My Unchosen Ex Chases Reborn Me (Soren and Fiona) novel Chapter 240

Chapter 240 Subtle Designs

Chapter 240 Subtle Designs

488

88

+5 Free Coins

Even Emperor Aldric tilted his head, curiosity flickering behind the imperial composure.

Yet Soren’s crisp detachment cooled the hall, extinguishing any rumor that the Zonfrillo Estate was already arranging a match.

Fiona’s smile was poised, neither shy nor bold. “Thank you, Duke Zonfrillo.”

Beside her, Meryl’s brow tightened. The invitation to tonight’s estate dinner had already puzzled her; now these public compliments tangled the thread even further, and she felt lost in a corridor without lantern or map.

Later that evening, she cornered Hannah in the quiet sitting room. “Mother, what designs do you think the Zonfrillo Estate is weaving now?”

“Most likely they have set their sights on Fiona,” Hannah conceded, though even she could not claim certainty; the entire matter felt uncanny.

Across the river, the mood at the Zonfrillo Estate had turned equally strange.

No one felt the dissonance more keenly than Penelope.

After learning from Soren that Fiona had willingly plunged into danger on the estate’s behalf –that without her Alexander might have been ruined–Penelope sensed trouble curling like smoke beneath the rafters.

Hearing Alexander mention Soren’s wish to marry into the Niven family, she felt, for the first time, that matters were slipping beyond repair.

She had never held Fiona in regard; the girl had been invisible at best, an annoyance at worst.

Yet now Soren sought an engagement and Alexander approved.

What sort of thorny battlefield would future days hold between a dismissive mother–in–law and a daughter–in–law she had already offended?

Of course Penelope regretted it. Had she foreseen this day, she would never have treated Fiona with that careless, tilted chin.

A flicker of envy toward Winnifred stirred in her. Winnifred, at least, wore courtesy like a well- cut cloak, offending no one; Penelope had soured the relationship before the bride even crossed the threshold.

1/3

10:53 Thu, Oct 23 A

Chapter 240 Subtle Designs

88

+5 Free Coins

Naomi’s warning months earlier echoed–someday those girls might marry into our house. Penelope had laughed then; now the laughter tasted of iron.

Sensing her unease, Naomi leaned closer. “Mother, there’s no need to worry. Fiona is generous and forgiving by nature.”

Penelope assured her she was fine, yet the next time she saw Fiona her hands trembled against the silk of her sleeves.

That day, Fiona arrived at the estate accompanied by her mother, Meryl.

Meryl herself found the invitation baffling. Everyone in Jexburgh knew the second branch of the Niven family and the Zonfrillos rarely saw eye to eye; even at Naomi’s recent birthday the Niven family had sent only Joanna as their token.

She glanced at her daughter again. Fiona’s face remained serene, the still surface of a lake. Unlike her mother’s confusion, the girl seemed to know exactly why the Zonfrillos had opened their gates today.

The hush in the reception hall lingered until Penelope, every inch the poised duchess, allowed a measured smile to lift her lips. “Mdm. Meryl, Ms. Fiona.”

Meryl’s gaze flickered with surprise. Penelope still wore her usual regalia–silk gown dyed in imperial blues, waist clasped with gold–but the chill that once laced her tone had been traded for surprising courtesy.

In bygone gatherings their exchanges had never grown beyond a nod and a perfunctory pleasantry, both women content to keep a dignified arm’s–length.

So when one party now crossed that invisible line, it could only mean a motive lay concealed beneath the silk.

Unruffled, Meryl returned the smile, eyes dropping to the elaborate headdress of jade and pearls. “Your hairpiece today is wonderfully unique.”

Naomi, perched beside her mother, chimed in with bright pride. “Father just returned to Jexburgh and bought it for Mother.”

Penelope’s fingers brushed the dangling jade beads before she turned to Fiona.“Ms. Fiona, you look delightfully understated today. Why not wear your usual ornaments?”

Meryl answered before her daughter could draw breath. “The weather has been stifling. She prefers simplicity, spending her afternoons at the tea house and evenings buried in books. It tempers the spirit.”

2/3

10:53 Thu, Oct 23 A

Chapter 240 Subtle Designs

:

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify