Chapter 52 Micah's Joy Oriana's straightforward , candid words left Micah momentarily stunned this time . He only focused on a few key phrases . Seeing him lifted her mood . So , seeing her , Micah felt a subtle joy spreading across his face , impossible to hide . His eyes , his eyebrows - they all betrayed his delight . 69931 Finished Oriana noticed the shift and felt a little puzzled . Why did Micah's mood swing so quickly , from upset to happy in an instant ? But seeing him smile , her own heart brightened . After all , who could resist a handsome man's smile ? Feeling a little proud , she let her words slip without restraint . " And it's not that I lost my appetite . I was just too busy secretly staring at your waist , so I forgot to eat a few more bites ." The instant she realized what she'd said , her whole body froze . She'd better shut up and eat . " No , Micah , I didn't mean anything else . I was just complimenting your waist - it looks good . I wasn't teasing or being disrespectful , " she hurriedly defended herself . But the man , who had been stunned by her audacious words , was now completely overwhelmed by delight . He even laughed aloud . Oriana blinked in surprise . Micah rarely laughed so openly . In fact , this was the first time Oriana had ever seen it . His laughter came so suddenly that he seemed unaccustomed , coughing lightly . Óriana smoothed the tension from his back , finally giving up any struggle . " Go ahead and laugh , but take it easy . " He coughed , lips reddened , tears glimmering at the corners of his eyes . Oriana let out a resigned sigh . " Sorry ." 1/3 8:33 Fri , Oct 10 Chapter 52 Micah's Joy . 99 Finished Micah tried to compose himself several times , barely regaining control , though his shoulders still trembled slightly . " You were staring at my waist and forgot to cat ? " His already low , alluring voice now carried a playful , indulgent tone that made her ears tingle . Oriana took a deep breath and admitted it . " Yes . My mistake . Let's cat - I won't stare anymore . " " It's fine . " Micah hooked his long index finger around the apron at his waist . " If you want to look , then look . No need to be sneaky . " But you still have to remember to cat ." She truly couldn't focus on the meal . As soon as lunch break ended , Oriana dashed out like she was riding a rocket . She sprinted to the parking lot , jumped into her car , heart racing . Kieran watched her , puzzled . He thought maybe they had quarreled . That shouldn't be possible - Micah would never let Oriana be unhappy . He drove her to school , then returned home . Once upstairs, facial recognition let him in , and he immediately heard Micah call out . " Mr. Caldwell ? " Kieran approached . Micah stood in the dressing room , surrounded by rows of casual clothes , stroking his chin . " Kieran , do you think I should change these clothes ? " " These were all replaced earlier this year , Mr. Caldwell . If you don't like them , I can notify the tailor to remake them . " Micah nodded . " Have them altered - make them tighter , the kind that shows off the figure . " Kieran froze . Since he had started following Micah , his clothing style had never changed - comfort was always the priority . Suddenly , he wanted form - fitting attire ? A daring thought formed in Kieran's mind . Was Micah trying to seduce Oriana ? " Is there a problem ? " 2/3 8:33 Fri , Oct 10 Chapter 52 Micah's Joy Micah's cool voice cut through Kieran's imagination . " I'll take care of it immediately , " Kieran answered dutifully . 993 Finished He turned to leave , then remembered why he had come and hurried back . " Mr. Caldwell , Jett Wren , the director of the research center , sent an invitation . He wants to schedule a dinner with you . " Kieran paused . " From what I understand , this dinner is arranged by Grant ." At first , Micah seemed nonchalant . With his status , he never needed to attend social gatherings , report to anyone , or answer to anyone . Not even the highest authority of the research center could compel him . Yet , when Grant was mentioned , Micah's brows tensed slightly . The room fell silent for a few seconds . Then Kieran heard his low , hoarse response . " This afternoon . Tell them it's not negotiable . " Kieran nodded . " Understood . " ***** James walked around the sprawling campus with Luna before bringing her to the team office . " This is our headquarters . Mr. Flint went to the province to give a report these past few days . " He led Luna to a spot by the window . " This will be your seat from now on . You ' can see the scenery outside - the artificial lake . The view here is the best in the whole building . " Send Gifts 20 B