My Unchosen Ex Chases Reborn Me (Soren and Fiona) novel Chapter 97

Chapter 97 Web Of Preparations

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Chapter 97 Web Of Preparations

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Once she helmed the event, Fiona discovered the path littered with snares; even the invitations demanded three inspections, lest she omit a single eligible young lady from any mansion across Jexburgh.

Luckily, Yolanda knew the protocol by heart and shouldered a good part of the load.

For the venue, Fiona leased Crane Tower from Harriet, a place poets adored.

People had said, “Until you climb Crane Tower, you cannot fathom the Sweetbriar River’s roaring breadth or the city wall’s endless gray ribbon.” The tower brooded at the southern edge, where the river and Azure Lake collided. Few hosts would pay such a fortune for a single gala.

“Fiona, what a grand gesture.” Serena was the first guest to arrive that morning. Without waiting for permission, she clasped Fiona’s hand, fingers squeezing with a buoyant familiarity that drew surprised laughter from the nearby maids.

“Serena, you are early indeed. Please go upstairs and rest before the crowd gathers.” Fiona answered with a cordial smile. Yet a small knot of caution tugged behind the smile. Had Serena, on that palace afternoon, singled out Roxanne on purpose?

Crane Tower’s uppermost level had been built solely for viewing the city. At night, the spectacle reached full glory. Lanterns marched in orderly rows, their amber glimmer skating across tiled roofs, catching fragments of faces, hiding others inside syrup–thick shadow. Everything looked suspended inside a slowly turning piece of honeyed glass.

A little later, Roxanne arrived with Naomi and Mindy close behind.

“Thank you for coming, Roxanne.” Fiona inclined her head. Roxanne had already left the academy. If she had chosen to stay away, no one could have blamed her.

“I have scarcely visited Crane Tower. I wanted to sample the view tonight, so truly it’s I who benefits from your invitation, Fiona.” Roxanne’s voice was gentle, almost too quiet for the bustle around them.

Still, Fiona sensed Roxanne wasn’t in the best mood, and Naomi carried the same muted air.

Mindy was, as always, unimpressed. She offered no greeting, only turned her shoulder with a practiced sneer.

“For the moment, only Serena has arrived,” Fiona said, hoping to cut through the awkward hush. “Would you prefer to sit here for a while, or go upstairs and enjoy the view?”

1/3

10:32 Sat, Oct 11

Chapter 97 Web Of Preparations

81

+10 Free Coins

“A rare view should never be wasted. Naomi, Mindy, let us head up.” Roxanne lifted her skirt hem, already turning toward the staircase.

Relief loosened Fiona’s shoulders. As the hostess, she wanted no fresh quarrels on a day meant for delight.

By the time the sun cleared its mid–morning mark, every expected lady had arrived–and far more besides. Several noble daughters had even brought their half–sisters, eager to sample the lively scene.

Young lords drifted in as well, their laughter sliding through the balustrades. Among those Fiona knew were two sons of the Wagner family, the Linton family’s fifth son, and the Ronson estate’s eleventh. Other faces looked familiar yet nameless.

Rowan, only thirteen and almost fragile in his prettiness, had never seen eye to eye with Naomi. “Ms. Rowan, what brings you here today?” Naomi asked, her smile sweet enough to cut glass.

Rowan’s cheeks flared crimson. “W–Who are you calling miss?”

“If you are not a miss, how did you never once beat me? I remember when we were small…” Naomi let the sentence dangle like bait.

Rowan’s glare could have sparked kindling.

“Naomi, there are too many eyes today. Spare him a shred of dignity, or he’ll be sniffling again at home,” Mindy teased.

Laughter rippled through the corridor, light and merciless.

Fiona felt a quiet pang of nostalgia. Rowan still looked like a dainty girl now, but in a few years, he would change beyond recognition–broad–shouldered, nearly as tall as Callum. Even so, his devotion to Naomi would likely remain, obedient as ever.

“What has everyone so amused?” A new voice sliced into the mirth–low, amused, unmistakably princely,

Heads turned as Zephyr stepped in, flanked by Cornelius and Soren. The two royal brothers barely tolerated one another, yet their public masks remained polished smooth.

Both princes wore sober, ink–dark robes, their belts gleaming like distant moons. Soren chose a stone–blue garment etched with faint patterns, the plain jade coronet in his hair a silent promise that he would not steal their thunder.

His gaze slid across Rowan without so much as a tremor, leaving only a draft of chill behind.

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10:32 Sat, Oct 11

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