My Reborn Admirer Wins Over My Heart (Oriana) novel Chapter 76

**TITLE: He Returned to Break and Own Me and for His Queen**
**Chapter 76: Roses of Misunderstanding**

“Damn it, Elliot! Are you even part of this lab? This is an insult to our whole team, and you’re still eager to deliver it?” James’s voice rose, filled with indignation that echoed through the sterile lab, the air thick with tension.

“It’s just tens of thousands! Can’t I afford to pay it back?!” James seethed, his frustration palpable as he paced back and forth, his hands clenched into fists.

Elliot felt a wave of despair wash over him. He was caught in a storm of emotions, desperately trying to plead with James not to act on impulse. He knew that even if James could somehow scrape together the money to cover the cost, this delivery was about more than just dollars and cents; it was about pride. A delivery of this magnitude typically earned a meager two hundred bucks!

He was merely an ordinary student, not as close to them as the others in their tight-knit circle. Did he really need to jeopardize his meager earnings for the sake of Luna’s pride? Besides, the sender had clearly stated it was an apology for his girlfriend. How could that possibly be Luna? A public figure like him wouldn’t dare court scandal by being unfaithful, right?

Yet, fear gripped Elliot, and he didn’t dare voice his thoughts. He worried that the protective instincts of Leo and James would turn against him, tearing him apart and ruining his chances of graduating.

“James,” Leo finally interjected, his tone calm yet firm. “Let Elliot handle the delivery. It’s part of his responsibilities.”

“Leo?” James exclaimed, his anger still simmering. “So we’re just going to let this slide?”

Seizing the moment, Elliot quickly gathered the enormous bouquet, its vibrant colors a stark contrast to the tension in the room, and hurried away, grunting with the effort of carrying such a heavy load.

Leo remained silent, his gaze shifting to Luna, who was now visibly distressed, tears glistening in her eyes. He clenched his fists, feeling a surge of protectiveness. “Luna, the decision on how to handle this situation lies with you.”

“I…” Luna looked up, her expression dazed and confused. “Leo, I think there must be some misunderstanding. Grant did know Oriana first, but they’ve broken up now…” Her voice faltered, and she broke down into sobs, the weight of her emotions spilling over.

“Dammit! A decent ex should be as silent as the grave! Oriana is just shameless, deliberately jumping out to ruin someone else’s relationship!” James’s voice was laced with fury, and then a cold, malicious glint flickered in his eyes as a thought struck him. “I heard this morning that Oriana is begging all over for a professor to recommend her for the MDT. Hah! Since even William wants nothing to do with her, let’s see who dares to stick their neck out for her against us!”

As he spoke, a dark, calculating light sparked in Luna’s eyes, an idea forming in her mind.

Oriana, so desperate to compete with me, is she?

By late afternoon, Oriana found herself still searching for a professor willing to recommend her, but her efforts had been in vain. Her spirit began to wane, and the thought of giving up crossed her mind.

After saying her goodbyes to Lily, she began to pack her things, the weight of her disappointment heavy on her shoulders.

Just then, her phone buzzed insistently. It was Bramwell.

Oriana froze, her heart racing. It felt like an eternity since she had last spoken to him, and the passage of time seemed surreal, each second stretching painfully.

She hesitated, the ringing continuing to pierce through her thoughts.

Finally, with a resigned sigh, she answered, “Mr. Sterling.”

“Oriana, you’ve certainly become impressive, haven’t you? Flying off to Jindiwood without a word, marrying some man of unknown origins, and now you won’t even answer my calls?” Bramwell’s voice dripped with hostility, each word laced with reproach.

The memories of their once warm father-daughter relationship, now tainted by the sting of betrayal and estrangement, left a bitter taste in Oriana’s mouth. “Please state your business directly.”

“Hmph! Don’t forget, you still carry the Sterling name. Don’t do anything disgraceful out there that tarnishes my reputation! I’m in Jindiwood. Come to the hotel for dinner tonight. I have questions for you.” With that, Bramwell abruptly ended the call, leaving Oriana staring at her phone in disbelief.

“Yes! Add my contact. Feel free to message me anytime you need a delivery,” Elliot replied eagerly.

“I have one now,” Oriana said, her tone casual yet deliberate.

“Great! What needs delivering? On or off-campus, though off-campus costs extra,” he responded, his eyes brightening with the prospect of more work.

“Here.” Oriana gestured with her chin toward the roses. “Deliver these to a member of Mr. Flint’s research team—Luna Sterling. Tell her they’re from her boyfriend.”

Let Luna enjoy Grant’s ‘affection,’ Oriana thought, a sense of satisfaction washing over her.

Elliot was left stunned, his mind racing. “Huh?”

He had just delivered these roses from Luna earlier that day. Now he was supposed to take them back to Luna?

And who exactly was Grant’s girlfriend?

Why was one woman fighting to claim him while the other was pushing him away without a second thought?

In an elegantly furnished private room, Oriana’s voice was steady as she said, “My apologies, I have plans for dinner tonight and cannot join you.”

The tension hung heavy in the air as she prepared to send her message, a smile creeping onto her face as she thought of the chaos that was about to unfold.