What was that supposed to mean?
That the whole family somehow owed her something?
Frank’s brow furrowed almost imperceptibly. “As long as you’re happy,” he said simply.
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He then turned his attention to Arabella, a playful glint in his eye. “And I heard a certain someone here missed me. How come she giving me the silent treatment now?”
Arabella smiled. “Come by my office tomorrow, Frank. Lunch is on me, and we can catch up properly then.”
“Sounds like a plan. Actually, there’s a substantial new order I wanted to go over with you in detail,” Frank replied.
“Whatever you think is best,” Arabella said with a warm smile. “The expansion at the manufacturing facility is complete and clear for operation.”
Handling a larger volume wouldn’t be an issue.
Frank couldn’t help but look impressed. “You work fast. I’ll admit, I didn’t expect the timeline to be so tight.”
“Of course she’s fast,” Ethan chimed in, his voice full of brotherly pride. “Arabella’s a pro. She had everything mapped out from th start, so it was smooth sailing.”
Their sister was like a treasure chest–always full of unexpected and impressive skills.
Naomi’s face paled slightly as she watched everyone cluster around Arabella, singing her praises.
It was always like this. The moment Arabella entered the picture, she became the center of gravity, and Naomi seemed to fade int the background.
“In that case, I’ll come to you tomorrow. But the lunch invitation stands, I’ll have my assistant reserve a table for noon,” Frank said
“Frank, does that invitation include everyone present?” Alfred joked.
Frank rolled his eyes good–naturedly. “Fine, fine. Everyone’s invited.”
“Frank, does that mean Naomi and I can come too?” Ruby piped up, seizing the opportunity.
“If you’d like to join, of course you’re welcome,” Frank replied, his tone polite but not overly familiar.
“Thank you, Frank!” Ruby beamed, looking thoroughly pleased with herself.
She turned to Naomi, linking arms with her. “I’ll come by your place first tomorrow, Naomi, and we can head over together.”
“Fine,” Naomi replied coolly, her spirits still visibly low.
Ruby clung to her arm, laying on the affection. “I’m always imposing on you, Naomi. What would I ever do without you?”
Naomi forced a thin smile. “Don’t be silly. We’re family. It’s what we do.”
“Yeah, you’re really the only one who treats me like family around here,” Ruby sighed, putting on her best wistful act.
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9:24 am
Chapter 379 Ruby’s Hypocritical Performance
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Arabella watched Ruby’s performance with a cold, detached amusement. She really never misses a chance to put on a show.
“Mom, is dinner about ready? I’m getting hungry,” Arabella asked, deciding she’d had enough of the theatrics for now.
Florence checked her watch. “It should be. Let’s all move to the dining room.”
“Okay,” came the collective agreement as everyone began to make their way to the dinner table.
The meal was a lively affair, filled with the comfortable chatter of family.
“Arabella, try some of this.”
“This is your favorite, right?”
“Don’t forget this one.”
Frank, Ethan, and Alfred took turns ensuring Arabella’s plate was full and that she was enjoying the food, their attention firmly
her.
“See, Naomi?” Ruby whispered under her breath, leaning toward Naomi. “Arabella always knows how to make herself the cente attention.”
“Let’s just eat,” Naomi muttered, pushing her food around her plate, her mood not lifting.
“Ugh, you’re always too nice about it.” Ruby pretended to sympathize with another sigh.
Naomi’s hand, holding her fork, tightened slightly. She then continued eating in silence, as if she hadn’t heard.
“I’m finished. Please, take your time,” Naomi said abruptly, setting her utensils down and leaving the table for the sanctuary of h
room.
“Hey, wait…” Ruby glanced after Naomi’s retreating figure, then back at the sumptuous spread on the table, feeling a twinge of conflict.
Florence noticed and said kindly, “Naomi might just be tired. You go ahead and enjoy your meal, Ruby. The driver will take you home when you’re done.”
“Thank you, Aunt Florence,” Ruby said, her cheerfulness returning instantly.
“Enjoy,” Florence smiled, before turning her attention back to Arabella. “Arabella, you’ve been working so hard. Make sure you eat enough.”
“You and Dad should eat more too,” Arabella replied warmly.
When she thought no one was looking, Ruby shot a resentful glare in Arabella’s direction. So manipulative! Just you wait. Your turn will come.
After dinner, Arabella stood. “Mom, Dad, I think I’ll head upstairs and unwind.”
Ethan and Alfred echoed her. “We’re heading up
too.”
Once the three siblings had gone upstairs, Frank turned to Jonathan. “Dad, I’d like to brief you on the recent developments with the overseas branches.”
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9:24 am
Chapter 379 Ruby’s Hypocritical Performance
“Alright, let’s talk in the study,” Jonathan agreed, leading the way.
Florence turned to the house manager. “Please ensure Ruby gets home safely.”
“Of course, Mrs. Hamilton,” the manager replied, moving to arrange for the car.
“Goodnight, Aunt Florence,” Ruby said, making her farewells.
“Goodnight, dear. Get home and get some rest,” Florence said warmly.
“I will. You rest early too, Aunt Florence.”
“I will. Off you go.”
Soon, Ruby had departed Cloudrise Manor, and Florence also made her way upstairs.
In her room, Arabella was seated at her desk, speaking quietly into her phone.
“I’m aware. The buyer was Matthew,” she said calmly.
Colton’s voice held surprise on the other end of the line. “How did you know that?”
She typically avoided the details of her art sales to maintain her anonymity and never got involved in the client side.
“I was at the gallery when it happened,” Arabella explained.
Colton’s tone shifted to understanding. “Ah, that makes sense.”
No wonder she was in the loop.
“But how did you end up running into Mr. Stewart?” Colton asked, still puzzled.
“Just a coincidence,” Arabella replied, her tone casual and unrevealing,
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Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: True Heiress Returns to Her Unemployed Rich Family (Arabella)
I started the novel with great interest. In the beginning the storyline was captivating. Then I feel that the more the story advances, the twists were no longer great. Moreover I don't like Arabella s personality, cold, distant......