**TITLE: Silent Roads Remember by Sawyer**
**Chapter 83**
As Lena observed the mischievous glint in Queenie’s eyes, it became painfully clear to her that Queenie was toying with her. The realization that Queenie had been aware of her secret relationship with Titus for some time now only deepened Lena’s frustration.
“When did you find out?” Lena’s voice was steady, but her heart raced with a mixture of dread and defiance.
Queenie, with a dramatic roll of her eyes, picked up her cup and sauntered toward the break room, a playful smirk dancing on her lips.
“I have no idea what you’re on about,” she replied, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “But if I were you, I’d focus on your work instead of getting lost in your little fantasies. Otherwise, you might just end up with nothing but empty hands.”
Lena’s eyes narrowed as she glared at Queenie’s retreating figure, her fists clenched tightly at her sides. Anger bubbled within her, and she pressed her lips together in a thin line.
‘She knows everything,’ Lena thought, her heart twisting painfully with resentment. ‘But I won’t give her the satisfaction of seeing me crumble!’
Meanwhile, Titus glanced up from the contract he was perusing, surprised to see Chiara entering the room alone. He raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued, and asked, “Here to deliver more documents?”
Chiara, seemingly oblivious to his tone, casually changed the subject. “Who bought those desserts?”
Titus couldn’t help but smirk at her abrupt shift in conversation. “So, did you try them? Were they any good?” he inquired, genuinely intrigued.
Chiara studied his face, searching for any signs of sincerity, but it was like trying to read a closed book. Was he serious, or was he just teasing her?
“Did Lena buy them?” she asked, trying to keep her tone light yet probing.
Titus maintained his composure, but a playful glint sparked in his eyes. “Why couldn’t it have been me?” he retorted, enjoying the banter.
Chiara was momentarily at a loss for words, taken aback by his unexpected response.
After a brief pause, she finally managed to say, “You’d really waste your time standing in line just for those desserts?”
Titus detected a flicker of emotion in her voice, subtle yet undeniable.
“Are you mocking me?” he shot back, a teasing smile playing at the corners of his lips.
Realizing he wouldn’t divulge any secrets, Chiara simply snatched the signed documents and turned to leave, her mind racing with thoughts.
Titus watched her go, a soft tsk escaping his lips.
“Did you catch that?” he called over to Paul, who was nearby.
Paul feigned ignorance, “Huh?”
“Does she even look like a secretary?” Titus scoffed, shaking his head in disbelief.
Paul struggled to suppress an eye roll. ‘Come on, everyone knows she’s not just a secretary. She’s your wife,’ he thought, but wisely kept it to himself.
Titus shot him a frosty glance. “What’s with that look?”
Paul quickly backtracked. “Nothing, just that Mrs. Goodman is quite sharp-witted.”
Titus raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Let her know that when you get the chance.”
Paul nodded, a hint of mischief in his eyes. “Yes, Mr. Goodman.”
As Chiara exited, Lena was sizing her up as if she had X-ray vision, scrutinizing her from head to toe.
That kind of glare was downright disrespectful, and it made Chiara’s skin crawl with discomfort.
Unable to withstand the tension any longer, Chiara spoke up, “Lena, are you staring at me like that because you have something to say?”
Caught off guard, Lena’s expression froze, but she refused to back down, even though she knew she was outmatched.
“I’m just looking. Is that a crime?” Lena retorted defiantly.
Chiara offered her a faint smile, trying to diffuse the tension. “It’s allowed, but could you tone down the staring? It’s making me a bit uncomfortable.”
Lena’s expression soured, but she bit her tongue, choosing silence over confrontation.
She could unleash her wrath on Queenie all she wanted, but Chiara was a different story.
Especially after she discovered the truth about Chiara and Titus.
Queenie, watching the exchange with amusement, leaned closer to Chiara and whispered, “Did you see her face? It was priceless! She practically asked if I knew about you and Titus all along.”
Chiara paused, considering the implications. Even if Lena had caught on, it wouldn’t change her stance.
After all, Lena was hardly the type to spill secrets. The whole idea of a hidden marriage had been Titus’s brainchild, and Chiara wasn’t foolish enough to cross him.
“So, when are you and Mr. Goodman going to reveal your marriage to the world?” Queenie inquired, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
Wilbert nearly choked on his coffee, taken aback by the unexpected sight.
Jeffrey shot him a quizzical look, and Wilbert quickly turned away. “Isn’t that Chiara? What’s she doing here? I didn’t even notice her before!”
Though Jeffrey had spotted her earlier, he maintained his composure, concealing his surprise.
“Mr. Combs, Goodman Group has truly gone above and beyond for this partnership. Mr. Yates and Mr. Chapman are both coming on board as investors for our international venture. I’m looking forward to working together,” Titus stated confidently.
Julius beamed with pride as he surveyed the talented young professionals around him.
“Alright, Vera,” he prompted, encouraging her to take the lead.
Vera smiled, rising with her wine glass in hand, and addressed the group. “Mr. Goodman, Mr. Yates, Mr. Chapman, I’d like to propose a toast to our future cooperation. I hope for a successful partnership, and please guide me if I seem inexperienced.”
“Miss Combs, you’re far too kind,” Titus replied, a genuine smile gracing his features.
From her vantage point, Queenie kept a watchful eye on the unfolding dynamics, noting how Vera’s gaze lingered on Titus with unmistakable interest. Perhaps even a touch of infatuation.
“Chiara, did you catch that?” Queenie whispered, her voice barely above a murmur.
Chiara would have to be blind not to notice the chemistry, but she remained silent, simply shaking her head slightly at Queenie, indicating she had seen it but had no intention of commenting.
All she wanted was to blend into the background and avoid drawing attention, but fate had other plans.
Vera’s gaze swept over the group of secretaries. The others blended into the background, but Chiara, standing at the far end, was almost ethereal in her beauty. Her delicate features were captivating, making it hard for anyone to look away.
“I never expected Mr. Goodman’s secretaries to be this stunning. Honestly, it puts me to shame,” Vera remarked with a smile, her eyes sparkling with genuine admiration.
Everyone turned to assess the secretaries, Queenie shrugged it off nonchalantly, while Lena’s expression stiffened with irritation.
Noreen, ever the professional, seized the moment and introduced herself with a warm smile, eager to diffuse the tension.
Vera smiled back, nodding her thanks, then shifted her focus back to the group. “Mr. Goodman, why not let them have a seat too? There’s still plenty of room,” she suggested, her tone inviting.
Paul exchanged glances with Titus and then shared a few meaningful looks with the others.
Noreen expressed her gratitude and took a seat first, followed by the others, who joined in.
Once seated, Chiara glanced up and met the eyes of Jeffrey and Wilbert, offering them a subtle nod, keeping her demeanor low-key.

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