My Reborn Admirer Wins Over My Heart (Oriana) novel Chapter 119

**Chapter 119: Stolen Credit and Hidden Truths**

“Is that so?” Micah’s voice danced lightly in the air, a facade of casualness that belied the intense pressure radiating from him, as if he were a storm cloud ready to unleash its fury.

Kieran felt a chill run down his spine, an instinctive awareness that he had crossed an invisible line. He quickly sought an excuse, his mind racing with thoughts of self-preservation, and slipped away, relief washing over him like a cool breeze.

*5 Free Coins*

A gnawing worry clawed at him. Before the wedding, Micah had been like a machine—emotionless, his voice a flat monotone, as if life itself had been drained from him. He was a shell, barely present in the world around him.

But after tying the knot, something had shifted. Micah appeared more human, especially in the presence of his wife. He had transformed into someone gentle and calm, a steadfast rock amidst the chaos of life.

Yet, when she wasn’t around…

Kieran had witnessed the drastic shift in Micah’s demeanor, flipping through moods with the speed of a page turning in a book—terrifyingly fast.

At the hospital, James shuffled back into the patient ward, rubbing his sore arms and lower back, a weariness settling over him like a heavy blanket.

Luna approached him with an air of confidence, her voice bright and clear. “James, is everything under control with the patient?”

James hesitated, his mind racing. “Y-yeah, more or less,” he replied, his uncertainty creeping into his tone.

“Awesome! I knew you had it handled,” she beamed, her smile infectious as she leaned in to peek behind him. “Hmm? Oriana isn’t back with you?”

Her voice carried, and just like that, all eyes in the room turned their attention to James, curiosity piqued.

The patients picked up on the moment, their voices chiming in with a chorus of playful banter.

“Of course Mr. Flint’s star student pulled it off!” one patient exclaimed, a hint of admiration in his tone.

“Right? It was just a fever. Did we really need to call Mr. Flint in for that? What a waste of hospital resources,” another chimed in, laughter bubbling in the air.

“Yeah, and what about that young female doctor who went with them? Maybe she lost the case and couldn’t bring herself to show her face. Wonder who her mentor is…” a third voice added, the teasing evident.

Cormac basked in the flattery, the praise wrapping around him like a warm embrace. He was reveling in the moment, oblivious to the truth behind the accolades. He assumed James had simply gotten lucky and, in doing so, had inadvertently polished his own reputation.

As for William’s female student…

Just as he had anticipated—nothing remarkable. Switching fields midway through her studies? It was no wonder she struggled. A recipe for career suicide.

“Well done,” he said, a rare smile breaking through his usual scowl.

“Thank you, sir. Just doing my job,” James replied, the words tasting bitter on his tongue.

*5 Free Coins*

The humiliation burned in his cheeks, a flush of embarrassment that felt like fire. He couldn’t bear the thought of revealing the truth. If he were to admit in front of everyone that Oriana had outperformed him using her pediatric acupuncture techniques, he might as well kiss his chance at the lab goodbye. Graduation could slip through his fingers like sand.

Besides, Oriana was still occupied with the patient. There was no chance she would come rushing in to claim the credit. And with the hospital staff stretched thin and running ragged, who would have the time to spread rumors?

Barry had been fidgeting, occasionally cracking one eye open, but as soon as he heard Oriana’s voice, he straightened up under the blanket, rigid as a statue.

Oriana glanced at the bed and approached him gently, her voice soothing. “…Relax a bit. Try to get some real sleep.”

His eyes shot open wide. “Captain…”

“Sleep. No talking,” she insisted firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument.

He opened his mouth to respond but thought better of it, shutting his mouth and squeezing his eyes shut like a guilty child caught in a moment of mischief.

Zachary watched the entire exchange unfold, his eyelids twitching with disbelief.

Nope. He needed to call his dad. Now.

Half an hour later, Barry’s fever finally broke, a wave of relief washing over the room.

Just to be cautious, Zachary asked Oriana to apply a round of calming acupuncture while she was still there.

With just a few expertly placed needles, Barry’s restlessness vanished, and he drifted into a deep, steady sleep, his breathing evening out.

Zachary let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. “Thank you, Dr. Sterling,” he said, his voice sincere.

As he watched her pack up the needles, he lowered his head slightly, a gesture of respect. “I’m sorry. I judged you earlier. I want to apologize and thank you for working with us.”