The notification chime echoed sharply in the silent car.
From this moment on, she no longer cared where Finnian’s heart lay. She didn’t care what kind of relationship he and Noelle chose to have, and she certainly didn’t care about maintaining any ‘family dignity.’
All her energy, all her calculating, would now be focused on a single goal.
How to execute a clean, ruthless exit, and secure a brand new, free future for herself and her daughter.
Her phone buzzed with a text.
Assuming it was her lawyer, Mr. Finch, replying, Kaia picked up her phone at the next stoplight.
Instead, she saw a message from Noelle.
“Kaia, I want to stay in the country and keep working for the company. Finnian agreed. Can you agree too?”
Staring at the incredibly manipulative text, Kaia actually wanted to laugh.
She used to think Noelle was a strong, gentle, optimistic woman who loved life. Now she realized she had been totally blind.
Noelle was playing the professional martyr, weaponizing her grief to paint herself as a fragile, broken flower in need of saving.
But now that she had lost her actual husband, she had ripped off that disguise herself, exposing the parasitic vines underneath. And this time, she was wrapping those vines straight around Finnian.
Since Brynlee was still at the main estate, Kaia had to spend the night there.
The Bentley trailing behind her was starting to seriously piss her off.
As she approached the next intersection, she abruptly yanked the steering wheel, merging hard onto the expressway. Caught off guard, the Bentley couldn’t make the turn in time and was forced to
continue straight under the overpass.
“Mr. Sanders, Mrs. Sanders just…”
Finnian had obviously seen the Mercedes make the sudden lane change. He said flatly, “It’s fine. Just head to the estate.”
Kaia arrived first. Brynlee was sitting on the front steps again, waiting for her mom to appear.
Elaine had come out multiple times to tell her to wait inside the living room, but Brynlee insisted on sitting on the steps. It was a habit she’d had since she was a toddler.
Because of her illness and the constant hospital visits, Brynlee’s cheerful personality masked a deep lack of security. She only felt truly safe when she saw her parents.
As Kaia’s car pulled up, Brynlee happily jumped to her feet.
1/2
14:40
Chapter 27
The moment Kaia parked, the little girl ran over with a bright smile.
“Mommy…”
Looking at the sweet little girl, Kaia bent down and hugged her tightly, pressing her face against Brynlee’s slightly cold cheek. “Why are you sitting outside again?”
“Because I wanted to see you faster.” Brynlee rested her head obediently and quietly on her mother’s shoulder, her little arms wrapped tightly around Kaia’s neck. Her mom’s scent always made her feel safe.
Kaia kissed her forehead, her heart aching. “I’m sorry, Mommy’s dinner ran a little late today.”
“I’m just happy you’re here.” Brynlee knew her parents were very busy. When she was younger, she used to throw tantrums about it, but as she grew up and understood more, she became incredibly well–behaved.
Kaia carried her daughter into the living room. Elaine looked displeased. “Kaia, I know you’re busy with work every day, but you cannot neglect your child’s education and development.”
Kaia paused, then replied calmly, “I know, Mom. I’ll manage my time better.”
Elaine sat on the sofa, sipping her herbal tea. “You’re indispensable to Aethelstan now, and I know the workload is demanding. But at the end of the day, a woman’s priority should be her home.”
She paused, closely watching Kaia’s reaction.
Kaia nodded to show she was listening, but said nothing.
Elaine pressed on, her tone turning more confiding. “I know you’re ambitious, but Brynlee’s situation is delicate. You need to focus on her. If the workload is too much, why not delegate some of it? You and Noelle are both core directors at the company. She is family, after all, and her education and capabilities are top–notch. Grandmother mentioned sending her abroad last time, but if we give her more important projects to run, it’ll be easier to negotiate with Grandmother to let her stay.”
2/2
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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