My Reborn Admirer Wins Over My Heart (Oriana) novel Chapter 48

**TITLE: He Returned to Break and Own Me and for His Queen 48 CONTENT: My Reborn Admirer Wins Over My Heart**

**Chapter 48 A New Friend**

In the bustling corridors of the research lab, it was no secret that Leo held his work in the highest regard, often prioritizing it over everything else in his life. This reputation weighed heavily on James, who stood before him, hesitant and anxious. He knew better than to challenge Leo, especially in a moment like this.

“I—I acknowledge my mistake, Leo. I’ll clarify everything to our junior later this afternoon,” James stammered, his voice barely above a whisper.

“Do as you wish,” Leo replied, his voice icy and devoid of warmth.

With an air of finality, Leo meticulously returned the files to their designated spots, each movement deliberate and precise. He then shed his lab coat like a soldier discarding his armor, opting for more relaxed attire that signified the end of a long day.

James felt a chill run down his spine as he watched Leo prepare to leave. “Leo, you’re leaving already? But our junior is supposed to arrive at noon—” he protested, desperation creeping into his tone.

“I have other commitments. You’ll have to manage this on your own,” Leo responded, his back turned as he walked away.

“Alright,” James replied, though the word felt hollow in his mouth.

As he stood there, watching Leo’s retreating figure, a wave of regret washed over him. “Damn it, Leo must already have a poor impression of her. This is entirely my fault. Why did I have to mess things up like this?” The weight of his thoughts pressed down on him, leaving him feeling more isolated than ever.

*****

Oriana’s inaugural lecture had turned out to be a resounding success, much to her relief.

Armed with Lily’s teaching materials and fueled by her late-night preparations, she navigated the class with an unexpected ease, managing to silence even those who had previously cast doubt on her abilities.

After the class concluded, Lily excitedly seized Oriana’s arm, practically bouncing with enthusiasm. “That was absolutely incredible! You have a real talent for commanding the room, Oriana. We’re truly saved!”

Oriana couldn’t help but smile at Lily’s infectious energy. “I was so worried that the two of us wouldn’t be able to pull it off. If we’d had to turn to Mr. Harris for assistance, he would have torn us apart,” she admitted, her voice tinged with anxiety.

“Let’s just say his temper leaves much to be desired,” Lily replied, her tone cautious. “I’ve seen William at academic conferences twice, and both times he left an entire hall of professors speechless. If he decides to come down hard on us, it wouldn’t be surprising at all.”

Oriana raised an eyebrow, suppressing a small laugh at the thought of such a formidable figure.

“Would you like to grab lunch together? My treat at the cafeteria!” Lily offered, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

“Thanks for the offer, but I really need to head home. Someone’s waiting for me,” Oriana replied, her heart warming at the thought of Micah and Chubby eagerly anticipating her return.

The image of them standing at the door, flanked by their two little turtles, brought an unconscious smile to her lips.

“Wow, that’s such a happy smile! Is it your boyfriend?” Lily teased, her eyes wide with curiosity.

Oriana felt no need to hide the truth. “Actually, it’s my husband,” she corrected, a hint of pride in her voice.

“Seriously?” Lily gasped, her hand flying to her mouth in shock.

“You exploited your position as my guardian to inform Kirk that I would be withdrawing from the graduate program. You knew how devastating that would be for me, yet you still chose to do it.”

“No, Oriana, please listen to me.” Grant’s voice grew strained, the weight of his regret palpable. “I never intended to hurt you. I kept it from you because Bramwell had already spoken to Cormac. Even if you had passed, Mr. Flint wouldn’t have accepted you anyway. So, why not handle it in the least painful way possible? Hiding it from you was better than exposing you to the harsh truth.”

Alaric rushed to support him. “It’s true, Oriana. Grant is being honest. You don’t understand how desperately he’s been searching for you. He came to Jindiwood yesterday, almost got into a car accident, refused medical attention, missed his flight, and spent the entire night at the airport before flying out at dawn without any sleep.”

Only then did Oriana notice faint smudges of blood on Grant’s rolled-up sleeve, but unlike before, she felt no concern. She was no longer the same Oriana who would let his pain dictate her emotions.

“Alaric, stop,” Grant warned, his voice low and threatening.

Luna, with a sly smile that didn’t reach her eyes, chimed in, “Yes, Oriana. If you’re still upset that I took your spot, let me apologize. I’ll even talk to Mr. Flint and ask him to include you in the team instead. I don’t care if I’m in or not.”

“Oh, I see. So you’ve all been doing this for my benefit?” Oriana responded, her tone blunt and cutting.

She nodded once, her expression unwavering. “So, for my sake, you kept me in the dark. On the night I lost my graduate placement, you used work as an excuse while you were actually taking Luna for a walk on the beach?”

Alaric’s face went pale, while Luna’s eyes sparkled with barely concealed delight beneath her feigned hurt.

Grant stiffened, his eyes widening in shock. “You—”

Oriana smiled, her voice dripping with sarcasm as she continued, “For my sake, on my birthday, you lied to me, celebrated with me, and then dashed off to spend the countdown with Luna under the fireworks.”