True Heiress Returns to Her Unemployed Rich Family (Arabella) novel Chapter 357

Chapter 357 Waking Up

Chapter 357 Waking Up

“Did you stay up late last night?” Matthew’s voice sounded close to her ear.

+10 Free Coins

Arabella was startled, turning her head abruptly. Seeing his handsome face magnified so near, she realized she hadn’t been leaning against a tree–she had been leaning against Matthew.

Oh, my God!

So she had been… sleeping on Matthew’s shoulder this whole time?!

A wave of panic washed over her. Arabella jerked back as if shocked and immediately stood up.

But she rose too fast. Her vision swam with a sudden wave of dizziness, causing her to stumble slightly.

“What’s wrong?” Matthew was on his feet in an instant, his hands coming up instinctively to steady her.

Once the dizziness passed and Arabella regained her balance, she said awkwardly, “Thank you. I’m fine–just stood up too quickly.”

“That’s good,” Matthew replied calmly, withdrawing his hands.

“I… I should get back to my painting.” Arabella fled back to her easel, her face warm with embarrassment.

Watching her pick up her brush and begin painting again, Matthew’s eyebrow lifted slightly.

“Mr. Stewart, you really could head back first. I’m probably going to be here a while longer,” Arabella said quietly.

She was mortified. Maybe if he left, she could finally relax.

But Matthew simply said, “No hurry. The scenery here really is excellent. I think I’ll enjoy it a little longer.”

Arabella gritted her teeth internally. At a time like this, he’s still in the mood to admire the view?

Her mind was in turmoil, but her hands kept moving, her brushstrokes continuing across the paper.

Just as the painting was nearing completion, Matthew’s voice sounded beside her again. “You’ve captured it very well.”

“You’re too kind, Mr. Stewart. I was just sketching idly… Oh, my God!” What on earth had she painted?!

On the paper was a beautiful landscape–lush green grass, delicate wildflowers, and two figures seated close together, one leaning against the other…

Arabella pulled the sheet from the easel, about to crumple it up and toss it away.

But Matthew stopped her. “Wait.”

“Mr. Stewart?” Arabella was confused. Did he have something to say?

“It’s very well done. Don’t throw it away,” Matthew said.

Arabella forced herself to reply, “I don’t care for it.”

“I do,” Matthew stated, and before she could react, he took the painting from her hands. “Since you don’t like it, I’ll keep it.”

1/3

12:06 pm

Chapter 357 Waking Up

+10 Free Coins

Her lips twitched. Arabella managed an awkward smile. “I can paint you a proper landscape. Let’s just forget about this one.”

It was embarrassing enough that she’d fallen asleep on him. Now she’d gone and painted something like this? What had she been. thinking?!

“It’s fine. I prefer this one,” Matthew said, already beginning to carefully roll the paper.

“Hey…” Arabella reached out to stop him, but she was too late.

Matthew deftly avoided her hand, finished rolling the painting, and held it securely.

Arabella sighed in defeat. “Given your standing, Mr. Stewart, shouldn’t you collect art with more… conventional value?”

“What I find valuable is for me to decide,” Matthew replied.

Rolling her eyes in exasperation, Arabella muttered, “Fine. Suit yourself.”

After that, she sat down again and picked up her brush once more.

Soon after finishing another sketch, Arabella began packing her supplies.

She had enough material now. All she wanted was to get home as quickly as possible.

She had been completely off her game today, doing one embarrassing thing after another.

Thankfully, it was just the two of them here. If anyone else had witnessed this, the humiliation would have been unbearable.

Once her carrying case was packed, Arabella strode quickly back along the path they had come.

She just wanted to leave, to be home immediately.

Watching her hurried, almost fleeing steps, a slight curve touched Matthew’s lips as he followed at a more measured pace.

A while later, the two returned to the main house.

“Arabella, what’s wrong? You look a bit pale. Are you feeling unwell?” Lena asked with concern.

“No, it’s… I’m just a little tired. I think I should probably head home and rest,” Arabella replied, seizing the excuse. Otherwise, she was sure they would insist she stay for dinner.

Sure enough, upon hearing this, Robert said with a hint of regret, “I was hoping we could all have dinner together tonight. Since you’re not feeling your best, go home and rest. We’ll arrange a meal another time.”

“In that case, Grandpa, Robert, please continue your game. I’ll be heading home now,” Arabella said, eager to make a prompt exit.

She then turned to Lena. “Grandma, I’m off. I’ll come visit another day.”

“Alright, dear, you go and rest,” Lena replied. “Can you drive yourself? Should we have one of the staff drive you?”

“I’m fine to drive,” Arabella assured her.

“Matthew, see Dr. Hamilton out,” Robert instructed.

Arabella immediately refused, “That’s really not necessary. I’m perfectly fine on my own.”

2/3

12:06 pm

Chapter 357 Waking Up

00491

+10 Free Coins

With that, Arabella turned and walked briskly toward the front door, as if afraid Matthew might catch up if she delayed even a second.

Robert looked suspiciously at his grandson. “What’s going on with her? You didn’t do something to upset her, did you?”

“No,” Matthew responded, his tone even.

“Then why does it seem like she was trying to get away from you?” Robert pressed, still sensing something was off.

They had been fine before, but after coming back from the waterfall, she suddenly claimed fatigue. It didn’t add up.

“Why would she be trying to get away from me?” Matthew countered.

Robert glared at him. “How should I know?”

“Then there’s no reason for it,” Matthew stated flatly.

“You rascal, you must have offended Dr. Hamilton somehow,” Robert said, his conviction growing.

Matthew sounded innocently puzzled. “You’re imagining things.”

“Robert, how could Matthew possibly have bullied Arabella? You must be overthinking it,” Ryan interjected, coming to his grandson’s defense.