**He Returned to Break and Own Me and for His Queen 170**
**Chapter 170: Mia’s Plea**
The true test lay not in the logistics of their poses but rather in the fact that nearly every option was either a kiss or something that bordered on too intimate for comfort.
Oriana hesitated, her heart racing as she scanned the array of cozy positions available to them. After a moment of deliberation, she reluctantly settled on one that felt somewhat acceptable, albeit still charged with intimacy.
“Alright, here’s the plan,” she declared, her voice a mix of excitement and trepidation. “I’ll sit in your lap, and you’ll wrap your arms around me from behind. Then, rest your chin on my shoulder at twelve o’clock. Ready? One, two, three.”
No sooner had Oriana finished her instructions than a rush of warmth brushed against her earlobe, sending a thrill down her spine. Startled, she turned her head to see Micah, who had caught her completely off guard. Just then, the camera shutter clicked, freezing the moment in time.
Leaning her head back, she glanced at the photo that had just been captured. Micah’s gaze was soft, yet there was a playful glimmer in his eyes, his movements imbued with a teasing energy. Oriana could see her own surprised expression reflected in the image, making it feel all the more genuine—far superior to the stiff, posed attempts they had made earlier.
“How does it look?” Micah inquired, a hint of mischief dancing in his tone. “I thought since we both tend to be awkward in front of the camera, avoiding direct eye contact might actually work in our favor.”
Oriana couldn’t help but smile, albeit with a hint of helplessness. “You’re right—it does look good. But do you think it’s suitable for Mr. Caldwell?”
It was undeniably beautiful, yes, but it felt far too intimate for the likes of Mr. Caldwell.
She stole another glance at Micah’s profile, captivated by the way his expressions shifted. He rarely wore such a seductive, dangerous look—one that was both alluring and slightly intimidating.
“What’s wrong?” he asked, noticing her moment of distraction.
Oriana quickly turned her eyes away from the photo, shaking her head as if to clear her thoughts. “Let’s try a different pose.”
“Sure thing,” he replied, his enthusiasm undeterred.
Oriana raised his hand, guiding it to form a half-heart. “Like this—don’t move! We’ll create a heart shape. Now, don’t look at the camera; focus on the direction of the heart, at three o’clock. Ready? One, two, three.”
Click. The moment was captured, and she felt a sense of accomplishment wash over her.
She promptly sent both photos to Micah, her heart fluttering with anticipation.
When she heard the notification chime on his phone, he said, “Send me the earlier ones too.”
“They didn’t turn out well,” she replied, a hint of reluctance in her voice.
“Doesn’t matter. I want to keep them for myself,” he insisted, his tone playful yet sincere.
Oriana felt her cheeks flush as she sent them over anyway, unable to resist his charm.
Micah saved each photo with meticulous care. “Alright, the fish rice should be ready now,” he announced, shifting the focus back to their meal.
Oriana stood up, a sense of duty taking over. “You stay put. I’ll serve it.”
“Be careful; it’s hot,” he warned, concern lacing his voice.
“I know,” she replied with a smile, already heading toward the kitchen.
After bidding farewell to Xander and Noah, Soren exited Jindiwood Garden, climbing into his car.
As he drove, he opened the photo with the red background once more, scrutinizing it intently.
A flicker of recognition seemed to flash in his mind—he was close to piecing it together.
Just then, his phone rang. The driver turned to him, breaking his concentration. “Mr. Boone, Mrs. Dixon and Mr. Dixon have been trying to reach you. Would you like me to put them through?”
Soren frowned, annoyance creeping into his expression at the interruption.
“Late at night, what trouble could they possibly want?”
Waving his hand dismissively, he allowed the driver to connect the call.
“Soren, I finally found you!” Mia’s voice came through, laced with anxiety and trembling at the edges, as if she were on the verge of tears.
Soren’s brows knitted together in concern. “What’s happened to make you this upset?”
“Soren, Nyla’s been bullied. Ever since she came back from the hospital, she’s locked herself in her room, refusing to eat or drink. When I pressed her, I found out it was her preferred mentor’s two assistants—she has conflicts with them. I’m terrified it will affect her choice of advisor for her graduate exams.”
“Wait, why are you telling me about school matters?” Soren replied, his tone tinged with displeasure. Over the years, Mia and her husband had continually sought his help. Whenever they needed assistance within reason, he had obliged, but their requests had become relentless.
He felt they were jeopardizing a significant matter for him, and it was beginning to wear thin.

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: My Reborn Admirer Wins Over My Heart (Oriana)