My Unchosen Ex Chases Reborn Me (Soren and Fiona) novel Chapter 35

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Chapter 85 Hidden Currents

Chapter 35 Hidden Currents

To Zephyr, crippling one of Cornelius‘ strongest arms could not come at a better time. Exposing Matthew’s crimes and the Zonfrillo family’s covert help–would lure many wavering ministers to the Sixth Prince’s side.

Yet doing so would drag the family into open allegiance far too early, inviting risks it was not yet ready to shoulder.

Soren had been “ambushed” on the road to Lakebourne while digging into Matthew’s affairs, the blade lodged beneath his collarbone was the price of that silent duel with Zephyr.

Callum pieced the story together in a heartbeat. Their eyes met, a wordless accord passing between cousins.

“Did you stop by Fragrant Pavilion today?” Soren asked, catching the soft, feminine sweetness clinging to Callum’s clothes.

“Hardly,” Callum replied. “Naomi’s birthday kept me inside the estate all day.

The scent felt oddly familiar. Soren studied his cousin for a moment longer, then let the matter drop.

The final guests drifted into the night, their farewells still echoing beyond the courtyard walls. Inside the family parlour, Tristan had joined his buddies–a reunion so rare it felt momentous. Lanterns threw honeyed light across polished floorboards while tired servants cleared the last porcelain cups.

Married for these ten years, Tristan had brought his seven–year–old along from the barracks. The boy, tempered by camp life, was sturdier than other children, all sinew and sun–browned mischief, the kind who laughed even when disciplined with a switch.

Yet, the moment Soren stepped through the doorway, the little soldier straightened as if inspected. Eyes shining, he skidded to a halt at the officer’s boots and called with a worship that made everyone smile, “Uncle Soren!”

Winnifred’s face softened the instant she spotted the child; dimples she thought forgotten returned. But when her gaze shifted to Callum, a sigh slipped out, barely audible above the crackle of the brazier. “Soren’s marriage touches the matter of the Zonfrillo Estate, so we must keep it on hold for now,” she said. “Callum, tell me, when do you intend to marry?”

Callum, usually blunt about such questions, suddenly fidgeted with the iron buckle at his wrist. “I only fear that you will dislike the one who has caught my eye,” he muttered.

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14:44 Fri, Oct 10

Chapter 35 Hidden Currents

Soren lifted a brow, intrigued.

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Winnifred’s answering smile was indulgent. “If you truly like her, and her family is respectable, that is enough for me.”

Callum was neither heir to the Estate nor the eldest son. That simple fact granted him rare freedom; any pillow–side persuasion a future wife attempted would find he held little power to squander.

After a thoughtful pause, Callum only offered, “In time. You’ll see.”

Winnifred knew her son. If he could state the name now, he would have. That flicker of uncertainty told her the girl’s standing was delicate–possibly someone once weighed as a match for Soren.

Yet she was no hide–bound matron. Having met once was not the same as being in love. When wedding vows were spoken, Callum would keep his own courtyard; he and Soren would cross paths only at festival dinners.

A quiet guess bloomed in her mind–perhaps the girl was Fiona.

Penelope might have dismissed Fiona in favor of Roxanne, but Winnifred had formed her own opinion. Earlier, during Naomi’s birthday feast, she had studied Fiona from a distance. Even when Naomi greeted her with frosty courtesy, Fiona stayed warm, neither currying favor nor retaliating–evidence of breadth and discernment.

Callum, she knew, was competent at warcraft yet clueless in affairs of the heart; a sensible wife like Fiona could only steady his compass.

Of course, all this remained conjecture, yet it never hurt to treat Fiona with extra courtesy.

Back at the Niven Estate, Fiona changed out of her banquet silks and rummaged through her writing chest. She selected a cake of shimmering goldleaf ink, wrapped it in blue brocade, and dispatched a pageboy to deliver it to Callum.

When she crossed the courtyard and met Meryl in the corridor, she saw that delight still danced in Meryl’s eyes, impossible to hide,

“Mother, what has you smiling so brightly?” Fiona asked, curiosity bright as morning glass.

Meryl patted her daughter’s sleeve. “Your granny has written,” she announced, her tone both proud and amused. “She praises your learning and has rewarded you with two storefronts.”

She paused, then added, “For now, I shall manage them on your behalf. They will join your dowry after you marry.”

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14:44 Fri, Oct 10

Chapter 35 Hidden Currents

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Fiona knew better than to wheedle in matters of property. She merely hoped her upcoming conversation with Harriet would progress without a hitch.

While straightening the fur collar at Fiona’s neck, Meryl murmured, “Did everything go smoothly at the Zonfrillo Estate today?”

Naomi might still harbor a thorn or two, yet the day had passed without real incident. Fiona nodded, offering a reassuring smile.

To dodge idle speculation, she and Harriet had arranged to “bump into” each other at a bookshop, chatting casually as though chance alone had seated them beside the display shelves.

Clear Sky Pavilion, the grandest book emporium in Jexburgh, drew a steady stream of refined patrons. Though Fiona’s beauty caused more than one head to turn,

her presence there seemed as natural as parchment and ink; no one found it the least bit strange.

The instant Fiona stepped over the threshold of Clear Sky Pavilion, the scent of sandalwood and sweet osmanthus folded around her like a welcoming veil. The proprietor, hands tucked respectfully inside his sleeves, bowed low. “Ms. Fiona, please follow me.”

Fiona’s voice carried both patience and a hint of curiosity. “I’m waiting for Harriet.”

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