My Reborn Admirer Wins Over My Heart (Oriana) novel Chapter 185

**He Returned to Break and Own Me and for His Queen 185**

**Chapter 185: The Dinner**

Forrest spoke with an unmistakable tone of pride, his voice filled with enthusiasm. “Of course! Jindiwood University is renowned nationwide for its exceptional medical resources. With Mr. Caldwell now involved in the SmartMed Project, it’s clear that this medical school is the prime contender for collaboration. It’s only logical that they would deeply value this partnership. With Mr. Caldwell on board, the ascent of Jindiwood University to the pinnacle of both national and global standings is merely a question of time!”

The atmosphere was light as the three of them exchanged jokes and laughter, their camaraderie palpable. Suddenly, a waiter appeared at the entrance, stepping forward to pull open the grand double doors. The trio instinctively looked up in unison, curiosity dancing in their eyes.

“They’re here!” one of them exclaimed, anticipation hanging in the air.

The lavish black-and-gold doors swung open with a flourish, revealing a tall, impeccably dressed man whose strikingly handsome features commanded attention. He was accompanied by a delicate woman whose height barely reached his shoulder, a vision of grace beside him. The three men were momentarily frozen, their expressions a mix of disbelief and awe.

“Isn’t t—”

Yael and his companions were rendered speechless.

Part of their astonishment stemmed from the fact that they were witnessing the legendary and enigmatic genius, Mr. Caldwell, in the flesh—so youthful and undeniably handsome. The other part was the presence of Oriana at his side, her aura captivating as she attended the dinner with him.

Though they struggled to recall her name, they remembered her from the previous evening’s toast, a fleeting encounter that now felt significant. Seeing her alongside Mr. Caldwell raised a multitude of questions in their minds. What could her role possibly be in this scenario?

Oriana, catching the murmurs from the doorway, felt a rush of surprise wash over her. Yet, in the next heartbeat, she sensed Micah’s quiet support beside her. A wave of calm enveloped her, and clarity struck.

A smile crept across her lips; she felt a surge of confidence knowing that tonight, Micah was there to stand by her side.

He had clearly grasped the events that unfolded during last night’s dinner, and she appreciated his presence even more.

Yael was the first to regain his composure, a polite smile gracing his face. “Mr. Caldwell, it’s truly an honor to meet you. I have long admired your work, and I feel fortunate to finally encounter you in person.”

He stepped forward, extending his hand toward Micah, eager for a handshake.

However, Micah was quick to redirect the moment, sidestepping Yael and focusing on Oriana instead. “Let’s take our seats first; we can discuss everything afterward.”

“Absolutely,” Oriana replied, her eyes flickering to Yael, who looked momentarily awkward. She subtly guided him as she moved to the vacant chair diagonally opposite the three men, her movements graceful and deliberate.

Once settled, Micah tightened his grip on Oriana’s hand, a silent gesture that spoke volumes.

Feeling the warmth of his touch, Oriana leaned slightly closer, allowing her long hair to cascade down, creating a delicate curtain that shielded their small interaction.

Micah leaned in, his voice barely above a whisper. “Do you think I’m overstepping?”

Oriana blinked, a playful glint in her eye. “Well, if I’m just using you to enhance my image, is that really a crime?”

She was determined to protect his reputation, knowing full well that he was there to support her.

Micah chuckled softly, the sound lightening the mood.

“Not yet,” he replied, his tone measured.

“Ah?” Oriana was about to probe further when Yael and the others, eager to overhear, could no longer hold back their curiosity.

Without hesitation, Yael downed three glasses in quick succession, his bravado evident.

“Mr. Caldwell, Oriana, is my sincerity sufficient now?” he asked, a hint of hopefulness in his voice.

Micah remained silent, his gaze drifting toward the other two men, assessing the room’s dynamics.

“Were there any other leaders who requested a toast last night?” he inquired, his tone shifting to one of authority.

Phoenix and Forrest’s expressions darkened instantly.

They were on a different wavelength than Yael.

With Grant as their trump card, they felt no need to bow to Micah.

Phoenix’s voice turned steely, his tone sharp and accusatory. “Mr. Caldwell, your reputation precedes you. But you are still young and inexperienced. Are you truly suggesting that we apologize and drink because of a mere girl?”

“This is absolutely outrageous!”

Micah’s demeanor remained unchanged; he merely blinked slowly, unfazed by the confrontation.

“Really? If we’re discussing seniority, what about my standing?”

A firm, resonant voice boomed from outside, and the heavy leather doors swung open once more.