True Heiress Returns to Her Unemployed Rich Family (Arabella) novel Chapter 355

Chapter 355 Sketching by the Waterfall

+5 Free Coina

Ryan also smiled and said, “It’s better if Matthew goes with you. We old men are just playing chess here–he’d be bored staying. He might as well get some fresh air.”

“That’s right, Arabella. You’re practically the hostess here–make sure you look after our guest properly,” Lena chimed in.

Arabella’s lips twitched slightly. If she had known Matthew was going to be here, she would have picked a different day for her sketching trip.

Gritting her teeth, she managed a polite smile. “Mr. Stewart, I imagine something as leisurely as enjoying nature wouldn’t really be your thing, would it?”

“It’s been a while since I’ve taken the time for that. A change of pace might be nice,” Matthew replied, sounding genuinely agreeable.

“You’re serious?” Arabella stared at him, her eyes widening slightly.

Can’t you see what these elders are trying to do? Why are you playing along?

Robert, however, was already beaming and shooing them off. “Well then, off you two go. Don’t just stand around here bothering us old folks.”

“Take some fruit and pastries with you, and maybe some coffee,” Ryan added.

Arabella sighed helplessly. “That’s really not necessary. I’ll just take a quick look and come straight back.”

“Alright, off you go then,” Robert said, practically ushering them toward the door.

“Don’t worry, Robert. We won’t be long,” Arabella couldn’t resist teasing back.

“Hmph, ‘not long‘? Take your time. We’ve got plenty of it here. No need to rush back on our account,” Robert instructed, his tone firm.

Seeing Robert’s mock–stern glare actually lifted Arabella’s spirits a little.

She didn’t want to be the only one feeling exasperated by this setup.

Arabella strode out of the house, only to hear Matthew’s voice behind her. “Aren’t you forgetting this?”

“What?” She turned and saw him gesturing toward her carrying case.

She had deliberately left it by the door earlier, not bringing it inside, and hadn’t expected him to notice.

After a brief pause, Arabella said, “Right. I’ll take it.”

Since things had already come to this, she might as well stick to her original plan.

After all, it was just sketching. Matthew probably wouldn’t find it strange.

With that thought, she picked up the case.

The two of them walked side by side. The grounds were expansive, and it took a little while to reach the wooded hillside at the rear.

1/3

10:18 am

PXX

Chapter 355 Sketching by the Waterfall

+5 Free Coing

“Mr. Stewart, why didn’t you just refuse earlier?” Arabella asked, still a bit puzzled. He had even claimed he wanted to see the scenery!

“Whether I accept or refuse, the end result would have been the same,” Matthew replied calmly.

Arabella’s brow furrowed for a second before smoothing out. “I suppose you’re right.”

Even if Matthew had refused, Robert would have likely found a way to convince–or pressure–him into coming anyway.

“If you really don’t want to, you don’t have to accompany me. Robert won’t know,” Arabella suggested.

Matthew raised an eyebrow. “You really don’t want me to come along?”

“I just think it’s an unnecessary inconvenience for you,” Arabella answered honestly.

“Mm,” Matthew responded simply, then said, “Let’s keep going.”

With that, he continued walking ahead.

Arabella was left slightly confused. What did that “Mm” mean…?

Maybe he agrees it’s unnecessary too. Well, that is fine. As long as they were on the same page, there was nothing to fuss over.

Feeling a bit more at ease, Arabella decided not to dwell on the elders‘ obvious meddling.

“The scenery here really is lovely. Since you’re here, Mr. Stewart, you might as well enjoy it properly,” Arabella remarked.

“It is quite peaceful,” Matthew agreed. His gaze drifted to the case in her hand. “But you’re not just here for the view, are you?”

A small smile touched Arabella’s lips. “Of course I’m here for the scenery–I just prefer to appreciate it by capturing it.”

She gave the case a light shake. “I’m here to sketch.”

“You sketch?” Matthew’s eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly.

“Yes. Just as a hobby,” Arabella replied.

Matthew’s eyebrow arched again. “You’re full of hidden talents.”

“You flatter me,” Arabella responded with a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.

Watching her expression, the amusement in Matthew’s gaze deepened.

He had never seen anyone look almost dismissive when receiving a compliment.

As they walked and talked, they soon arrived at the waterfall without even realizing how much time had passed.

The sound of rushing water filled the air. The shaded path was alive with birdsong and the scent of blossoms–it was a truly serene spot.

The tranquility was immediate, the kind of place that lifted one’s mood effortlessly.

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