True Heiress Returns to Her Unemployed Rich Family (Arabella) novel Chapter 142

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He never would have imagined the confrontational young woman was actually Arabella’s cousin.

No wonder she had spoken so boldly.

Did that mean his earlier intervention was just unnecessary interference…?

Immediately, Lucas turned to Arabella for confirmation. “Ms. Hamilton, is she really your cousin?”

Although Arabella was reluctant to acknowledge it, what Ruby said was technically true. She gave a slight nod. “Yes.”

Hearing her confirmation, Lucas inwardly winced.

His intention had been to stand up for her, to ensure she wasn’t being bullied.

But now it seemed he had just inserted himself into a family disagreement.

It felt like he’d stirred the pot and pleased no one.

Lucas‘ face now showed clear embarrassment. He quietly stepped back from his protective stance in front of Arabella.

He then tried to explain to Ruby, “Um, Cou-”

“Who do you think you’re addressing like that?” Ruby cut him off instantly.

Why was he using that term? Did he think he was somehow part of the family now?

“Right! Sorry, my mistake!” Lucas felt a light sweat on his brow.

How had he slipped up like that when he was flustered!

“Ms. Hamilton’s cousin, I was just trying to-” Lucas began again, but Ruby interrupted once

more.

“My name is Ruby, not ‘Ms. Hamilton’s cousin,” Ruby said, rolling her eyes in annoyance. Even though she was attracted to him, it was irritating that he didn’t even use her name.

“My apologies,” Lucas sighed, feeling helpless.

Was his brain short–circuiting? Why was everything coming out wrong…

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“Enough,” Arabella said, her gaze cool as it swept over them. “You two have been causing a disturbance here for no reason, wasting my time and disrupting my session. Leave. Now.”

“What are you talking about? Who’s causing a disturbance? We came for Lucas‘ lesson.

“We just didn’t expect you to be here, that’s all,” Naomi retorted calmly.

She hadn’t come to start trouble–Ruby had been the one insisting on seeing Lucas.

She couldn’t control Arabella reprimanding Ruby, but she didn’t appreciate being grouped in

with her.

“So what you’re saying is that I shouldn’t be here Arabella said with a cold laugh, locking eyes with Naomi.

Under her icy stare, Naomi felt distinctly uncomfortable.

“I never said that. You’re putting words in my mouth.”

Arabella smirked sarcastically. “You really haven wasted your education–you’ve become quite adept at verbal sparring.”

“With the limited knowledge you have, you’re mocking others?

“Do you even understand what ‘verbal sparring‘ means?

“Just go already. Stop embarrassing yourself here,” Ruby said disdainfully.

How dare someone from a humble background challenge Naomi? She was completely overestimating herself!

“Why do you feel the need to chime in everywhere? Worried people will forget you exist if you stay quiet?

“Shadowing Naomi all the time–you haven’t picked up any useful skills, but you’ve certainly mastered pettiness and sarcasm,” Arabella shot back, throwing a sharp, icy glance at Ruby.

It instantly silenced her.

Ruby had never seen Arabella look at her with such a terrifying expression–it sent a chill straight down her spine.

“I don’t have time to waste on you two. Since you refuse to leave, then you can stay right

here.”

With that, Arabella picked up her bag and headed for the door.

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Chapter 142 Family Tensions Come to a Head

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If Lucas hadn’t been present, and if this weren’t the academy, she might have handled the situation more directly.

“Stay right here?!”

“What kind of thing is that to say!” Naomi frowned, clearly offended.

Lucas also shot them an unhappy look. They had shown up uninvited and ruined what had been a pleasant, focused session with Arabella.

Opportunities to spend one–on–one time with her were rare for him–each one was valuable.

“Ms. Hamilton, let me walk you out,” Lucas said, seeing Arabella leave. There was no point in him staying now, so he quickly followed her.

“Lucas, why are you leaving too?” Ruby called out instinctively, watching him go after Arabella.

“Stop. He’s not staying,” Naomi said irritably, glancing at her cousin.

“Naomi, what is so special about Arabella? Not only does our family side with her, but why does Lucas defend her too?” Ruby asked, completely baffled.

“Honestly, I’m starting to wonder the same thing It’s as if she has some kind of hold over these men…” Naomi muttered, her tone suspicious.

When it came to looks, talent, or her feelings for Matthew, she believed she was Arabella’s equal, if not superior.

So why had Matthew begun gravitating toward Arabella after calling off their engagement?

Was it just her status?

But from what she knew of Matthew, he wasn’t the type to be swayed by background alone…

After turning it over, Naomi could only land on one explanation–there was something deceptive about Arabella. That would make everything else fit.

The thought took root, and a sharp, bitter blend of resentment and jealousy clouded her

eyes.

Ruby, standing beside her, noticed the unsettling look in Naomi’s eyes and felt a vague sense of dread.

*****

Out in the hallway, Lucas caught up to Arabella. I’m sorry we didn’t get to finish today’s

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Chapter 142 Family Tensions Come to a Head

lesson.”

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