True Heiress Returns to Her Unemployed Rich Family (Arabella) novel Chapter 364

+5 Free Coins

Chapter 364 Arabella Advises Edward on Strategy

Chapter 364 Arabella Advises Edward on Strategy

He didn’t want to look at Harper or Dylan for another second.

“Fine! We’re leaving! Hmph! Mom and Uncle Calvin won’t just let this slide!” Harper shot back furiously before storming out, roughly pulling Dylan along with her.

The lobby fell into an almost immediate, heavy quiet.

Edward couldn’t help but let out a weary, defeated breath.

“Come on, let’s go back to your office first,” Arabella said comfortingly. “Don’t let them get under your skin–people like that aren’t worth the energy.”

“I’m not upset, just… disappointed,” Edward replied with a trace of bitter self–mockery. “They’re supposed to be family. Who has a family that acts like that? They might as well be strangers… or even worse, adversaries.”

“Let’s go upstairs,” Arabella urged gently. “There’s actually something I wanted to discuss with you.”

Edward took a deep, steadying breath and straightened his shoulders. “Alright, let’s go.”

Before leaving, he turned to Nina. “Please go to a clinic or urgent care and get checked out. Submit all the bills to the company.”

“Mr. Macdonald, I’m really fine–just a little bruised. Some ice and an over–the–counter pain reliever when I get home is all I need,” Nina insisted.

Seeing her reluctance, Arabella stepped closer. “Let me take a quick look, then.”

She gave Nina’s arm and side a brief, professional assessment and nodded. “You’re right, nothing seems broken or sprained. But you should still go home and rest for the day. Come back to work when you’re feeling completely recovered.”

Nina glanced toward Edward for final approval.

He gave a slight nod. “Go on home. Get some rest.”

“Thank you, Mr. Macdonald,” she said, then looked at Arabella. “And thank you, Ms. Hamilton.”

“Take care,” Arabella said softly before turning back to her brother. “Alright, let’s go.”

The two of them made their way toward the private elevator leading to Edward’s office.

“That was really intense just now… Good thing Mr. Macdonald and Ms. Hamilton were here.”

“Yeah, who would’ve thought Mr. Macdonald had a sister like that?”

“Totally. Compared to Ms. Hamilton, she’s like night and day.”

The other front desk staff couldn’t help but whisper among themselves, still visibly shaken.

“I’m going to head home and rest. Can you guys keep an eye on things here? I have a feeling that woman isn’t the type to just drop this, so maybe stay extra alert.”

“Don’t worry–Mr. Macdonald already gave instructions to security. She’s officially banned from the building.”

1/3

11:37 am

Chapter 364 Arabella Advises Edward on Strategy

“You go ahead and rest, Nina. We’ve got things covered here.”

“Alright, thanks. I’ll see you all tomorrow.”

The lobby gradually settled back into its usual orderly calm as everyone returned to their tasks.

Upstairs, Arabella and Edward entered his office.

+5 Free Coins

“Arabella, you mentioned earlier you had something to talk about. What’s on your mind?” Edward asked, gesturing for her to sit.

Arabella’s expression grew a bit more serious. “I heard that a potential partnership you were negotiating ran into a wall. I wanted to know what happened.” That was actually her primary reason for visiting–she just hadn’t expected to walk into the scene with Harper and Dylan.

“You already heard about that,” Edward said, his expression tightening slightly. He let out a discouraged sigh. “I think the other company got cold feet. My firm is brand new… They were probably worried I couldn’t deliver or handle the scale.

“To be honest, thank goodness for that investment lead Ethan passed to me. If I didn’t have that solid starting point, facing a rejection like this right after launch would have been a major blow to team morale,” Edward added, his voice thoughtful.

“Don’t let it shake your confidence. If that’s genuinely all it was–a risk assessment on their part–then it’s just a normal business hurdle. We’ll just keep moving forward,” Arabella said, visibly relaxing a little.

She had rushed over worried that Calvin or Freya might have had a hand in sabotaging the deal. If it wasn’t deliberate interference from them, she could breathe a little easier.

“I’m not walking away. This took everything to build, and I’ll see it through–no matter what nuisances cross my path,” Edward said, his gaze steadying into unyielding resolve.

“Listen, your company is in its infancy. You don’t have a proven track record yet. The quickest and most effective path forward right now is to secure and execute one standout, impressive project–something that will get your name recognized and build credibility fast,” Arabella reasoned.

Edward nodded in agreement. “That’s exactly what I’ve been thinking. I’ve been doing research to see if there are any upcoming opportunities that would be a good fit.”

“Any promising leads so far?” Arabella asked.

“I’ve narrowed it down to two real possibilities, but I’m still weighing them,” Edward replied, pulling two manila folders from his desk drawer and handing them to Arabella. “Take a look. One is a smaller–scale investment–more aligned with my current capacity. The other is a rarer, more specialized opportunity… I think it has significant long–term potential, though.”

Arabella’s focus sharpened as she carefully reviewed the summarized proposals.

“Edward,” she said after a few moments, looking up, “pursue both.”

He looked at her, a little hesitant. “Arabella… I don’t have the resources or manpower to handle two major projects concurrently right now.”

It wasn’t a lack of ambition–he genuinely didn’t see how it was logistically possible.

Arabella smiled warmly. “Don’t worry about the ‘how‘ for now. I’ll help you figure that part out.”

“You helping me again…” Edward sighed, a wave of quiet shame washing over him. “I’m the one who started this company, but it

2/3

11:37 am

Chapter 364 Arabella Advises Edward on Strategy

feels like I’m constantly leaning on you for support.”

+5 Free Coins

“Hey,” Arabella said, her tone softening, “when we were kids, you promised you’d always protect me and look out for me. Does that promise still stand?”

Edward nodded earnestly, his eyes sincere. “Of course it does. Always.”

Arabella’s smile was gentle and full of warmth. “Exactly.”

She looked at him, her expression steady and encouraging. “So what you need to focus on now is growing stronger–and quickly. The only way you can truly keep that promise, and do all the other things you want to do, is by building your own strength and stability.”

Only when he was truly strong, no longer vulnerable to pressure from Freya or Calvin, would she be able to fully relax.

Edward nodded firmly, resolve settling in his features. “I understand. I won’t let you down. I’ll work harder than ever.”

“You don’t have to be so tense about it,” Arabella said, unable to hold back a soft, affectionate laugh. “Why so serious all of a sudden?”

Edward attempted a smile, but it came out a bit stiff. “Do I really look that serious?”

“Serious? You look like you’re trying to solve a crisis single–handedly–lighten up!” Arabella teased him playfully.