My Unchosen Ex Chases Reborn Me (Soren and Fiona) novel Chapter 233

233 Hidden Grain Treachery

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“Without proof, we cannot probe every province on a whim,” Soren said after a moment of thought. “By the time His Majesty appoints inspectors and they dig for ledgers, the season will be gone. Cornelius will hinder us at every turn, and with Mr. James for a father–in–law, half the governors will obey him before they fear the Zonfrillo Estate.”

If Broadmoor had fallen only four months ago, and the grain still needed weeks to move, the calendar was already bleeding away.

“Unless,” Soren added softly, “Mr. Niven takes charge of the inquiry himself.”

Fiona’s pulse quickened. She had reached the same co

nclusion.

To Cornelius, her father appeared an ally–certainly no friend to the Zonfrillo Estate after past grudges with Helen–so suspicion would stay mild, not murderous.

“If Junbert uncovers the theft first,” Fiona said, “Father can petition the throne for a full imperial audit. Once Emperor Aldric issues that decree, even Cornelius will not dare interfere.”

Soren studied her. “Fiona, are you willing to draw Mr. Niven into this storm?”

“So long as the Zonfrillo Estate is spared, Father will remain safe. The scheme in Junbert was Lord Soren’s design, after all. Father merely stepped into a snare. Cornelius may scold him, but he will not dare harm him.”

All Zachary had to do was wear the mask of a wronged official. With Fiona’s brother still serving Cornelius, outright punishment was unlikely. Besides, Emperor Aldric would see only the merit of the discovery.

And if no lives were endangered, Fiona was content to trade this favor to the Zonfrillo Estate- and to honor the quiet command Marcus had whispered before leaving Jexburgh.

Why Marcus insisted on protecting Alexander’s household was a riddle she could not yet solve -statecraft, ambition, or some hidden debt–but the task was hers regardless.

Because you act wholly for me, Soren replied with a faint smile, “I will not let any harm befall Mr. Niven.”

Fiona answered with a quiet hum of assent.

Weariness tugged at Soren. He leaned back beside her, lashes drifting shut. Fiona remained motionless, gaze fixed on him. After Alexander’s wound, Soren and his brother Callum had garrisoned the north for a year. No letters reached the capital in that time.

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Chapter 233 Hidden Grain Treachery

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When he finally returned, negotiations for their marriage began badly, then–one ordinary afternoon–he accepted without warning.

After that came her arranged engagement to Soren–a match that, once announced, unraveled into a three–year spectacle of whispered quarrels and public embarrassment.

Perhaps because she had already confessed the impossible fact of her rebirth, Fiona spent the day drifting back to that carlier life, remembering how hopelessly she had adored him. Even during the twelve months when he vanished from sight, she had scoured every tavern and courier post for tidings of him.

Some rumor, gathered heaven–knows–where, claimed the young lord lay at death’s door, wounds so grave the Zonfrillo Estate dared not speak of them–one crippled prince in the manor was burden enough.

The tale had gnawed at her heart for weeks.

Yet he had returned at last, scarred but radiant with new military honors, and the Zonfrillo family surged back toward glory.

Another memory rose: her father’s disgrace, her flight with Meryl to the Niven family’s country manor, and the day she saved an injured stranger’s life beside a winter–bare pond.

The young gentleman had slipped away before he could even thank her.

Recalling it all now felt like gazing across a canyon between worlds.

Soren’s nap lasted no longer than the time it takes tea to cool; then his eyes opened, clear and

alert.

Fiona looked up the instant he stirred, stretching her stiff arms only after, as though every earlier breath had been taken in fear of waking him. The corner of his mouth lifted despite

himself.

“Lord Soren, would you like something to eat? You must have ridden hard and skipped every meal,” she asked softly.

“I should be going.”

He offered no further explanation, and Fiona remained silent.

“Will

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