My Reborn Admirer Wins Over My Heart (Oriana) novel Chapter 133

**He Returned to Break and Own Me and for His Queen**

**Micah’s Stance**

Micah’s voice emerged from his lips, a rich timbre tinged with an undercurrent of warmth. “She advised me to take it easy and rest well before heading off to work,” he said, a hint of nostalgia in his tone as he recalled her gentle reminder.

Jett, who had narrowly avoided a calamity just moments before, let out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding. “She’s absolutely right, Micah. If you’re not feeling your best, it’s essential to take a step back—don’t overexert yourself,” he urged, concern etched across his features.

With a quick pivot, Jett shifted the conversation. “But since you’re already here, how about you join us for Mr. Holloway’s presentation?” he suggested, trying to keep the atmosphere light and engaging.

Micah raised his chin slightly, a subtle sign of acquiescence. “Alright, I’ll sit in,” he replied, his tone neutral but his mind racing with thoughts.

Jett’s face brightened instantly. He quickly returned the screen to its original display, gesturing for Oscar to continue with the presentation, a spark of enthusiasm evident in his demeanor.

Oscar nodded, a flicker of determination in his eyes, and resumed where he had left off, his voice steady and confident.

Noah, on the other hand, felt like a fish out of water amidst the technical jargon that surrounded him. He had little understanding of robotics or smart technology—his fingers still fumbled with his smartphone like a child trying to grasp a complex puzzle. Initially, he had planned to slip away unnoticed, but then he caught a glimpse of the icy determination in Micah’s gaze.

That glance made Noah reconsider his exit.

With a decisive stomp, he marched into the living room, pulled a chair from the dining table, and dragged it back to the bedroom door. With a resolute thud, he plopped it down and crossed his legs, settling in to witness the unfolding drama. He was committed to staying and watching this spectacle.

*****

Throughout the presentation, Micah maintained an inscrutable expression, his face a mask of calm that revealed nothing of the storm brewing within him.

Grant, however, seemed unable to tear his gaze away from Micah, his eyes narrowing with each passing moment. Finally, he let out a barely audible laugh, tinged with mockery.

What a farcical display of pretense.

After half an hour, Oscar concluded his presentation, his voice laced with optimism.

Zephyr’s eyes sparkled with interest. “Impressive work. The Mountain River Planet concept aligns seamlessly with our center’s long-term aspirations. With your team on board, we could significantly enhance our strength,” he remarked, his enthusiasm palpable.

“To have your endorsement, Mr. Pike, is indeed a privilege. We come here with nothing but sincerity and a hundred percent commitment to our partnership,” Grant replied, a self-satisfied smirk playing on his lips as he shot a cold glance at the man on the screen.

What options did Micah truly possess in this scenario?

“Cooperation cannot be achieved through sincerity alone, Mr. Holloway,” Micah interjected, his voice calm yet resonating with authority.

Before Grant could bask in the moment, Micah’s words sliced through the air, deliberate and unyielding.

Grant sneered, mistaking Micah’s composed demeanor for desperation. “Oh? Micah, do you believe Mountain River Planet has flaws?” he taunted, his arrogance palpable.

Jett quickly interjected, sensing the tension. “Micah, if you’ve identified a problem, please share it with us.”

On the screen, Micah reclined against the headboard, his knees bent casually. He didn’t direct his gaze toward the camera; instead, he absentmindedly toyed with a piece of baby-blue silk in his hand, his long fingers curling and tugging at the delicate fabric, lost in thought.

His voice was soft, yet it struck with the force of a hammer. “No matter how polished the presentation may appear, it remains an empty vessel. True intelligence is built upon three foundational pillars—hardware, algorithms, and data. Which of those do you possess?”

“I do not welcome him in my territory. Zephyr, if you choose him, then I will walk away.”

A profound silence enveloped the room, thick and suffocating.

As Micah concluded, it felt as though everyone’s blood had turned to ice. A simple collaboration meeting had morphed into a battlefield, devoid of physical conflict yet brimming with emotional warfare.

This time, Grant could no longer contain himself.

He slammed his palm against the table, rising to his feet with veins bulging on his forehead, fury radiating from him. “Micah, must you confront me at every turn?” he shouted, his voice echoing through the room.

His rage stood in stark contrast to Micah’s unflappable demeanor. It was as if Micah had never considered Grant worth the effort of engagement.

Raising a single brow, Micah replied coolly, “Isn’t that evident?”

Grant clenched his jaw so tightly it throbbed with pain.

Fine. If Micah desired a war, then he would have one. Who did Micah think he was, anyway?

Straightening his posture to its full height, Grant ceased to regard Micah entirely. Instead, he turned his attention directly to Zephyr, whose expression had grown increasingly strained.

“Mr. Pike, is Micah’s attitude also reflective of your own?”

“I have always believed that the Research Center existed for the benefit of our nation and its people. I never anticipated it being reduced to a personal playground, twisted into a tool of favoritism.”