My Unchosen Ex Chases Reborn Me (Soren and Fiona) novel Chapter 241

Chapter 241 Shifting Tides

Chapter 241 Shifting Tides

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Meryl took in the shift, yet the reason for the Zonfrillo Estate’s new warmth eluded her.

If Penelope sought a marriage alliance, she would have to speak plainly. Meryl’s heart favored upright Xavier over the dazzling but unpredictable Lord Soren.

A man as mercurial as Soren would be hard to please, and Meryl refused to see her daughter bend beneath that weight.

Thus the two women sipped tea and traded courteous small talk, each guarding her real designs.

Meanwhile, Fiona and Naomi sat together on a cushioned bench, their conversation light and bubbling like spring water.

The younger ladies, already comfortable with each other, spoke far more plainly than their cautious mothers.

“My third brother and Father have already discussed your betrothal,” Naomi whispered, excitement dancing in her eyes. “Father approves, and Mother hasn’t objected. Waiting for you today nearly drove her mad with nerves. Fiona, I’ve never seen her like this—I should thank you for the show!”

Naomi leaned in until her glossy hair brushed Fiona’s shoulder, whispering a tiny tattletale grievance meant for no one else. The words left her lips like mischievous birds escaping a cage, quick and eager for attention.

Fiona said nothing. She simply listened, still as morning water, her silence deeper than any reply.

“Once you marry into the Zonfrillo Estate,” Naomi chirped, her excitement bubbling over, “you and I can play together every single day. Unlike the Niven Estate, Father’s estate has no other ladies around. It is dreadfully dull.”

She pulled a face, the memory bright in her eyes. “When I was little, the boredom was so great I had no choice but to battle crickets and spar with Callum just to keep from losing my mind.”

So caught up in her own complaints, Naomi failed to notice the gravity settling across Fiona’s features. Not a hint of laughter touched Fiona’s mouth.

If I refuse the marriage proposal from the Zonfrillo Estate, what storms might that set loose?

Soren and Alexander returned to the estate later than expected, the echo of palace affairs still

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Chapter 241 Shifting Tides

clinging to their cloaks.

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The instant Soren stepped into the great hall, his eyes flicked to Fiona–swift as an arrow loosed in secret–then drifted away again as though nothing had happened at all.

“Mother,” Soren said, stopping before Penelope and bowing with practiced grace.

Alexander spotted Fiona and a knowing, almost conspiratorial, smile wove across his stern face.

Soren’s recent mention of marriage had told Alexander plenty. Gratitude alone never spurred a son to that topic; clearly, feelings had taken root long ago. Fiona’s timely help merely handed the prince a ready excuse.

Fiona rose and offered a courtly curtsy. “Blessings upon you, Duke Zonfrillo.”

“Matters at the palace delayed us,” Alexander said, voice warm yet regal. “I fear you and Mdm. Meryl have waited too long for our return.”

In another lifetime, Fiona’s impression of this father–in–law had been stellar. He was ice to the world, yet gentle to her. Whenever rare treasures crossed his path, her name topped his list.

Among the three married sons, only she and Soren lived provinces apart. Alexander, believing the estate owed her, indulged her without sparking jealousy from the other daughters–in–law.

Even now, though he kept a safe political distance from the Niven family’s recent troubles, his kindness to her remained untouched.

“Naomi and I have been chatting with Duchess Zonfrillo,” Fiona replied, smile polite. “Truly, the time flew.”

“We owe you much,” Alexander said. “By risking a talk with Mr. Niven, you opened the way for grain supplies to flow north with so little fuss.”

That, Soren had admitted and nothing more. His rebirth–if such mystery could ever be spoken–must stay hidden.

Meryl lifted her brows in mild surprise yet wisely held her tongue.

Pleasantries flowed for a while, formal yet sincerely warm, and Fiona felt an uncanny echo of the past–Alexander home from campaign, fussing over her welfare.

Turning slightly, she caught Soren watching her.

He stood off to one side, silent as a sentry. Instead of his usual sharp scrutiny, his gaze rested

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Chapter 241 Shifting Tides

on her with patient calm, as though he had all the time in the world to listen.

Fiona lowered her eyes, lashes sweeping down like drawn curtains.

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