True Heiress Returns to Her Unemployed Rich Family (Arabella) novel Chapter 356

Chapter 356 Awkward Confession

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It was clear Matthew was probing, but Arabella knew she couldn’t show any sign of being flustered.

A faint curve appeared on Matthew’s lips. “That’s an interesting perspective. And quite… philosophical.”

“What are your own interests, Mr. Stewart?” Arabella asked, trying to steer the conversation away from herself.

He was too observant. Just from watching her sketch, he was already wondering if she could design. She needed to be more

careful.

“Do you really want to get to know me better?” Matthew countered instead of answering.

Arabella sighed inwardly and quickly backtracked, “Forget I asked.”

Who wanted to get to know him? She was just making polite conversation.

“That’s fine,” Matthew said, the smile in his eyes deepening.

Arabella raised an eyebrow at him. Meeting his amused gaze, she realized he was deliberately teasing her.

Unable to hold back a hint of annoyance, she shot him a look. “You should try to maintain your dignified image a little, Mr.

Stewart.”

“Is my image not good?” he replied.

“If people knew the renowned Mr. Stewart had such a playful side, I think many would be quite surprised,” Arabella said bluntly.

“It’s just the two of us here. If word gets out, it’ll be your responsibility.” Matthew raised an eyebrow slightly. “And I don’t think you can handle the consequences.”

Arabella shot back, “You wouldn’t deliberately spread rumors and pin it on me, would you, Mr. Stewart?”

‘Of course not,” Matthew said meaningfully. “After all, it concerns my own reputation as well.”

‘Good.” Arabella nodded, satisfied.

Matthew smiled and fell silent.

On the surface, things were calm, but internally, he felt a strange sense of disappointment.

She really wanted to draw a clear line between them. Why?

“Mr. Stewart, have a seat,” Arabella said, finding a comfortable spot in the shade of a tree to rest.

Matthew walked over and looked down at her. “Aren’t we heading back?”

“I’d like to stay a bit longer. You can go back first if you’d like, Mr. Stewart,” Arabella replied.

Hearing this, Matthew sat down beside her.

Arabella looked surprised. “You’re not leaving?”

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Chapter 356 Awkward Confession

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“I’m in no rush. It’s more peaceful here,” Matthew said. “Going back wouldn’t be nearly as quiet.”

Understanding his meaning, Arabella said, “Actually, you could just explain the situation clearly to Robert. Why haven’t you?”

“If it’s not you, it’ll be someone else. As long as I don’t settle down, my grandfather won’t give up,” Matthew replied, a hint of resignation in his tone.

Arabella grew wary. “You’re not thinking of giving in, are you?”

Matthew looked at her. “What about you? You said before you only wanted to focus on your career. Does that still hold true?”

“Absolutely!” Arabella’s voice grew even firmer, as if warning Matthew not to get any ideas.

“Then it’s settled,” Matthew said. “That way, my grandfather is content for now, and I can have some peace.”

Arabella blinked, seeming to understand, then frowned. “So you’re letting Robert misunderstand our relationship, but in the end, he’ll still be disappointed.”

“It’s fine. After a while, I can tell him you’ve met someone else–that your heart belongs to another and I can’t stand in the way of true love,” Matthew stated matter–of–factly.

Arabella protested, “Since when do I have someone I like?”

“My grandfather won’t look into it too deeply,” Matthew said calmly.

Arabella’s lips twitched, and she shot Matthew an annoyed look. “You’ve got this all planned out, don’t you? What about my reputation?”

“Two people pursuing you, and me stepping aside graciously–do you really think that would hurt your reputation?” Matthew countered.

Arabella frowned. “And what about my family? When they ask, where am I supposed to find a more ‘suitable‘ person than you to point to?”

Honestly, did he not realize? In the social circles of Doranor, was there anyone with better standing and prospects than him?

Matthew fell silent, his deep gaze fixed on her.

Arabella belatedly realized what she had implied, and a faint warmth crept into her cheeks.

She had just been stating a practical fact, nothing more–but hearing it out loud, it really could be misinterpreted.

“I… um, I’m tired. I’m going to rest for a bit,” Arabella said, closing her eyes and leaning her head back against the tree trunk, pretending to sleep.

This was so awkward. How could her brain have short–circuited and said something like that?!

The corners of Matthew’s lips lifted slightly. He didn’t press the issue further, simply sitting quietly beside her.

Feeling self–conscious, Arabella leaned against the rough bark, hardly daring to breathe too loudly.

The two sat in a comfortable silence, surrounded by dappled sunlight, the gentle murmur of the stream, and the chorus of birdsong amid the fragrant blooms.

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Chapter 356 Awkward Confession

Without realizing it, Arabella actually drifted off to sleep.

Looking at her peaceful, sleeping face, Matthew felt a faint, amused smile touch his own eyes.

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“She actually fell asleep like that,” he chuckled softly to himself, shaking his head slightly before turning his gaze to the distant

scenery.

As he looked out, his eyes wandered to the sketchbook lying open beside her–the painting she had started. Though only a few initial strokes were there, he could already envision the beautiful landscape she was beginning to capture.

Suddenly, he felt a light weight settle against his shoulder. Matthew instinctively glanced down.

Arabella had slumped over, her head now resting against his shoulder, still deep in sleep.

His brow furrowed almost imperceptibly for a moment, then slowly relaxed: Matthew remained perfectly still, letting her rest.

Time passed slowly…

Having slept her fill, Arabella slowly blinked her eyes open.

She looked around, momentarily disoriented, before remembering where she was.

“I actually fell asleep. I really shouldn’t stay up so late,” Arabella murmured softly to herself.