My Unchosen Ex Chases Reborn Me (Soren and Fiona) novel Chapter 329

"Mother Consort, I'd have to trouble you to make a few more visits over the Havenford Estate matter on my behalf," Soren said lightly.

"If I go myself, people might get the wrong idea."

The moment he was still willing to ask something of her, the weight that had been hanging over Penelope finally eased.

Hillary's father had helped quite a bit where Soren was concerned, and as for the formal thanks on the official side, Soren would handle that properly himself.

But winning people over was never just about what happened in public.

There had to be private contact too. Otherwise it only made things feel too distant.

As for this talk about people getting the wrong idea, the one he was clearly worried about was Fiona.

Hillary had started to harbor a few thoughts toward Soren now.

"Since when have you started avoiding suspicion this much?" Penelope said, and there was a trace of teasing in it.

"Hillary does have a few little thoughts. They're not exactly malicious," Soren said. "But I don't want Fiona to have any reason to feel bad."

*****

Naomi had been urging Xavier to leave for quite a while, and still he showed no sign of getting up.

Even Callum had gotten too embarrassed to keep staying there.

But Xavier remained seated in the hall as steady as ever. For once, he had actually started eating the nuts set out before him, and of all things, he ate only the almonds.

"My brother only eats almonds too," Naomi said when she saw it. "You and him really do have the same taste."

"You pay close attention, Ms. Naomi," Xavier said.

He looked at her. For the briefest instant, the corner of his mouth seemed to lift, but when she looked again, he had already gone back to that same calm, detached expression.

"Of course I remember what my brother likes."

"Right," Xavier said. "Which is why, whenever Lord Soren upsets you, you deliberately pick food he doesn't like, then pretend you weren't doing it on purpose. A pretty pathetic way of getting back at him."

Naomi's eyes flew wide.

She had no idea when he had noticed any of that, and now she could only worry Soren might find out too. She immediately looked at him with open pleading. "Mr. Xavier, don't tell my brother."

Xavier gave her no answer.

Naomi still wanted to bargain with him, but right then Soren walked over.

The instant the two men looked at each other, each one already knew exactly where the other stood.

Xavier had obviously stayed behind because he knew Soren had something to say to him.

And Soren, just as plainly, knew Xavier had already seen through what he wanted.

Naomi caught on too.

Xavier had not stayed because he wanted to linger. He had stayed because her brother wanted a word with him. After a brief pause, she took the chance and quietly withdrew.

Xavier was just starting to rise and offer a salute when Soren said in that flat, quiet way of his, "No need. Stay seated."

Silence settled between them for a moment.

Then Soren spoke again, his voice still light and thin as paper. "Do you remember what I told you back in Dasshire?"

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