My Reborn Admirer Wins Over My Heart (Oriana) novel Chapter 187

**Chapter 187: Gratitude**

Micah had firmly established his position, and without hesitation, Yael and Phoenix quickly aligned themselves with him, eager to offer their unwavering support.

Understanding that Oriana often felt uneasy in social situations, Micah took it upon himself to voice their collective gratitude. “On behalf of Oriana, I want to express our appreciation for your kindness,” he stated, his tone sincere.

“Of course,” the trio replied in unison, their smiles radiating warmth and genuine camaraderie.

However, Micah’s demeanor shifted as he prepared to introduce a more serious matter. “Actually, there is something that requires the combined efforts of the three of you,” he began, his voice steady and authoritative.

In front of Noah and Xander, the atmosphere buzzed with a competitive energy; they all felt the urge to impress.

“Mr. Micah Caldwell, just tell us what you need—we’re here to help, no questions asked!” one of them declared, enthusiasm bubbling over.

“Absolutely,” another chimed in, “you don’t need to worry about being polite with us.”

Oriana glanced over, her curiosity piqued. She observed Micah nodding with a serious expression, and she listened intently as he explained the details with remarkable composure.

“This pertains to the SmartMed Project. My assistant, Kieran, has already discussed this initiative with Yael. I plan to collaborate with Jindiwood University on this endeavor,” Micah elaborated, his words precise and calculated.

Yael’s face lit up with excitement. “Yes, yes! Kieran mentioned it to me. We would be absolutely thrilled to partner with you on this!” His enthusiasm was palpable, a spark igniting in his eyes.

In that moment, Yael understood the significance of this collaboration. With Micah’s technical prowess and the Caldwell family’s backing—particularly Mr. Stone’s influence—this venture held immense potential. The stakes were high, but the rewards promised to be even greater. If Yael could pull this off, he would undoubtedly elevate his status at the university, becoming a hero in the eyes of his peers!

“Since you’re on board, Yael, this should be straightforward,” Micah continued, his voice steady. “However, I do have one stipulation—the core technical support must be exclusively managed by our research center. Everything else is negotiable, but that is non-negotiable.”

Micah’s cool, calculated words caused Yael’s enthusiastic grin to falter slightly, as a flicker of concern crossed his face.

At that moment, Phoenix and Forrest finally began to grasp the underlying implications of Micah’s proposal. They exchanged glances, their expressions revealing a mix of surprise and admiration as they took in the handsome figure who had remained closely tied to Oriana since entering the room.

Now, everything clicked into place—this gathering wasn’t merely a social event; it was a calculated maneuver.

Micah had arrived like a tempest, shaking up the dynamics of the room.

In an instant, the trio assessed the situation and understood the stakes. While Grant’s team was indeed gaining traction and establishing a reputation in the smart tech realm, they were no match for Micah’s formidable resources and the financial clout of the Caldwell family.

Yael quickly plastered on a broad grin, thumping his chest with confidence. “Absolutely! With Mr. Caldwell on our side, why would we even consider anyone else? The exclusive rights should belong to Mr. Caldwell!”

“Then let’s raise a toast to a successful collaboration in advance!” Phoenix proposed, lifting his glass with enthusiasm. Suddenly, he remembered something crucial. “Wait! Remove the alcohol. Switch it to juice!” he instructed the server, his tone urgent.

Oriana paused, momentarily taken aback. Noah rolled his eyes, exasperated. Micah truly was something else!

After the banquet concluded, Micah and Oriana escorted the two elders to their car, the night air crisp and filled with unspoken promises.

Before they departed, at Noah’s subtle signal, Oriana turned to Xander once more, her gratitude sincere. “Thank you again for everything.”

Noah was acutely aware of the importance of this moment. Helping Oriana was second nature to him, but he also understood that Xander was more distant. She needed to handle this interaction delicately to pave the way for smoother dealings in the future.

Oriana recognized Noah’s thoughtful strategy. Both he and Micah were always looking out for her, a comforting thought that warmed her heart.

During her time with the Sterling family, she had often felt a lack of genuine guardianship. Although they provided for her materially, after her grandmother’s passing, it had been only Zara who truly cared for her. Bramwell was consumed by his career, Evelyn was preoccupied with her social circles, and Owen still required her care in many ways.

As for Grant? His intentions often seemed more self-serving than altruistic.

A wave of warmth washed over her, bolstered by the presence of those who genuinely cared for her well-being.

Xander regarded the resolute woman standing before him, and for reasons he could not quite articulate, her determined and pure eyes seemed achingly familiar in the dim light of the parking lot.

He furrowed his brows, his expression serious. “There’s no need to thank me. Noah is correct—if I promised as an elder, it’s my duty to follow through.”