rue Heiress Return to Her Unemployed Rich Family novel Chapter 24

‘d probably schedule that for never. Matthew thought with an inner sneer. Without offering Naomi any explanation or even a backward glance, he simply turned and walked back into the house.

Naomi felt as if she’d been plunged into icy water. The blood drained from her face, leaving her pale and stunned.

Ruby was also frightened by the sudden, cold dismissal. Instinctively, she called out, “Matthew, wait, but Robert just said—”

She didn’t get to finish. Matthew stopped and shot a look over his shoulder–a single, piercing glance that held such frosty finality it instantly sealed Ruby’s mouth. She didn’t dare utter another syllable.

Satisfied with her silence, Matthew gave her one last dismissive look before striding through the doorway, leaving them standing alone under the portico.

Naomi watched his retreating figure until it vanished into the shadows of the hall, unable to process what had just happened. How could it be over before it even began? All her beautiful fantasies from moments ago lay shattered at her feet. The rejection was so swift and absolute.

“Naomi… he just left? Like that?” Ruby whispered, not daring to follow him. She turned back to Naomi, her expression a mix of disbelief and frustration.

A deep well of disappointment opened inside Naomi, but her pride refused to let her admit she’d been publicly humiliated or that Matthew had no desire to spend time with her. She clung to a fragile, face–saving narrative. “It’s… it’s fine,” she said, forcing her voice to sound light. “He’s just preoccupied with Robert’s health. That’s why he couldn’t go. It was thoughtful of him to have his driver take me. Let’s just leave it at that.”

“Leave it at that?” Ruby repeated, her anxiety rising. “Do you have any idea how hard it was to get you this opening? Are you really going to let a perfect chance like this just slip away?”

She couldn’t understand Naomi’s passivity. “What were you thinking in there? We came today for this opportunity! Robert was practically handing it to you on a silver platter. Why would you just give up?”

Didn’t Naomi realize how difficult it was to get a moment of Matthew’s undivided attention?

But Naomi’s pride was a wall. She couldn’t bear the thought of chasing after a man who had so clearly dismissed her. Swallowing the ache in her chest, she insisted with a bitter tone, “I said it’s fine. I know what I’m doing. Matthew said we could arrange something another time. Let’s

1/3

“But it can’t just end like this…” Ruby started again, then stopped. She finally noticed the fragile, wounded look in Naomi’s eyes that contradicted her calm words.

“Alright, enough. Didn’t you want a nice lunch? I’ll take you. Let’s go.” Without waiting for a reply, she walked decisively to her own car and got in.

Seeing the conversation was truly over, Ruby sighed in resignation and climbed into the

passenger seat.

In a final act of wounded pride, Naomi pointedly ignored the Stewart family car and driver still waiting nearby. She started her own engine and pulled away.

Driving back down the majestic, tree–lined avenue, her mood was a stark contrast to the hopeful excitement she’d felt on the way in. Now, neither she nor Ruby was in any state to appreciate the scenery.

As they neared the estate’s main gate, a nondescript black sedan approached from the opposite direction, heading inward. Chapter 23 A Chilling Rejection

+10 Free Coins

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.

1/3

“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

2/3

Chapter 23 A Chilling Rejection

together. “Shall we?”

+10 Free Coins

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.”

3/3

Naomi’s attention sharpened momentarily. Anyone arriving here had to be pre–cleared by security; they were undoubtedly expected guests.

Slowing slightly out of instinctual curiosity, she let the other car pass. Ruby also glanced over.

In that split–second as the windows aligned, Ruby’s eyes widened. Was she seeing things? For just a flash, she thought she recognized the profile of the passenger.

“Naomi… was that Arabella in that car?” Ruby frowned, twisting in her seat to stare through the rear window, but the car had already passed, its occupants hidden.

Naomi had seen the car but, focused on driving, hadn’t gotten a clear look at the passenger. Hearing Ruby’s question, a look of pure derision crossed her face. “Don’t be ridiculous. You must be seeing things. This isn’t a place just anyone can access.”

Arabella had just arrived back in the family. Even if Jonathan or Florence were visiting Robert today, they certainly wouldn’t bring her along so soon. Besides, that wasn’t a Hamilton family car. “It was definitely not her.”

“You’re right,” Ruby agreed quickly, dismissing her own fleeting suspicion. “That new girl wouldn’t have any business here at all.” In Ruby’s mind, Arabella hardly had the right to be in their home, let alone a place like Stewart Manor.

*****

2/3

unapiti 24 Lent at the Doorstep

just drop it for today.” Even as she said it, the hollow words offered little comfort.

+10 Free Coins

“But it can’t just end like this…” Ruby started again, then stopped. She finally noticed the fragile, wounded look in Naomi’s eyes that contradicted her calm words.

“Alright, enough. Didn’t you want a nice lunch? I’ll take you. Let’s go.” Without waiting for a reply, she walked decisively to her own car and got in.

Seeing the conversation was truly over, Ruby sighed in resignation and climbed into the passenger seat.

In a final act of wounded pride, Naomi pointedly ignored the Stewart family car and driver still waiting nearby. She started her own engine and pulled away.

Driving back down the majestic, tree–lined avenue, her mood was a stark contrast to the hopeful excitement she’d felt on the way in. Now, neither she nor Ruby was in any state to appreciate the scenery.

As they neared the estate’s main gate, a nondescript black sedan approached from the opposite direction, heading inward.

Naomi’s attention sharpened momentarily. Anyone arriving here had to be pre–cleared by security; they were undoubtedly expected guests.

Slowing slightly out of instinctual curiosity, she let the other car pass. Ruby also glanced over.

In that split–second as the windows aligned, Ruby’s eyes widened. Was she seeing things? For just a flash, she thought she recognized the profile of the passenger.

18 25 is FR F ZE AL

“Naomi… was that Arabella in that car?” Ruby frowned, twisting in her seat to stare through the rear window, but the car had already passed, its occupants hidden.

Naomi had seen the car but, focused on driving, hadn’t gotten a clear look at the passenger. Hearing Ruby’s question, a look of pure derision crossed her face. “Don’t be ridiculous. You must be seeing things. This isn’t a place just anyone can access.”

Arabella had just arrived back in the family. Even if Jonathan or Florence were visiting Robert today, they certainly wouldn’t bring her along so soon. Besides, that wasn’t a Hamilton family car. “It was definitely not her.”

“You’re right,” Ruby agreed quickly, dismissing her own fleeting suspicion. “That new girl wouldn’t have any business here at all.” In Ruby’s mind, Arabella hardly had the right to be in their home, let alone à place like Stewart Manor.

*****

2/3

Back inside the house, Robert looked up in surprise as Matthew re–entered the room. “Why are you back? I told you to take Naomi out.”

“She was concerned about you being here alone, so she suggested I stay,” Matthew said offhandedly, offering a careless excuse.

Robert knew Matthew far too well. He saw right through it. “I think you were the one who didn’t want to go, and you’re using me as your excuse,” he said, cutting to the chase.

“Naomi is a lovely young woman. Polite, considerate. The Hamiltons and the Stewarts are a good match by any measure. It would be a sensible union. You’d do well not to let an opportunity like that pass you by, Matthew.” His tone was earnest.

He might let today’s evasion slide, but he would not allow Matthew to disregard what he saw as a perfect match indefinitely.

“Let’s not discuss that now,” Matthew said, his voice brooking no argument as he deftly changed the subject. “Let’s focus on Dr. Flores finishing your examination.”

3/3