My Reborn Admirer Wins Over My Heart (Oriana) novel Chapter 96

**TITLE: He Returned to Break and Own Me and for His Queen**
**Chapter 96: Silent Betrayal**

James was nothing if not direct, his demeanor unyielding, and he genuinely believed that his recent actions had not left too deep a mark on Luna. Yet, as the very person who had set the entire chain of events into motion, Luna bore no responsibility for what had transpired. This realization struck Leo like a cold wave, leaving him profoundly disheartened.

Was this really the end?

Years ago, their benefactor had selflessly sacrificed his own body, shielding them from the crushing weight of collapsing debris. He had endured the excruciating agony of shattered bones and ripped tendons, all to ensure their survival. And now, his own daughter appeared to act as though she had abandoned her post, like a soldier fleeing the battlefield.

“Leo… are you still upset with me?” Luna’s voice trembled, and tears glimmered in the corners of her eyes, threatening to spill over. “If you believe I mishandled the situation, just say the word. I promise I’ll listen to everything you have to say.”

Leo snapped back to the present, the weight of her words drawing him back into the moment. “The professor has already issued your punishment. As a mere bystander, I have no authority to intervene.” He felt the words tumble out, firm yet devoid of warmth, as if he were reciting a script. “Let’s not dwell on it. We should head back.”

Upon their return to the private room, they found Grant and Oscar deeply engrossed in a fervent discussion about the complexities of embodied intelligence. Luna, with a graceful ease, slid into the conversation, her earlier distress momentarily forgotten as she engaged with her colleagues.

Leo approached Ethan, giving his shoulder a gentle pat. “I’m sorry I didn’t look after your sister better,” he said, the weight of guilt hanging in the air between them.

“It’s alright,” Ethan replied with a casual shrug. “She’s grown up now, forging her own path. You have your own experiments to focus on. How could I possibly hold that against you?” He raised his red wine glass, clinking it lightly against Leo’s coffee cup in a gesture of camaraderie.

Ethan’s gaze drifted towards Luna, who was now the focal point of their gathering. “Niall’s adopted daughter has now found success in both her studies and her romantic endeavors. I truly hope his spirit finds solace in that,” he remarked, a hint of nostalgia lacing his words.

Leo’s expression shifted subtly, a flicker of something deeper passing through his eyes. He downed his cup of tea in one swift motion, lowering his head slightly as he murmured, almost to himself, “Would Niall truly find joy in such a daughter?”

Ethan, not quite catching the nuance, leaned in slightly. “Hmm? What did you just say?”

Leo had already regained his composure, the moment passing as quickly as it had come. “Nothing,” he replied, dismissing the question with a wave of his hand.

Meanwhile, Oriana chose not to call Kieran for a ride, opting instead to return home on her own. As she entered the house, she was greeted by the sight of Kieran emerging from the study, his presence both familiar and comforting.

“Oh, Kieran, you’re here?” she exclaimed, her smile brightening the room.

Kieran’s expression was somewhat restrained, a subtle tension in his posture. He took a deep breath, as if preparing to deliver unwelcome news. “Madam, Mr. Caldwell is… not in the best of moods today.”

The reason for his foul mood lingered unspoken in the air. Kieran rubbed his nose, hesitant to elaborate. Surely, Micah’s outburst at the school gate, where he had been loudly proclaiming his impatience for Oriana’s divorce, was common knowledge.

Oriana found this revelation puzzling. Micah, with his gentle demeanor, could actually be in a bad mood? It was a thought that intrigued her.

Acknowledging Kieran’s well-meaning warning, she nodded. “Alright, I’ll keep that in mind.”

The hour was still early, and Micah was occupied in the study. Thus, Oriana decided against interrupting him. After changing into her comfortable loungewear, she felt the weight of an impending test pressing down on her. She grabbed her textbooks and settled onto the sofa, determined to absorb as much knowledge as possible.

“It’s not the class itself; it’s Mr. Harris,” Oriana explained, her brow furrowing in thought. “He’s taken me on as his student and resolved the MDT issue for me. But before I officially join the team, he wants to test me.”

A note of uncertainty crept into her voice. “I joined the Traditional Medicine Department halfway through. I’m not sure if I have enough time to memorize all this material.”

“And Mr. Harris mentioned I have a ‘cheat.’ What could that possibly mean? Micah, do you have any idea?” Her bright eyes, filled with confusion, locked onto his, seeking answers.

A small smile danced on Micah’s lips as he slowly began to chuckle. “The ‘cheat’ he mentioned… he was probably referring to me.”

“Really? You?” Oriana’s eyes widened in surprise.

Micah chuckled again, shaking his head lightly. “I’m sorry I didn’t get the chance to tell you earlier. I studied under Mr. Harris for a while. I just… wasn’t suited for this field, so I chose to leave.”

At this revelation, Oriana felt her mind go blank, a wave of realization crashing over her as she recalled the tales surrounding Mr. Harris. “Wait, you’re the student who broke Mr. Harris’s heart, causing him to never take on another disciple?”

Her words drew an amused chuckle from Micah, a hint of irony lacing his tone. “Is it really that dramatic?”

Oriana remained in a state of shock, her thoughts swirling. “A little exaggerated, perhaps, but it’s likely partly true.” She had initially suspected it might be an exaggeration, but now, the truth felt more tangible than ever.