Whats She Overheard in Her Own Marriage novel Chapter 97

Surrounded by her peers, Kala didn’t let her expression drop, but she also didn’t really engage with Noelle.

“Kala, is everything going smoothly at Veridian? Finnlan mentioned you’ll be starting mass production after the holidays,” Noelle said, leaning in as if to make casual conversation.

“Everything is on track. Thank you for asking,” Kaia replied coldly.

The group then transitioned into discussing spring outbreak prevention. Kaia offered several insightful suggestions, and Noelle, eager to show off her knowledge in pharmaceuticals, chimed in with her own theories.

During the coffee break, everyone moved toward the long table of exquisite pastries.

As Noelle reached for a dessert, her sleeve pulled back slightly, revealing the edge of a Colombian Emerald Bracelet. A woman standing next to her gasped and gently pulled Noelle’s sleeve up further. “Wow, look at that clarity! And it’s that perfect, vibrant green. This must be worth millions!”

Noelle casually tugged her sleeve back down, laughing softly. “A friend gave it to me. He said the color suited me.”

“Wow. That kind of emerald is incredibly rare–it means you’re one of a kind to him! You’re a lucky woman, Ms. Sanders.”

Another woman chimed in, “It’s so hard to find a man willing to put that kind of thought and money into a gift these days. That’s what makes it so special.”

“He was mostly just complaining that I dress too plainly for the holidays, so he got me. something with a pop of color,” Noelle said between sips of tea.

As she spoke, her gaze intentionally swept over Kaia. Noticing Kaia freeze for a fraction of a second, Noelle lifted her chin ever so slightly.

Kaia gripped her silver stirring spoon tight. Noelle’s casual bragging felt like a needle plunging straight into her heart.

So, the tender affection he showed her was something he could easily replicate for someone else. He made the exact same restorative tonic, and even used the exact same excuse about her dressing “too plainly for the holidays.” The only difference? He gave Kaia a scarf worth a couple hundred bucks, while he gave Noelle a multi–million–dollar emerald bracelet. Kaia didn’t join their conversation. Instead, another colleague approached to chat with her. As the event continued, Noelle rubbed the warm ceramic of her teacup. Seeing Kaia surrounded by respected professionals, the brief high of her petty victory evaporated.

Around 9:00 PM, Kaia left early. Watching several professors eagerly escort her to the elevator, a flash of cold hatred crossed Noelle’s eyes.

With the New Year fast approaching, Kaia’s workload finally lightened. Silas had flown overseas, leaving her in charge of Veridian’s day–to–day operations. She condensed all the critical tasks into a tight schedule, dedicating every spare second to being with Brynlee for the holidays.

Two days before New Year’s Eve, Kaia attended a medical charity gala as Veridian’s representative in Silas’s absence.

It was a high–profile event because The Sanders Conglomerate was one of the primary

sponsors.

Finnian arrived around 7:00 PM. As usual, he was flanked by a team of core executives. But what really turned heads was his plus–one: Noelle, the new General Manager of Aethelstan.

She was wearing an elegant champagne gown that hugged her enviable shape perfectly, radiating sophistication. Her hair was swept up in a chic updo, giving her a sharp, powerful look.

She walked in with her hand resting lightly on Finnian’s arm, her steps graceful and confident.

Anyone watching the scene immediately thought the exact same thing: what a perfect

match.

The man was tall, strikingly handsome, and commanded the room. The woman was elegant, poised, and radiated old–money charm.

It was Noelle’s first time attending such an exclusive, high–stakes corporate event in a clearly. defined, public role.

Watching them navigate the room together, many guests exchanged knowing looks.

Rumors didn’t just appear out of thin air. The balance of power within the Sanders family had clearly already shifted.

Finnian remained stoic, mingling and making introductions for Noelle, who handled the social gauntlet with the effortless charm of someone born for the spotlight.

“Finnian, what is Kaia doing here?” As they stepped away from a group of investors, Noelle tugged gently at his sleeve, her voice laced with surprise.

Following her gaze across the ballroom, Finnian spotted Kaia. She was wearing a stunning, pearl–white evening gown, standing next to Dr. Miles Kendrick and a group of medical academics.

Kaia had clearly seen him, but her eyes merely swept past him without stopping, as if he were a complete stranger, before returning to her conversation.

Finnian’s eyes darkened. He specifically remembered that Kaia had not been on the guest list.

“Kaia and Miles really are close. I guess that’s what happens when you go to the same med school. They’ve known each other forever, just like us,” Noelle noted, observing the tall, handsome man in the charcoal suit standing next to Kaia. They looked undeniably good together.

“They’re nothing like us,” Finnian said flatly, taking a glass of wine from a passing waiter and taking a sip.

Noelle smiled brightly, her eyes gleaming. “You’re right. We’re family. They’re just old friends.”

She took a sip from her own glass. “I see a few people I know. I’m going to go say hi.”

Chapter 99

Chapter 98