My Unchosen Ex Chases Reborn Me (Soren and Fiona) novel Chapter 187

3/3

12:07 Mon, Oct 20

Chapter 187 Cousin Reunion

Chapter 187 Cousin Reunion

81

+5 Free Coins

Fiona lowered her gaze to the baby, now only a few months old, pink and plump as a peach blossom.

She remembered that by his first birthday the boy would already be striking, the treasured legitimate grandson of the entire Wagner family.

Rita had been a vigilant teacher, too. Little Theodore Wagner stared back at Fiona with fearless, moon–round eyes.

“Theodore is turning into quite the charmer,” she laughed, letting the baby curl his tiny fingers around hers.

“When you have a child of your own one day, she will be just as lovely. Niven women do not birth plain babies.”

Fiona, who had never held a child for more than a minute, could only smile, uncertain what reply such confidence required.

Soon the boy’s lids drooped. The nurse appeared, gathered him into her arms, and carried him away to sleep.

Rita squeezed her sister’s hand. “I have meant to see you for ages, but the baby keeps me tethered and the estate’s ledgers pile high now that I manage everything.”

“I know how much you juggle, Rita,” Fiona answered quickly.

Rita had only just stepped past the carved threshold of the Niven residence when a warmth she never found inside the Wagner household settled over her shoulders like sunlight after rain.

Here, among her own blood, every glance from her sisters carried understanding,instead of calculation, and that simple courtesy moved her more than she dared admit.

The pair sank onto a low ebony divan and let conversation wander, neither hurry nor duty chasing them from the room.

Though childbirth had rounded Rita’s figure, power still sharpened her gaze; draped in silk, she radiated a polished authority that outshone even the jeweled hairpin at her crown.

Rita tapped a fingertip against her delicate teacup, eyes drifting toward the garden beyond the lattice window. “Uncle Zachary’s troubles needn’t keep you awake at night. If no suitable prospects appear for you, why not enter the Wagner household? Marry one of Elijah’s

1/3

12:07 Mon, Oct 20

Chapter 187 Cousin Reunion

brothers, and we can watch each other’s backs.”

81

19

+5 Free Coins

Rita already knew she could no longer pin her hopes on Fiona’s marriage to lift the family fortunes; that dream had withered like frost–bitten petals.

Joanna had whispered that bringing Fiona into the Wagner compound would bolster Rita’s position.

Elijah had once kept no concubine, and peace had been easy. Now a newcomer occupied the west wing, and Rita fought daily for ground she had thought secure.

If Fiona married one of Elijah’s younger brothers, Rita would gain an ally, and Fiona a shield; the bargain would profit them both.

Fiona set the teacup down with a quiet click. “At the moment, marriage isn’t on my mind.”

Rita’s lashes lowered, hiding a flash of irritation. She imagined Fiona still leaning on beauty, drafting a list of impossible requirements while the family’s future teetered.

If Uncle Zachary truly fell, what use would that face of hers be?

Rita’s voice softened, yet her words landed like a slap. “Stop chasing romance. A man’s affection is a coin he spends on many women. A lady who gambles everything on love ends up losing everything–and losing ugly.”

She spoke from bruised experience.

During her pregnancy, Elijah had taken one of her maids to his bed. After the child arrived, and her body still healed, he installed a concubine and lavished her with moonlit strolls and gifts wrapped in gauze.

More than once Rita had turned a corner and found them whispering beneath the garden lanterns, the intimacy between them as plain as daylight.

Elijah would gather more women, of that she had no doubt, but power was her armor. However crowded his harem became, none of them could climb above her.

As long as he needed favors from the Niven family, the reins remained firmly in her hands.

Fiona met her cousin’s gaze, unblinking. “Rita, you misunderstand. I’m not chasing romance. I believe pure love exists, but I never assumed it would fall into my lap, and it isn’t what I’m living for.”

Rita sighed, Elijah crowding her thoughts, and waved away the question of Fiona’s future.

O

2/3

12:07 Mon, Oct 20

Chapter 187 Cousin Reunion

81

+5 Free Coins

Later, once Fiona had crossed the covered walkway back to Bamboo Lodge, Meryl drew her aside and explained the real reason for Rita’s sudden visit.

Elijah’s concubine–the very woman he had elevated after the childbirth–was now carrying his child. Rita’s fury had driven her home.

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify