rue Heiress Return to Her Unemployed Rich Family novel Chapter 71

18:50 Thu, Jan

Chapter 71 Appreciating Arabella’s Gifts

Chapter 71 Appreciating Arabella’s Gifts

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Hearing Jonathan praise Arabella, Florence’s eyes lit up with curiosity. “Did you take lessons, Arabella? How did you develop such a sharp eye for quality?”

“I learned a bit from an artist a few years back, but it was only for a short time,” Arabella explained, keeping her answer partly vague.

“Oh, that makes sense. So you had a wonderful teacher,” Florence replied with an appreciative nod.

“I think it’s more than that–Arabella has a natural gift. You can’t train an eye like that in just a few days, even with the best teacher,” Jonathan added, making it clear how impressed he was.

Arabella kept smiling gently. Not wanting the conversation to dig any deeper, she said, “Dad, I can tell you really admire this piece. A great work deserves someone who truly appreciates it. I’d like you to have it.”

“Oh? I’m getting a gift too?” Jonathan’s lips lifted into an involuntary smile.

He was always the one giving presents to his children. Receiving something from Arabella today touched him deeply–maybe even more than it had touched Florence.

“Of course. If Mom gets something, Dad should too. Otherwise, you might think I’m playing favorites,” Arabella said, which made everyone laugh.

She carefully rolled up the artwork and handed it to Jonathan.

“Even if you were playing favorites, I wouldn’t hold it against you. But I’m truly happy to receive this from you,” Jonathan told her warmly

“I’m glad it makes you happy.”

Standing nearby, Naomi began to feel a little uncomfortable.

Even though Jonathan wasn’t talking about her, she realized she’d never actually bought him a gift before. She’d always been on the receiving end all these years.

Watching how happy Jonathan looked holding Arabella’s gift, she felt a pang of regret. Why had it never occurred to her to give them something over all this time?

Not wanting to be completely outshone by Arabella, Naomi quickly reconsidered.

Since Arabella had already given Jonathan and orence such meaningful gifts, anything Naomi offered now would probably pale in comparison.

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18:50 Thu, Jan 15

Chapter 71 Appreciating Arabella’s Gifts

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Maybe instead she could use this moment to give Arabella a present–right in front of their parents. That way, they’d see how much she cared for her sister.

With a bright smile, Naomi walked over to Arabella. “You know, Arabella, I’ve actually been picking out something for you ever since you go back. I was going to give it to you this morning, but I missed you when I came downstairs. Now that you’re here, let me go grab it. Just a sec.”

After saying that, Naomi hurried up the stairs.

Ruby watched her go, confused. When had Naomi picked out a gift? Why didn’t she know about it?

“Naomi, wait up,” Ruby called, following her upstairs.

Watching them leave, Jonathan said with a satisfied tone, “It looks like Naomi’s learning to be more thoughtful toward her sister. That’s good to see.”

Florence nodded, touched. “She really is considerate.”

Arabella stayed quiet. The offer felt sudden–too sudden, as though it wasn’t planned ahead of time.

Upstairs, Ruby caught up with Naomi, still puzzled. “When did you get Arabella a gift? I never saw you buy anything.”

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“I just said that. I didn’t actually get her anything” Naomi admitted, her voice edged with jealousy. “But look how proud she’s acting–giving Mom and Dad gifts like she’s already part of everything. Does she even need something from me?”

“Then why did you say you had one?”

“Because I don’t want Mom and Dad only paying attention to her. Ever since she arrived, they’ve been giving her things. I haven’t given her anything, and I can’t let her steal the spotlight completely,” Naomi said, frustration clear in her voice.

“Why don’t you give Uncle Jonathan and Aunt Florence something instead?”

Naomi sighed. “The things she gave are one–of–a–kind pieces. Where am I supposed to find anything that special on such short notice? So the next best thing is to give Arabella something myself. At least that way Mom and Dad will think I’m making an effort.”

It was better than nothing–and maybe it would earn her a little appreciation, too.

“Okay, I get it now,” Ruby said, though she still looked unhappy. “But she really did show off today. It’s irritating.

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18:50 Thu, Jan 15

Chapter 71 Appreciating Arabella’s Gifts

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“And did you hear how she explained everything about those antiques? Acting like some kind of expert in front of Aunt Florence and Uncle Jonathan. I bet she just memorized it from some collector’s guide. Anyone could sound smart if they read up on it,” Ruby added dismissively. She wasn’t buying that Arabella actually knew anything about fine art.

By then, Naomi had reached her room. “Come on, help me figure out what I can give her,” she said to Ruby.

Ruby, however, made no effort to hide her reluctance. She didn’t want to help pick out a gift for Arabella at all.

Down in the living room, Florence noticed a box sitting beside Arabella.

“Arabella, is that also something you picked up a the auction?” she asked.

Arabella’s face brightened. “You guessed it, Mom”

“It’s another treasure inside?”

“Oh? Another treasure?” Jonathan chimed in, his eyes already fixed on Arabella with a soft, expectant smile.

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