The Real Heiress Is Coming Back (Hannah Carter) novel Chapter 130

Chapter 130

Chapter 130

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Hannah turned around and saw Felicity’s furrowed brows, realizing her tone had been a bit harsh just now.

She softened her voice and said, “Really, Mom, don’t overthink it. We’re just… She hesitated for a moment. “Friends”

Felicity stared at her in surprise, not expecting Hannah to explain herself. Then, her eyes lit up with a bit of joy.

“Is that the friend you said you were staying with before?” Felicity asked.

“Yeah,” Hannah replied.

Felicity nodded with an understanding look. “Did you two have a fight or something?”

The fact that this was what Felicity cared about caught Hannah off guard. “Aren’t you surprised?”

Wasn’t this something to be surprised about?’ Hannah thought. Back when she asked Arthur to pick up a gift from Skycrest House, he was shocked to find out she was staying with Barnaby, and he even looked like he was against it.

So even after she agreed to return to the Scott family, she didn’t mention it to anyone else.

Felicity nodded. “I was surprised. The first time I saw Mr. Thole come to our house, I never thought you two would know each other. And this morning, when he said he was here to pick you up, I was surprised he actually came himself.”

Hannah was speechless.

‘Honestly, it seems like she’s more shocked about Barnaby himself than about what actually happened, Hannah thought.

But then again, Susie got engaged to Jasper when she was barely out of school, so maybe her family was already numb to all this young love drama.

‘Hold on, I’m not even in a relationship!’ Hannah thought.

“Your dad and I started dating in secret back in high school,” Felicity said, a little embarrassed. “Things were so much simpler back then. But once our family made it big, he just wasn’t the same anymore…”

If she had a choice, Felicity would never want Hannah to marry into a rich, powerful family, especially one as big as theirs.

She knew all too well how tough it was to be a daughter-in-law in that world. Coming from a different background meant there was the persistent, quiet ache of being an outsider looking in.

But if Hannah’s heart was set on Barnaby, Felicity wouldn’t try to stop her. She’d respect her daughter’s decision.

“It’s alright, sweetheart. If you really love him, I’ll stand by you,” Felicity said softly.

“When two people are together, there’s bound to be some friction. Someone’s gotta compromise sometimes, and both of you need to show a little more patience and understanding. That’s the only way things last.”

Hannah listened to her mom’s advice, but something just felt off.

‘I’m still a minor! Where is her mind even going?’ Hannah thought.

“Mom, you’ve got it all wrong. We’re not what you think,” Hannah cut her off.

“Really?” Felicity looked skeptical. “But Mr. Thole treats you so differently…”

Barnaby had this natural air of nobility about him. Even when he tried to act humble, there was still that intimidating vibe that made people hesitate to get too close.

11:13 Mon, Dec 22 GJ

Chapter 130

But whenever Barnaby looked at Hannah, that softness in his eyes was reserved just for her, even if he didn’t mean to.

If that’s not love, then what is? Felicity thought to herself.

Plus, Felicity could tell that ever since Barnaby started coming around, Hannah’s mood had clearly changed.

“No, Mom, you’re really overthinking it. If you’re going to worry about someone, you should be worrying about Arthur, not me.” Hannah said.

Before she heard about Barnaby’s preferences, Hannah used to feel like he was special with her. But after she found out, she stopped thinking he had feelings for her.

Honestly, maybe Barnaby just acts different around me because we used to live together as kids. Plus, I’m the only one who knows about his secret health issues, and I promised to help him out. Hannah thought.

“What’s up with Arthur? He doesn’t even have a girlfriend,” Felicity said, looking puzzled.

“Exactly! That’s why you should be worried about him,” Hannah shot back.

Just imagine, two single guys alone in one room. Who knows what that sneaky Barnaby might get up to? Hannah grumbled to herself.

Felicity was at a loss for words.

Meanwhile, in another room…

The room had a king-sized bed and a small sofa.

Barnaby walked in, plopped down on the sofa, crossed his legs, and started scrolling through his phone.

Arthur stood behind the door, glaring at Barnaby, who was lounging there like he owned the place. He was so annoyed he could grind his teeth.

He thought he could goad Barnaby into leaving, but instead, he ended up screwing himself over.

No way in hell was he sharing a bed with Barnaby. That was just not happening!

And honestly, he was pretty sure Barnaby would never agree to it either.

This was a straight-up showdown between two guys, whoever held out longer would get to claim the room for himself.

If he lost, that damn Barnaby would just get even bolder in the future.

For Hannah’s sake, he had to stand his ground. No way was he giving up this room, Barnaby was the one who had to go!

Barnaby had already seen right through Arthur’s little scheme. ‘Trying to kick me out? Seriously?’ he scoffed inwardly.

‘He really thinks he can outlast me? He’s got no idea who he’s dealing with, Barnaby thought.

This was supposed to be his and Hannah’s room from the start. If anyone was getting kicked out, it’d be Arthur.

Out of the corner of his eye, Barnaby noticed Arthur still standing there. He moved his lips and said, “Go ahead, the bed’s all yours.”

Arthur was genuinely surprised. ‘Since when is he so generous?’ he wondered.

“Oh, so now you’re trying to win me over, Mr. Thole?” Arthur shot back with a smirk.

Chapter 130

Ha! As if I’d fall for that. That bed is mine, and Barnaby? He’s the one who’s gotta pack up and leave, Arthur thought

Barnaby glanced up at him, keeping a straight face. “I always show respect to my elders.

“If 23 makes me ancient, then at 24, you’re not exactly a kid yourself Arthur retorted, grinding his teeth.

Barnaby adjusted his glasses, his expression gentle as he spoke in that magnetic voice of his “Come on. Mr. Scott. Once you round up to twenty-five, thirty’s just around the corner. Don’t be in denial about getting old

“Thirty? Screw that! Arthur thought.

I’m twenty-five! I’m in my prime!

No way I’m just gonna roll over and admit I’m old!’

“1. Refuse. To. Admit. I’m. Old!” Arthur snapped, stressing every word.

Barnaby suddenly stood up, a sly grin on his face. “Fine, then you get the couch tonight.”

Arthur could only stare, lost for words.

‘Shit! I totally fell for it! He just flipped my own trick right back at me!’ Arthur cursed himself, feeling like he’d been completely outplayed.

After getting outplayed twice in a row, Arthur realized he was really off to a bad start today, he’d finally met his match.

‘Time to try a different tactic, Arthur thought to himself.

Just then, the doorbell chimed.

Arthur turned and opened the door, only to see Hannah casually draped in a bathrobe, standing at the threshold.

The robe hung loosely, showing off her slender swan neck and those alluring collarbones, while her swimsuit underneath was struggling to contain her curves.

She might still be underage, but her figure already had all the lines and shape of a grown woman.

Arthur, worried Barnaby might get an eyeful, hurried out and quickly pulled the door shut behind him.

“You good?” Hannah asked, casually sizing Arthur up, her face giving nothing away.

Arthur’s heart warmed. ‘Is my little sister really here just to check on me?’ he thought.

Even though he’d just taken two Ls in a row, he still forced a smile. “I’m fine.”

“Alright,” Hannah replied, then after a beat, reminded him, “Just… make sure you stay away from him, okay?”

Arthur’s smile froze. “Huh?”

‘Wait, that doesn’t sound right… Arthur thought, his brows furrowing in confusion.

‘Hold up, don’t tell me my little sister’s into Barnaby too?’ Arthur’s mind spun.

“Baby, did you come looking for me to soak in the hot spring?” Just then, the half-open door swung open from the inside, and Barnaby stepped out, his voice smooth and teasing.