parents’ house for dinner tonight,” Kaia said. “Let’s touch base tomorrow.”
Silas nodded, “Sounds good. Talk tomorrow.”
With that, he turned and walked out of the office.
Silence returned to the room. The golden light of the setting sun spilled across the floor. Kaia
sat motionless in her chair for a long time before finally packing up and driving to her parents’ house.
As evening fell, Noelle ended up at the hospital with a fever. The doctor noted she was slightly anemic and, since she was complaining of chest tightness, admitted her for overnight observation.
Wendy had brought her in and quickly got her settled into a private VIP suite.
Noelle lay propped up against the pillows, her face as pale as a sheet. A piece of medical tape secured the IV needle to the back of her hand, clear fluid dripping steadily down the line.
“Ms. Lawrence, why didn’t you tell me you were sick? You forced yourself to work all day,” Wendy said, her voice full of worry.
Noelle forced a weak, fragile smile. “I felt a little off this morning, but I didn’t think I was actually sick.”
“Do you want something to eat? I’ll run downstairs and grab something.” Wendy knew she had skipped lunch and had to be starving.
“Okay, thank you. I’m just going to close my eyes for a bit. Noelle nodded.
When Finnian arrived, he found Noelle leaning against the pillows, eyes closed, looking incredibly delicate and ill.
He didn’t wake her. He stood silently by the bed, glanced over her medical chart, then took off his coat, draped it over a chair, and slowly sat down.
Looking at the pale, fragile woman before him, Finnian’s eyes softened with concern.
Noelle lay perfectly still, either exhausted or fast asleep.
Finnian frowned, watching the IV fluid slowly drip into her slender hand, a complicated array of emotions swirling in his chest.
Elaine Sanders had also received a frantic call from Wendy. She had been in the middle of a
spa treatment but immediately rushed over.
Wendy was in the lobby buying snacks when Elaine walked in and spotted her.
68.60
We Santan WETTY TUTTED INKER
How did she suddenly per so the actualy at it be ammet? Eame demanded ter
DEPOSIT to De stars WITH SEEATIVE EN
Wendy quy sucked her head too scared to NTTISEST
Wendy you seen with Welle for years if yIRL TRETICE ISTRE I Unwel is your co to make ter
Nous important, but her heath comes first
Wendy nodded furiously “Yes, Mrs Sanders it’s my faut She’s been so sammer arey and I noticed she didn’t eat lunch, I had no ides she would honesty its al Dr. Chavez’s and ter nasty assistant’s fault if they hadhit humiliated her
What are you talking about? Elaine’s face hardened instantly. “What Tapered Tow
Wendy panicked, slapping a hand over her mouth Mrs Sanders I have to bring this food in to Ms. Lawrence. You should just go on up”
Wendy, do not play games with me” Elaine was way too sharp for that “Who did this to
Trembling, Wendy realized she couldn’t hide it. Playing the victim, she gave a teaviy biased recourt of the screaming match in the Aethelstan lobby, conveniently leaving out several kany details
er 188 88
out to get you, I’ll put them in their
d to step up and handle this.”
ginally offfeoffered to Dr. Chavez, and only went tot toded. “I know, Mom. Take care of Noelle. I Now everyveryone is saying Ms. Lawrence is just st
down.wn.
the interview, onlyonly to turn around and unleash
e that!hat?
straight rent for the elevators.
mole saint, but coulism stand seeing anyone
g the door open woke ple Noelle
ting beside her, and Elaitoine walking in.
elle asked, looking perfecrfectly surprised.
rt broke.
e, Finnian replied, before walking out of
sity. The evening light filtered through the he street.
ent of blooming flowers hung thick in the
practically overflowing with spring.
the back of his car, staring at the house.
er said, eager to avoid the Chavez house rd lately.
e with Kaia later.” Finnian waited for Dexter suit jacket, and pushed open the gate.
It sounded like Kaia and Jane were playing
of her life.
tepped through the door, a tiny blur
ought you weren’t coming!”
ftening. “If my girl wants me here, I
with you? Noelle has has always had a
ive. Why aren’t you you providing her mile on her face.
aspy. That’s on me, Mom. I’ll assigssign someone
omething happen?” Elaine asked, or toretending
vard seamlessly. “I’ll take those.”
up into his arms. “What were you playing
$ playing ring toss with Grandma and
g
shot a quick glance at Finnian, then low bowered
reyes.
Ivmelted Elaine’s heart.
he thought about how unfairly this man hol as his mother-in-law completely
09:39
“West, Noelle Dont worry southing #
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Elaine svt Finnien a glaning look few to say and he
Finner’s hands on s
have to go
“Where are you gowy? Link Ge
I’m heading to the Chavez huse to pow
cturesque ne
more trees, c
When Finnian step
air Warren Chave
Finnian didn’t
“Mr. Sand
becaus
“Don’
to o
rhood neering infrared trough the soft she
of his car the string foxes tung or the e garden was in full bloom, gracely ontown WWTH SINTE
the gate right away. He set in the back
caring at the towe
ing to grab a bite nearby Dexter vad, wywod the Chavez touse here had been incredibly awkward bely
st take the car back, I’ll catch a ride with Kas der Fenian wated for Ceter stepped out himself, adjusted his suit jacket, and pushed open the gare iggles echoed from the living room. It sounded like Kas and Jane were playing and the little girl was having the time of her life
brought some gifts. The moment he stepped through the door, a tiny blur at him and grabbed his hand. “Daddy! I thought you weren’t coming
ffectionately stroked her hair, his voice softening. If my girl wants me here. I miss it for the world.”
in, you’re here” Jane walked over, a polite smile on her face.
the gift bags in his hand, Kaia stepped forward seamlessly. Til take those.”
nded the bags to Kaia and now? You sounded so har
e pointed to a set Kept cheating.
ughed at
arms. “What were you playing
ng ring toss with Grandma and
very time she thought about how unfairly this man armth she had as his mother-in-law completely
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.

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