My Reborn Admirer Wins Over My Heart (Oriana) novel Chapter 22

**TITLE: He Returned to Break and Own Me and for His Queen 22**
**CONTENT: Chapter 22 Luna’s Jealousy**

Oriana treaded carefully, her heart racing with the prospect of confrontation. She knew better than to act impulsively or provoke him. Instead, her mind whirled with thoughts of escape; if only they could reach a crowded place, she might find her moment to slip away unnoticed.

Grant led her into a chic styling boutique, the air thick with the scent of fresh fabric and the buzz of hushed conversations. It was apparent that there was a collaboration at play here; Alaric and the others were already present, their expressions shifting as they caught sight of Oriana trailing behind Grant.

“Grant, Oriana—” one of them started, but Grant swiftly cut him off.

“Oriana is one of the partners. Today’s signing ceremony is crucial, and she needs to be here,” he stated firmly.

A heavy silence fell over the group, their collective surprise palpable. Each member had contributed to the company in their own way, yet it was Grant who had provided the technical expertise, while Oriana had been the one to invest the most financially. Despite their unspoken reservations, they had no grounds to voice dissent.

Still, the subtle glances exchanged among them hinted at their unease, particularly as they shifted their focus toward the fitting rooms, where something—or someone—was stirring.

Oriana felt a prickling sensation at the back of her neck, a gut feeling that something was amiss. And then, as if on cue, Luna emerged from the fitting room, clad in a stunning gown that hugged her curves, a perfect match to Grant’s ensemble. She was a vision of beauty, her face lighting up with joy upon spotting Grant. “Grant, you’re here!” she exclaimed, her voice a melody of excitement.

But that joy faltered the instant her gaze landed on Oriana, her delighted demeanor freezing into a mask of confusion and dismay. “Oriana, what are you doing here?” she asked, her tone laced with disbelief.

Grant frowned, his irritation bubbling to the surface. “Oriana is a partner. Why wouldn’t she be here?” he retorted, his protective instincts flaring.

He gestured toward the female designer standing beside Luna. “Design something for Oriana,” he commanded, his voice leaving little room for argument.

The designer nodded, her professionalism unwavering as she approached Oriana. “Mr. Holloway, what style should we aim for with this lady?” she inquired, her eyes darting between the two women.

Grant’s response was unambiguous. “She’s my girlfriend.”

A ripple of surprise coursed through the room, and all eyes turned to Luna, whose forced smile was teetering on the brink of collapse.

The designer guided Oriana toward the gown section, her demeanor all business as she began to sift through the options.

Alaric, leaning toward Luna, whispered words of comfort. “Luna, you know Grant is loyal and sentimental. These past few days, Oriana’s been causing quite a stir—Grant hasn’t even shown up at the company. And remember, Oriana provided the essential funding to get us off the ground. Grant brought her along out of respect for their history,” he reassured her.

Luna’s expression darkened further at his words, a storm brewing in her eyes.

Oriana clenched her fists, a surge of defiance rising within her. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Don’t play dumb, Oriana. You’ve known all along. The reason your graduate placement didn’t go through? Grant intervened, rejected your application, and gave the spot to me,” Luna’s facade crumbled, revealing the venomous disdain beneath.

She continued, her voice dripping with scorn. “You know Grant’s heart has changed. You panicked, tried your manipulative tricks, threw tantrums, and now you want to leave Seabar—all to make Grant pay more attention to you.”

“It’s useless, Oriana. All of it is pointless. You’ve only been with Grant during the lowest three years of his life, but I gave him my virginity, helped elevate the company to new heights, and provided him a brighter future. If the roles were reversed, who do you think he would choose?”

Oriana met her gaze with an unflinching expression. “Why, Luna? Why pretend to be all sisterly with me while scheming to take everything from me?”

“Take?” Luna laughed, a harsh sound that echoed in the room. “Oriana, do I need to take it? I’m the Sterling family heiress. You shamelessly took my place for over a decade. Grant is mine too. If we hadn’t been switched at birth, you would never have met him, and you wouldn’t deserve to stand by his side.”

“Take? Everything I gave you, you only have because I let you. You’ve enjoyed so much benefit and happiness—I’m taking it all back now. You owe me everything,” Luna screamed, her voice rising in hysteria.

As she witnessed the transformation of Luna before her, Oriana felt a heavy weight settle in her chest. The rage and desperation radiating from Luna were palpable, and for a moment, she felt a flicker of sympathy. After the truth of their identities had come to light, Oriana had even offered an apology to Luna, though she knew deep down that none of this had anything to do with her as a child.