My Reborn Admirer Wins Over My Heart (Oriana) novel Chapter 232

**He Returned to Break and Own Me and for His Queen 232**

**Chapter 232: The Deceptive Apology**

“I hit my head at the ranch, and the doctor mentioned it could be a stress reaction. I wasn’t myself… I might have said some things that sounded insane, Oriana. Please, don’t take them to heart. You saved me, and instead of showing gratitude, I nearly hurt Stormwind… I swear, I didn’t mean to…”

Oriana felt a surge of emotion at Grant’s heartfelt confession, almost wanting to applaud his vulnerability.

Truly, Luna’s talent for dramatics was being squandered in the mundane reality of life. She had a flair for the theatrical that could easily captivate audiences in Hollywood.

As Grant’s gaze fell upon Oriana’s face on the screen, a torrent of emotions surged within him, his deep-set eyes reflecting a mix of regret and longing.

It had been ages since they had shared a FaceTime call like this.

Back in those days, he had been too engulfed in work to spare time for simple things like calls or video chats.

He recalled their last video call vividly. It had been during a fierce storm—he had been summoned to work, the power had flickered out at home, and Oriana had reached out to him, her voice laced with fear.

She hadn’t said much—just illuminated her face with her phone’s flashlight, delving into her studies quietly while the call remained open.

He had found himself stealing glances at her, mesmerized by the serenity and focus that enveloped her, just as he felt now.

Yet, something about this moment felt disquieting.

His eyes narrowed as he scrutinized the high-tech equipment behind her, the faint reflections in the glass catching his attention like a warning sign.

His voice dropped, turning sharp and tense. “Where are you? Are you at that arch facility? Who took you there?”

Luna’s expression morphed into one of confusion, followed by a dismissive laugh. “You’re imagining things, Grant. Ordinary people don’t just wander into places like that. There’s no way Oriana’s in a real lab—”

She had noticed the sophisticated backdrop behind Oriana as well but had assumed it was merely an extravagant exhibit or a science museum.

Unfazed, Oriana interjected, “I am at a research facility.”

Luna’s jaw dropped in disbelief.

Grant’s fists clenched, a surge of jealousy igniting a fire in his veins. “Just one day. That’s all it took for you to rush back to him in Jindiwood like you couldn’t wait!”

He was oblivious to the bitter undertone of his words, the jealousy seeping through his tone like poison.

He had been yearning—no, desperate—for her return to Seabar.

He had spent countless hours sprucing up their old place, clinging to the hope that perhaps, just perhaps, if they could revisit those cherished memories, they might clear the air and start anew.

Tears brimmed in her eyes, her lower lip quivering with the faint mark of a bite. “Grant’s just worried about Oriana, that’s all. Oriana, you’re still upset with me, right? I completely understand… Stormwind means everything to you. I had every intention of giving her back to you after the party—if that accident hadn’t occurred. I truly did…”

“Oh? Is that so?”

Oriana let out a soft scoff, disbelief etched across her features. “Fantastic. Then why don’t you refund the money from selling her? I’d be more than happy to express my gratitude for your ‘kindness.’”

Luna almost bit her tongue in frustration. “That… that wasn’t my decision! Mom and Dad sold her. You know that, Oriana—you’re putting me in an impossible position here.”

“Exactly. So stop pretending like you did something noble when you didn’t,” Oriana shot back, her tone cool and unyielding. “You always pull this. It’s utterly disingenuous.”

“Grant, what do I do? She won’t forgive me… I never meant to hurt anyone…” Luna whimpered, turning to him, her voice cracking under the weight of her guilt.

The impact of her own words seemed to hit her like a physical blow. Her already pale face drained of color as she collapsed into Grant’s arms, sobbing into her hands.

“Luna…”

Cradling her fragile frame, Grant’s jaw tightened with resolve. “Oriana, if you’re angry, direct it at me. Luna’s genuinely apologizing. You don’t need to make this more difficult than it already is.”

He paused, his voice dropping to a quiet, strained whisper. “She’s not well. Would it be so hard for you to show her a little compassion?”

“Why on earth should I? Is it my fault she’s sick now?” Oriana retorted, her voice laced with sarcasm. “You two really are perfect for each other. Playing the victim while acting high and mighty—disgustingly in sync.”