Whats She Overheard in Her Own Marriage novel Chapter 197

Chapter 197

radia: fracas orden fentures garang slightly

*** all you her stratages well enough to say out her terbacalage gehechte Confulence She weldelt he cornered by their tactical demands: Gordon tegse

upt the technology is the core issue Noelle took a sharp breath in and let it out dowy At the could do was wait for the outcome the day after tomorrow

Back at the hotel, Hoedle received a text

It was from Finnian. How did the talks go?

Staring at the screen, the slightly clinical tone of his question made her heart sink

She desperately wanted to text back confidently, claiming she had everything under control

But reality had dealt her a heavy blow. She could only type. Hit some resistance. I’m working on a solution right now.

Tossing her phone onto the counter, Noelle walked over to the minibar, opened a bottle of red wine, and poured herself half a glass. Just as she lifted it to take a sip, her phone rang.

A smile crept onto her lips. It was almost as if she had predicted he would call

She walked over and picked it up.

“Send me the revised terms Cytogene proposed,” Finnian’s voice came through the speaker.

Noelle hesitated for a second. “Okay, but… aren’t you…”

“Send them,” the man ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Noelle forwarded the documents, a sweet warmth blooming in her chest.

Was he losing sleep over this too? Was he constantly worrying about her negotiation?

Around 10:00 AM the next day, Kaia received an automated text message updating her on Finnian’s

itinerary.

A moment later, Finnian sent a follow-up text: Dexter and I are flying out to handle the Cytogene partnership. I need you to watch Brynlee for the next two days.

Kala stared at the message and didn’t reply. She had known for days that Noelle took her team to Switzerland for this project.

She also knew Noelle and Gordon were currently in the middle of negotiations. Finnian’s sudden departure could only mean one thing: the talks with Cytogene were going poorly.

Kala remembered being in Gordon’s office recently and accidentally spotting a document with Cytogene’s logo. Gordon had casually–but quickly-slipped it into his drawer, treating it like highly

classified information.

As soon as Finnian arrived at The Basel Hotel, he called an emergency strategy meeting. Sitting at the head of the conference table, Finnian frowned as he reviewed the latest technology

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ctr

transfer addendums Cytogene had proposed

It was obvious this was much harder to salvage than he had anticipated

Not only was Cytogene demanding an exorbitant transfer fee, but they had also set nearly impossible

les regarding patent sharing and future R&D rights.

ing a break in the meeting, Finnian stood alone in the smoking area, rolling an unlit cigarette ween his fingers.

Hearing footsteps approach, he turned to see Noelle walking toward him.

“Finnian, let me bum a cigarette…” Noelle looked entirely drained. Her words made Finnian’s expression darken further. He immediately crushed the cigarette and tossed it into the ashtray

“You don’t even smoke. Don’t start now,” he said firmly.

Noelle leaned against the wall, a self-deprecating smile on her lips. “I’m just so stressed. I know ! don’t smoke, but the smell of the nicotine helps me relax.”

Stop it,” Finnian scolded, his tone leaving no room for argument. He was incredibly protective of her

habits.

Hearing him scold her, Noelle suddenly brought the back of her hand to her lips and laughed-a genuine, soft laugh.

“What’s so funny?” Finnian asked, his voice growing stricter.

“Nothing,” Noelle shook her head, but the smile remained. “You still try to boss me around like we’re kids.”

Finnian paused. He hadn’t really thought about why he felt such a strong need to protect her.

“Don’t worry. We’re going to close this deal,” Finnian promised, offering her some comfort.

Noelle nodded, but the worry quickly returned to her eyes. “Cytogene’s CTO called me yesterday and strongly implied that if we can’t prove our technical integration capabilities, they’re going to start looking at other Asian partners.”

Her eyes welled up as she bit her lip. “I really thought I could handle this myself. But in the end, I’m just going to let you down again, aren’t I?”

As she spoke, tears pooled in her eyes, threatening to spill over.

Finnían looked down at her, seeing how thoroughly the setback had crushed her confidence.

Don’t overthink it,” Finnian said, his voice softening. “International negotiations are

The regulatory environments are completely different.”

by his reassurance.

wiss skyline, Finnian’s brows furrowed imperceptibly. “When it comes definitely need someone with more specialized expertise…”

for help. Okay?” Noelle suddenly pleaded, cutting off his train of thought.

Ther, taken aback.

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