My Unchosen Ex Chases Reborn Me (Soren and Fiona) novel Chapter 176

Chapter 176 Incense And Intentions

Chapter 176 Incense And Intentions

He rubbed the bridge of his nose and let the silence stand.

80

+10 Free Coins

She spoke first. “Does Clearsky Pavilion have any good books lately? I told Meryl I was out looking for books. If I return empty–handed, she will think I spent the day at play.”

Soren paused, then called for Quentin and ordered him to see the request filled.

“In a few days,” he said, “there will be polo at the Imperial Palace. Come with your brother.”

Fiona’s curiosity stirred. “Besides a few princes and you, who else will ride?”

Soren studied her. “Whom would you like to see?”

Fiona closed her mouth and only thought of going home.

“Is it Mr. Xavier who interests you?” he asked.

“Do not be absurd. I never mentioned him,” she replied, unwilling to drag Xavier in.

Soren let the matter drop.

By the time Fiona crossed the arched gate of the Niven family manor, her brother Vincent had been waiting for quite some time. He stood beneath a carved cedar beam, shoulders squared yet visibly tense, the usual effortless smile nowhere to be seen.

“Vincent, how did it go?” Fiona asked, her voice soft with worry, eyes searching his for any crack in the calm mask he wore.

“Nothing to fret about,” Vincent replied, forcing a small smile. “Neither the Zonfrillo Estate nor Lord Soren gave me any trouble.”

“Then what has you so preoccupied?” she pressed, refusal to accept half–truths flickering in her

eyes.

Vincent’s thoughts, however, had drifted to Harriet and the dangers swirling around her, yet he reminded himself he couldn’t mention that.

“I was thinking about the polo match in a few days,” he said at last. “The prize is tempting enough. Trouble is, I’m paired with the Fourth Prince and–well–his game is unsteady.” He rubbed the back of his neck, choosing his words carefully. “I’ve no idea how skilled Mr. Luthor is. If he can handle a mallet, we might still manage a win.”

1/3

12:59 Sun, Oct 19

Chapter 176 Incense And Intentions

(80)

+10 Free Coins

“Mr. Xavier is quite good at these sorts of competitions,” Fiona assured him without hesitation.

Vincent’s brows lifted. “You seem to know him well. Why not come to the palace that day and lend me your support?”

Meryl had already spoken to Vincent about Xavier: a man who had carved his own place in the world, neither arrogant nor servile, brilliant in his scholarship, and–most importantly- quietly attentive to Fiona. During their father’s stationing in the rugged province of Junbert, Xavier had watched over the duke with near–filial devotion. That gesture alone secured Vincent’s approval.

Now, with the polo match looming, Vincent resolved to craft the perfect moment to draw the two of them together.

Fiona did not for one second believe that a simple polo match had scattered her brother’s focus. Yet when Vincent chose silence, she respected the boundary, tucking her questions behind a polite nod.

Later, when she learned that Soren had offered to negotiate military supplies with Vincent, Fiona’s brows rose in quiet surprise. She understood at once: the gesture was a sugar–coated favor meant for her.

She lowered her gaze, knowing all too well that what tasted sweet today could become tomorrow’s poison.

The very next day, Xavier paid a brief, unannounced visit to the Niven estate.

From across the courtyard, Fiona met his gaze–one swift, electric glance–then turned away. She refused to draw attention to him, not when her presence could invite unwanted complications.

After concluding business with Vincent, Meryl greeted Xavier warmly and insisted he stay for dinner.

“I’m grateful,” Xavier said with patient courtesy. “But I’m leaving Jexburgh tomorrow. I should return early to prepare.”

Most of his assignments walked the razor’s edge of danger, and Meryl knew it. She exhaled a quiet sigh. “Your path is anything but easy.”

New worries coiled inside her: if her daughter married this man and his life remained so perilous, what future awaited a young bride left to stand vigil as a widow?

Yet another fear eclipsed even that thought–the dread that Xavier himself might never return from the shadows he walked. More than arranging marriages, Meryl simply wished the young

2/3

12:59 Sun, Oct 19

Chapter 176 Incense And Intentions

man would survive.

80

+10 Free Coins

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify