rue Heiress Return to Her Unemployed Rich Family novel Chapter 23

Chapter 23 A Chilling Rejection

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Snapping back to the moment, Naomi rose quickly, a bright smile on her face. “Matthew, you’re back.”

Matthew’s gaze swept over her, a slight frown creasing his brow. What was she doing here? His response was a single, noncommittal syllable. “Yeah.”

Without another glance, he walked past her with an air of detached indifference, his focus entirely on Robert. “Grandpa, how are you feeling today?” His visit was for Robert. Anyone else was irrelevant.

“Much better, actually,” Robert said, his spirits visibly lifted. “Naomi came by for a visit. We had a lovely chat. It’s perked me right up.” Noting Matthew’s coolness, he made a point of praising her.

The mention of Naomi ‘visiting‘ and ‘chatting‘ sparked a flicker of irritation in Matthew. Robert needed rest, not social calls that could tire him out.

But seeing the genuine cheer on Robert’s face, he bit back any comment. His tone, however, remained firm. “You should go upstairs and rest now. Dr. Flores is here for your check–up.”

Hearing Miles‘ name, Robert’s mood soured. He ignored Matthew’s suggestion entirely. “Forget about me for a minute. You should think about yourself. You’re not getting any younger, you know. It’s past time you settled down. You’re always buried in work. You haven’t seen Naomi in ages. Since she’s already here, take her out. Go get some lunch. Relax a little. You don’t need to babysit me; I can manage with the doctor.”

“Out of the question,” Matthew stated flatly, his voice brooking no argument. “I need to know your condition firsthand.”

His schedule was packed; he was only here out of necessity. The last thing he wanted was to be maneuvered into a social engagement with Naomi.

Seeing Matthew’s stubbornness, Robert decided to be more direct. He turned to Naomi, bypassing Matthew’s refusal. “Naomi, Matthew has some time today. Let him take you to lunch. Are you free?”

The invitation sent a jolt of pure joy through Naomi. “Of course,” she said, her smile radiant. “I’d love to. I have the whole afternoon.”

“Perfect! Then off you go. Don’t you two worry about me,” Robert said, shooting a pointed look

at Matthew.

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“I’ll visit again soon, Robert. Take care,” Naomi said, her goodbyes cheerful. She knew exactly what Robert was doing, and her heart swelled with gratitude.

Matthew’s expression darkened, cornered by his grandfather’s blatant setup. After a brief, tense moment where his eyes narrowed slightly, he seemed to relent–or at least, chose not to fight it in front of everyone. He turned to Miles with cool authority. “Proceed with the examination.”

“Yes, sir,” Miles replied promptly, stepping forward with his medical kit.

Only then did Matthew’s gaze return to Naomi. “Let’s go,” he said, his tone giving nothing

away.

Though it was just two words, Naomi clung to them. Her mind was already racing ahead, picturing a quiet, intimate lunch. Just the thought made her giddy.

Watching his tall, commanding figure, she felt a happiness so intense it felt like she was heading toward a future with him, not just a meal.

Seeing Naomi about to leave with Matthew, Ruby quickly moved to follow. Noting that Matthew was already striding ahead without a backward glance, she hurried to Naomi’s side and grasped her arm, whispering urgently, “This is your chance, Naomi! I’ll head back on my own. Just go with the flow. I’ll be waiting for all the details!”

Naomi met Ruby’s excited look. This was the private moment they’d talked about. She had to make it count. No matter where they went, she needed to be unforgettable.

Soon, they stood under the portico at the front entrance, waiting for the car to be brought around. The silence stretched for a beat before Matthew spoke, his voice as cool as the shade they stood in. “It was kind of you to visit my grandfather.”

His polite tone encouraged her. “It was nothing, really,” Naomi said, looking down shyly before daring to add, “After all, as your… well, given our families‘ understanding… it’s only natural I’d want to check on him.”

It was the first time she had ever openly alluded to the long–standing expectation of a union between them. Her heart hammered against her ribs.

The unspoken word–fiancée–hung in the air. Matthew’s face grew visibly stormier. He had never agreed to that arrangement. It was becoming clear this matter needed to be addressed definitively, though now was not the moment.

Just then, the car pulled up. Matthew gestured toward it. “Get in.”

“Okay,” Naomi said, a shy smile touching her lips as she assumed he meant they would go

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Chapter 23 A Chilling Rejection

together. “Shall we?”

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Beside them, Ruby was practically buzzing, ready to wave them off and claim her role as successful matchmaker.

But Matthew made no move toward the car. His expression turned to ice. He looked directly at Naomi, one eyebrow lifting in a cool, dismissive arc. “I never said I was going with you.”

The words hit Naomi like a physical blow. Her smile froze, then shattered. “What… what did you say?”

Her mind reeled. What does he mean? Doesn’t he want to have lunch? Then why has he seemingly agreed inside?

Matthew had no patience for repetition. He glanced at his watch, a gesture of supreme impatience. “I’m extremely busy. The only time I carve out is for my grandfather’s daily check- up. I won’t be joining you today. If a social lunch is necessary, my assistant can schedule something for another time.”

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