My Reborn Admirer Wins Over My Heart (Oriana) novel Chapter 212

**TITLE: He Returned to Break and Own Me and for His Queen**
**Chapter 212: Unspoken Apologies**

The crowd wasn’t even composed of genuine fans. What exactly were they queuing up for?

Turning the event into an online spectacle wouldn’t yield enough profit to justify the effort they were exerting.

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After exchanging glances laden with unspoken thoughts, the group began to return the photographs to Willow, their movements hurried as they dispersed in search of cooler, shaded areas.

As the line dwindled, it cleared by more than half, leaving behind only a handful of students who were dutifully collecting autographs for their younger siblings.

Willow and Luna, who had earnestly attempted to act as mediators in the tense atmosphere, stood there, feeling utterly awkward, like two statues frozen in time.

Willow bit her lip with frustration. “What on earth is she pretending for?” she muttered under her breath, her eyes narrowing as she watched the scene unfold.

Kai, leaning back with a relaxed demeanor, let out a soft, enigmatic chuckle. He turned his gaze toward Luna, an eyebrow raised. “So that’s the adopted girl who took your place in the Sterling family for over a decade?”

Luna’s voice was gentle yet firm as she replied, “Kai, Oriana wasn’t to blame back then… and honestly, things are already tough for her now…”

Behind them, Owen scoffed, his voice dripping with disdain, refusing to lower his volume.

“Hard life? She seems just fine from where I’m standing. Zara mentioned her husband is even hotter than you, Kai. Tch. Classic her—sees a handsome guy and just throws herself at him. No brains, no vision. And now she’s out here pretending her life is some perfect fairytale.”

Grant remained silent, but the tension in his expression was palpable. A storm brewed behind his quiet facade, threatening to erupt at any moment.

Luna caught sight of his tightly clenched fists, and a flicker of jealousy sparked within her, though she maintained her soft, soothing tone. “Owen, you really shouldn’t talk about Oriana like that. She’s your sister too.”

“Ha! I don’t have a backstabbing sister like her. Mom and Dad only ever recognized you!” Owen shot back, bitterness lacing his words.

Luna’s face fell, a helpless expression crossing her features.

Oriana, despite hearing every cutting remark, didn’t let it faze her. Her fingers danced across her phone screen, persistently coaxing Micah to send her a picture, her focus unwavering.

Zara turned to Owen, her eyes blazing with irritation. “What a dumbass. Has he forgotten who used to follow him around like a lost puppy?”

“He was such a wimp back then. Girls bullied him in class, and it was you who stood up for him. Now he acts like none of that ever happened. Ungrateful little turd,” Zara muttered, her frustration spilling over.

After all that effort, Oriana finally got Micah to agree to send her a selfie, a smile breaking across her face like sunlight breaking through clouds.

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Owen had been watching her from the corner of his eye, a simmering anger bubbling within him. The ease with which she smiled ignited a fury in his veins.

He boasted about his indifference, but deep down, he loathed her.

He hated that after she fell for Grant, she had begun to ignore him, leaving him in the shadows.

He despised the fact that she no longer showered him with affection, as she had done during their childhood.

“I showed you mine. Now you show me yours,” Micah’s voice echoed in her mind, teasing yet inviting.

Oriana raised the phone to her ear, and as his low, husky voice filled her ears, she was transported back to the steamy romance novel Zara had insisted she read the night before. It felt like electricity surged through her, igniting her senses.

Realizing her cheeks were flushed with heat, she quickly concocted an excuse and slipped away, seeking a quieter corner on the side of the lawn.

Grant, noticing her departure, began to rise from his seat, intent on following her.

Luna, instantly catching on to his intentions, grasped his arm firmly to hold him back. “Grant, let me go talk to her. She came all the way back. I don’t want her leaving upset.”

Before he could voice a protest, she was already on her feet, hurrying after Oriana.

Frustration flickered across Grant’s face, but in the end, he clenched his fists and sank back down into his seat, resigned.

Oriana glanced over her shoulder to ensure no one was nearby before initiating a video call with Micah.

He answered immediately, and the camera panned straight to his bare chest.

Oriana’s face turned a deeper shade of crimson. She nearly bit her tongue in her haste to speak. “Put… put your shirt on first.”

The camera hesitated for a moment before tilting up to reveal Micah’s sharply defined, handsome face, his eyes sparkling with playful mischief as he replied softly, “I thought you liked looking.”

Oriana stared at him, disbelief washing over her. “Me? I like that?”