Chapter 129 An Encounter
“Are you sure? They looked just like them to me…
“Mr. Stewart,” Edward called out toward the two figures.
Arabella hadn’t expected Edward to take the initiative and call out to Matthew like that.
She internally facepalmed. Since when did Edward become so forward?
He’d only met Matthew once before, and here he was, walking right up to him.
Well, since Edward had already gone over, she had no choice but to follow.
Hearing his name, Matthew turned and noticed Arabella and Edward approaching.
“Dr. Macdonald, what a coincidence. Out for some air?” Matthew greeted Arabella.
Arabella offered a slightly strained smile. “Fancy meeting you here.”
If Edward hadn’t taken the lead, she wouldn’t have approached at all.
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“Arabella said it wasn’t you, but I’m glad I came over to say hello,” Edward said brightly, completely unaware he had just contradicted his sister.
“Oh?” Matthew’s eyebrow arched as he glanced at Arabella.
Arabella could only muster an awkward explanation. “My mistake. The light was in my eyes–I didn’t get a clear look.”
Why did Edward have to spill the beans like that?
“Robert, you’re looking much better lately,” Arabella quickly changed the subject, turning to greet Robert.
Robert returned her smile. “That’s all thanks to the effectiveness of your treatment, Dr. Macdonald. I’m recovering well because of it.”
His gaze then shifted to the unfamiliar young man beside Arabella.
Seeing he was with Arabella and seemed to know Matthew, Robert assumed they were all acquainted.
But as he hadn’t met this man before, he inquired kindly, “And who is this?”
“This is my brother. He’s also recuperating here,” Arabella introduced.
“Oh, your brother. I thought he might be a friend of yours,” Robert said warmly.
He looked between Edward and Arabella, noting they didn’t share a strong family resemblance.
Edward turned to Robert politely. “You must be Robert. I’ve heard them mention you and that my sister is your physician–is that right?”
Edward had meant to ask Arabella about this before, but she had always been in a rush. Now that he’d run into Robert, he wanted
to confirm it.
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“That’s correct. Dr. Macdonald is my attending physician. She’s the one who diagnosed and treated my condition,” Robert said, his tone full of respect for Arabella.
Hearing Robert’s confirmation, Edward’s curiosity was satisfied.
“I had no idea my sister’s medical skills were so advanced,” Edward said, glancing at Arabella with shared pride.
“Dr. Macdonald, I’ve been feeling slightly off lately. When might you have time to examine me?” Matthew interjected suddenly.
Arabella was taken aback by Matthew’s request. After a brief pause, she replied, “Mr. Stewart, don’t you have a personal physician? Why come to me?”
“Their expertise doesn’t compare to yours, Dr. Macdonald. I’ve let them go. If you’re willing, I’d be happy to retain you as my personal physician–compensation would be generous, of course,” Matthew said, his appreciative gaze fixed on her.
“I’m afraid I must decline, Mr. Stewart. My schedule doesn’t allow for dedicated private practice,” Arabella responded politely but firmly.
She had no intention of becoming Matthew’s on–call doctor. Who did he think he was?
Did he think his money could simply command her services? The nerve!
“Understood. If a full–time arrangement isn’t possible, perhaps I could simply book a consultation with you here,” Matthew suggested casually.
In his experience, talent he recognized would eventually work with him–one way or another.
“I’m not at the hospital regularly. Appointments must be scheduled well in advance. But don’t get your hopes up–even with an appointment, it depends entirely on my availability,” Arabella said, deliberately setting up barriers.
Matthew could sense she was making things difficult for him. A faint, amused smile touched his lips. “Fair enough. I have your contact. I’ll reach out when your schedule might allow.”
“That would be best,” Arabella replied with a light, noncommittal smile.
“So, are you free right now?” Matthew suddenly asked, his tone turning serious.
“You’re actually serious about this consultation?” Arabella had thought he might be joking, but his demeanor suggested otherwise.
“Absolutely. Do I strike you as someone who jokes about his health?” Matthew replied earnestly.
“Very well. Wait for me in the main atrium later,” Arabella instructed.
“The atrium is too public. I’ll be in the private lounge on the top floor,” Matthew specified.
“Whichever you prefer,” Arabella said with a shrug.
Edward and Robert stood quietly to the side, observing their exchange without interrupting.
“Robert, please continue taking your medication as prescribed. We’ll be on our way now,” Arabella said, bidding Robert a polite farewell before leaving with Edward.
Watching Arabella walk away, Robert remarked with admiration, “That young lady is truly something else.”
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Chapter 129 An Encounter
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At her age, to hold her own so firmly against Matthew… Arabella was the first young woman he’d seen display such composure and spine.
Hearing his grandfather’s comment, Matthew’s eyebrow lifted slightly. “What makes you say that, Grandpa?”
Robert simply glanced at him, smiling knowingly without another word.
Arabella walked with Edward through the gardens for a little while longer before finally escorting him back to his room.
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.

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