**He Returned to Break and Own Me and for His Queen**
**Chapter 229: The Genius and His Muse**
“With you here, I feel safer.”
Oriana felt warmth bloom in her cheeks at his words. She attempted to withdraw her hand, but his grip was firm, reassuring.
In the front, Kieran, accustomed to Micah’s unique style, discreetly raised the privacy screen, creating a barrier between them and the bustling world outside.
Flustered, Oriana huffed softly, her gaze shifting to the window.
In the reflection, she caught sight of her own lips curling into a sweet, undeniable smile, one that made her heart flutter with a mix of shyness and delight.
At the Research Center, Jett ended a phone call, only to be immediately engulfed by a swarm of overworked programmers, their faces a mix of exhaustion and anticipation.
“Mr. Wren, what’s the latest? Is Mr. Caldwell on his way?” one of them blurted out, hope lacing his voice.
“But he’s on sick leave. What if it’s serious? What if he can’t come?” another added, worry etched across his features.
Jett took a moment to gather his thoughts, shaking off the remnants of fatigue that clung to him.
Clearing his throat, he surveyed the chaotic scene around him, his brow furrowing. “This place is a disaster. Get it cleaned up, and do it fast.”
Confusion rippled through the crowd. “Huh? Clean what?”
“Yeah, we haven’t even tackled the bugs yet. Director, are you feeling alright?”
“Listen up! Micah is bringing his wife today. It’s the first time we’ll meet her! Let’s not make this place look like a war zone. Move it, people!”
“Oh thank goodness, he’s coming! We’re saved!”
“Wait, wait! His wife is coming too? Are we even allowed to look at her?”
“Stop dawdling! Soren, your group is on cleanup duty. It’s already late afternoon, and they’ll be hungry. I’ll order some snacks!”
Suddenly, the entire team sprang into action, dividing tasks and moving with newfound urgency.
Kieran dropped them off at the entrance of the research center, and Oriana, having driven past the strikingly modern building several times, felt a thrill of anticipation. She had always wondered what lay beyond its sleek exterior, and thanks to Micah, she was finally about to find out.
However, as they stepped through the revolving doors into the chic, geometric lobby, they were immediately engulfed by a sea of faces.
Oriana’s eyes widened as she took in the sight of a crowd of tech enthusiasts, each clad in various checkered shirts, all gazing at her with an intensity that made her skin prickle.
Instinctively, she gravitated closer to Micah, mirroring the nervousness she had felt during her first visit to the Caldwell Estate—her heart racing in her chest.
“Micah… why are there so many people?” she whispered, her voice barely above a murmur.
A faint smile played on Micah’s lips, a mixture of pride and amusement. “Long-time colleagues. I suppose they’re all curious about what my wife looks like.”
“They’re… really curious,” she replied, feeling the weight of their stares.
“It’s fortunate today is a workday. Many are still on duty. If it had been the weekend, I shudder to think how many would have shown up.”
The thought left Oriana momentarily speechless, her mind racing at the prospect of a larger crowd.
“You’re absolutely stunning, Oriana. Micah really hit the jackpot,” he added, his tone light and teasing.
Micah’s expression turned smug, a glint of pride in his eyes. “Yeah, I know I did.”
The crowd behind her chimed in agreement, their enthusiasm palpable.
“Mrs. Caldwell, we’re from the AI Division—part of Mr. Caldwell’s team.”
“I’m with the Optimization Unit—we deal with him the most, actually.”
“And everything Mr. Caldwell codes has to pass through our pipeline!”
The voices melded into a cacophony, and Oriana found herself overwhelmed, her eyes darting around as she tried to keep up with the introductions.
Micah, sensing her discomfort, gently pulled her behind him, his presence a shield against the overwhelming attention. “Didn’t you say the bug was urgent?” he said coolly, his voice cutting through the chatter like a knife.
In an instant, the group that had been clamoring for her attention stepped back, their focus shifting.
Jett smacked his forehead in realization. “Right, right! Bug first! Micah, you set up the firewalls yourself. We can’t break them down—we need you.”
“Alright, I’ll take a look,” Micah replied, his tone shifting to one of professionalism.
“Mr. Caldwell, why don’t you get to work? We can give your wife a tour of the place,” Jett suggested, his smile returning.
“Yeah! We’ll make her feel right at home!” the crowd chimed in, eager to welcome Oriana into their world.

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: My Reborn Admirer Wins Over My Heart (Oriana)