My Reborn Admirer Wins Over My Heart (Oriana) novel Chapter 153

**TITLE: He Returned to Break and Own Me and for His Queen 153**
**Chapter 153 A Sweet Kiss**

Luna scrutinized Xander with a careful gaze, her heart racing as she noted the absence of anger in his expression. It gave her a flicker of hope, prompting her to continue with her request.

Her voice, usually firm, now softened, laced with a hint of uncertainty. “Actually, Mr. Stone, there’s one more thing I wanted to discuss with you. Since I’m not the biological daughter of my parents, I realize that the promise you made years ago—to assist me whenever I needed it—technically doesn’t apply. But I—”

Her voice faltered, and she bit her lip, an expression of helplessness washing over her face. The internal conflict was evident, and she felt the weight of her request pressing down on her.

Xander, noticing the glimmer of tears in her eyes, gestured for the others to vacate the room. His tone was steady and inviting. “Go on,” he urged, his curiosity piqued. “What is it you wish to ask?”

Luna took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. She began to outline the challenges Grant had encountered at the research center—specifically, the two failed attempts that had significantly hindered his progress.

Her true intention for coming today was to leverage Xander’s considerable influence, hoping it would help Grant penetrate the elusive inner circle of Jindiwood. While others might have felt embarrassed to voice such a request, Luna was determined not to squander this opportunity.

As she spoke, Xander’s expression grew increasingly complex, revealing layers of surprise and contemplation.

“I didn’t expect you to be so invested in him,” he remarked, his voice carrying a weight of implication.

He had presumed that Luna would reserve her one chance for herself or perhaps for her biological parents. The idea that she would dedicate it to her boyfriend was unexpected.

“Mr. Stone,” Luna replied, her voice barely above a whisper, “I’m not solely doing this for him. It’s also for the greater good.”

“Oh?” he prompted, intrigued.

“If Grant’s team can successfully complete the Mountain River Planet project, it will first be implemented in the field of intelligent healthcare. Medical care is a fundamental necessity for society. Helping individuals access affordable and convenient treatment is one of the core missions of AI. If this project fails, it will be a monumental loss for everyone involved.”

She hesitated for a moment, weighing her next words carefully. “And besides, this isn’t entirely Grant’s fault—someone else—”

“Luna, you shouldn’t have said that to me.” Xander’s voice sliced through her explanation like a knife. Although his tone remained calm, the authority he commanded filled the room, making her heart race with apprehension.

In an instant, Luna recognized that she had crossed a line. She lowered her gaze, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. “I’m truly sorry, Mr. Stone. I didn’t mean to overstep. I just didn’t know who else to turn to. My family isn’t here, and I have a great deal of respect for you. I couldn’t hold back.”

“If it was unintentional, then there’s no need to dwell on it,” Xander replied, maintaining his cool demeanor. “The leadership at the research center has its own priorities. We outsiders shouldn’t meddle.”

He paused, his voice trailing off, leaving Luna hanging on the edge of uncertainty. Her heart raced, the suspense thickening the air around them.

After what felt like an eternity, Xander finally spoke again. “I’ll talk to Soren. I’ll ask him to introduce you two to the right people—but only this once.”

In the end, he relented, perhaps out of consideration for Niall and Rory.

A radiant smile broke across Luna’s face, illuminating her features. “Thank you, Mr. Stone. We promise to make the most of this opportunity.”

“It’s getting late,” Xander said in a flat tone, his expression revealing a hint of displeasure. “You should head back now. I’m aware you’re busy—there’s no need for you to make special trips here.”

Despite his apparent irritation, Luna felt a surge of triumph. She had achieved what she came for; one exception was all she needed.

Was that really her problem?

“You should take a nap. I’m feeling too full—I’ll go for a walk,” she said hastily, cutting him off before he could respond.

With that, she spun around and practically fled the room, her heart racing.

As she made her way downstairs, she spotted the maids bustling about, carrying baskets brimming with fresh fruits and vegetables from the courtyard.

“Were these just picked?” Oriana inquired, her surprise evident.

“Yes, madam,” one of the maids replied with a bright smile. “Mr. Caldwell picked them himself for tonight’s dinner. He mentioned he’d prepare something special for you.”

“Mr. Caldwell usually treasures the vegetables he grows himself,” another maid added, her tone warm and inviting.

Oriana’s eyes sparkled with curiosity. “Where’s the garden?”

Noah was diligently working, having harvested nearly half the produce from the garden. He intended to use part of it for dinner while packing the rest for Micah to take home.

Nothing from the market could compare to the quality of what he grew himself.

He hummed contentedly to himself when he heard footsteps approaching. “Madam,” a maid called out cheerfully, “the vegetable garden is just around the corner. Be careful—the path is a bit uneven.”