My Reborn Admirer Wins Over My Heart (Oriana) novel Chapter 13

**He Returned to Break and Own Me and for His Queen**
**Chapter 13: Grant’s Comfort**

Grant pivoted sharply, his hand closing around Oriana’s wrist with a grip that was both firm and urgent.

His brows knitted together in a frown, a storm of emotions brewing behind his eyes. “Oriana, what kind of nonsense are you spouting? If you simply apologize to Luna, we can put this whole ordeal behind us.”

“Apologize? Why on earth should I do that?” Oriana’s voice trembled, the rawness of her feelings spilling out. “Luna took my speech without a second thought. You didn’t even consult me before deciding I should just step aside. And now, somehow, it’s all my fault?”

Her eyes shimmered, brimming with unshed tears, the weight of her grievances too heavy to bear any longer. She lifted her chin defiantly, yet the tears betrayed her, carving paths down her cheeks like silent rivers of frustration and hurt.

Her gaze bore into Grant’s, as if she were trying to etch his features into her memory forever. “Grant, is this what you call protecting me? Supporting me?”

The words struck Grant like a physical blow, his heart aching with the weight of her disappointment. “No, Oriana, I—”

In a swift motion, she wrenched her wrist free from his grasp and turned her attention to Bramwell and Evelyn, her voice steady yet laced with bitterness.

“Mr. Sterling. Mrs. Sterling. Three years ago, you paid two hundred thousand dollars to sever all ties with me. Those were your exact words. My life, my death, my honor or disgrace—it was no longer your concern.”

She hurled their past words back at them, untouched and unyielding, each syllable a reminder of her pain.

“I have every right to decide whether my work is given to Luna or not,” she declared, her voice rising with newfound strength.

“You—” Bramwell scoffed, a harsh laugh escaping his lips. “Fine.

“You’ve grown strong now, haven’t you? With Grant standing beside you, the Sterling family can’t control you anymore.”

His sneer was venomous as he turned to Grant. “Since you’re so smitten with her, why bother sending her back to school? Let her follow you to the company. Just give her a small assistant’s desk; at least she won’t be in Luna’s way there.

“Grant, she’s yours now. You’d better figure out how to make this right for Luna.”

As they prepared to leave, Luna’s eyes glistened with unshed tears, her gaze pleading as she looked up at Grant. “Grant, this isn’t Oriana’s fault. Please don’t let me come between you two.”

“Luna!” Evelyn pulled her daughter close, her embrace filled with a tenderness that contrasted sharply with the tension in the room. “Why are you still worrying about her? She doesn’t care about you or any of us anymore. Let’s go.”

Even in this moment, Luna’s heart remained soft, still defending Oriana, which only deepened Evelyn’s resentment. They had shown Oriana kindness for years, more than enough to warrant gratitude.

Evelyn had been treated like royalty, cherished and adored. Yet, just because Oriana wasn’t bound to them by blood, how could she have turned out so cold?

Too detached. Too heartless.

—

Oriana stood before the mirror, her reflection a painful reminder of the chaos that had just unfolded.

Her cheek was swollen and red, five stark fingerprints glaring against her skin, a testament to Bramwell’s rage. He had truly wanted to strike her down.

As if sensing her turmoil, Grant approached quietly from behind, his presence heavy in the air.

Every conflict, every wound seemed to circle back to Luna, even Oriana’s rebellion was rooted in that tangled web.

Grant’s expression darkened as he let out a heavy sigh, wrapping an arm around her from behind.

In the mirror, they appeared as an intimate pair, close and warm, a stark contrast to the turmoil surrounding them.

His voice softened, a gentle whisper in the stillness. “Oriana, I know you’re angry with me this time. It’s my fault. I’ve been so preoccupied, neglecting your feelings, not giving you the time you deserve. I’m truly sorry.”

He paused, gathering his thoughts before continuing. “It’s true. I’ve spent more time with Luna lately, but it’s all been about work, nothing more. You have to believe me—this lifetime, I will only ever love you.”

When she didn’t immediately push him away, Grant allowed himself to hope, believing—as he always did—that her anger was just another storm he could soothe with enough care.

“Don’t worry about the Sterling family. I’ll handle them. Remember we talked about taking a little trip once your leg heals? Just the two of us. Wait until your face recovers, and I’ll whisk you away to clear your mind. After that, I’ll arrange a position for you at the company. That way, you’ll always know where I am and what I’m doing. No more overthinking.”

His tone was patient, indulgent, as if he were speaking to a child, believing that sweet words could mend everything.

Oriana’s lips curled into a mocking smile.

So he still thought her entire world revolved around him.

And perhaps he wasn’t entirely wrong. From the very first moment she had fallen for him, Oriana had filled her heart, her eyes, and her life with only him.