My Reborn Admirer Wins Over My Heart (Oriana) novel Chapter 206

**Chapter 206: Signals and Subtle Hints**

“Girl, he’s already showing signs. Do you really expect him to lay it all out for you?”

Zara’s voice was light yet carried an undercurrent of urgency.

Oriana glanced at her friend, feeling a wave of empathy wash over her. With a resigned sigh, she replied, “He’s just trying to be polite and considerate, waiting for you to give him a sign. Sometimes, you need to throw a few hints his way. If you don’t, I swear, he’s going to end up creating a problem for himself by holding back too much.”

Oriana’s brow furrowed with concern. “Would… would that actually have an impact on his health?”

Zara raised an eyebrow, teasingly challenging her. “You’re the med student here. What’s your expert opinion?”

The question hung in the air, and Oriana fell silent, her mind racing as she processed the implications of Zara’s words.

Lost in her thoughts, she finally mustered the courage to murmur, “When I get back, I’ll… I’ll have a proper conversation with him.”

“Now that’s the spirit! When I reach Jindiwood, make sure your husband shows me a major thank-you gift!”

“Huh?” Oriana’s confusion was palpable.

Zara couldn’t help but smirk, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “I just helped him tackle the biggest dilemma in his life. He better show some gratitude,” she quipped, raising an eyebrow in playful challenge.

A blush crept up Oriana’s cheeks as realization dawned on her. She playfully smacked Zara’s arm, feigning indignation.

“Zara! Are you even on my side?”

“Of course I am! I’m just looking out for your happiness, remember?”

“Alright, enough of your antics!”

Oriana rolled her eyes, dismissing Zara’s teasing as she headed towards the bathroom, phone in hand.

In the midst of all the excitement, she almost forgot to check in with Micah.

When Micah answered, there was no hesitation in his voice. He already knew where she was, thanks to a local contact. After exchanging a few quick pleasantries, he reminded her to stay safe in Seabar and to avoid drinking too much. The call ended abruptly, leaving Oriana holding her phone, a nagging feeling of something being amiss gnawing at her.

Just before she boarded the flight, he had seemed so reluctant to let her go. Now, there was an emotional distance that unsettled her.

Was he overwhelmed with work?

She shook off the thought, deciding not to dwell on it. After a brief rest, she and Zara ventured out in search of something to eat.

It had been ages since she last visited, and so many new eateries had sprung up. Zara had been saving them for this very occasion, eager to explore together.

Meanwhile, on the afternoon flight, Luna and Grant arrived in Seabar, their excitement palpable.

Owen awaited them at the arrival gate, his demeanor bright and welcoming. He stepped forward, effortlessly taking Luna’s suitcase from her. “Come on, the restaurant’s all booked! We’ve just been hanging around waiting for you two. Dad even said he’s not letting Grant leave until they’re both completely drunk tonight.”

This time, Owen had dropped the formalities, addressing Grant by his first name without hesitation.

Owen watched him leave, muttering under his breath, “Luna, is it just me, or has Grant changed a lot?”

Luna shrugged, her mind elsewhere. “Jindiwood’s even more intense than Seabar. Of course Grant has changed. He’s become more mature, more grounded. You’ll understand that better when you’re older.”

“Alright, let’s get going! Mom and Dad are already at the hotel, and they’ve been waiting in the private room forever.”

Bramwell had gone all out to welcome his daughter and future son-in-law back to Seabar. He donned his most expensive suit, uncorked two top-shelf bottles early, and settled in the private room, anticipation gleaming in his eyes.

Even Evelyn had made an effort, dressing up for the occasion.

However, when Grant didn’t show up, Bramwell’s expression soured dramatically.

“What’s that supposed to mean? Just because he’s doing well now, he thinks he’s too good for the Sterling family?”

Luna’s smile faltered, and she quickly stepped forward, trying to calm him. “Dad, how could you think that? Grant genuinely has work obligations. He came back with me at the last minute, and he’s been swamped with that smart healthcare project. You wouldn’t want him to abandon his responsibilities just to drink and socialize, would you?”

“Besides, we’re family! You should be the one supporting him and trying to understand.”

“Family? Ha! Has that boy ever treated us like family?”

Bramwell’s anger flared at her words, igniting a fire within him.

“He turned down my investment for his Jindiwood project! It’s as clear as day—he’s doing better now, and he thinks he can just cut us off like we’re nothing. Ungrateful bastard.”