True Heiress Returns to Her Unemployed Rich Family (Arabella) novel Chapter 380

Chapter 380 A Coincidental Encounter

“You two really seem to cross paths a lot,” Colton quipped over the phone. “What are the odds?”

Arabella couldn’t help but roll her eyes. “Keep making comments like that, and I’m cutting your commission.”

“Alright, alright, message received,” Colton backed down immediately.

+5 Fri

Only then did Arabella sound satisfied. “Just have the payment deposited into the usual account. And put a hold on accepting new painting commissions for now.”

“Why?” Colton asked, surprised.

“No particular reason. I just feel like taking a short break,” Arabella explained.

Colton probed carefully, “How long of a break are we talking?”

“Maybe a few weeks, a month at most,” Arabella replied, figuring it wouldn’t be too lengthy.

“Oh, okay then,” Colton said, sounding relieved. At least it wasn’t an indefinite hiatus.

Arabella found his reaction both amusing and irritating. “Even if I’m not painting, all my other projects are still active. It’s not lik your income stream is drying up.”

“Well, it’s not just about the money,” Colton explained. “It’s more that you’re finally gaining some real traction in the art world. Taking too long of a pause might affect your momentum.”

“It’ll be fine,” Arabella said with a faint smile. “Painting was always just a side pursuit for me. And it won’t be that long.”

“Good to hear,” Colton conceded, feeling reassured.

“There’s one more thing,” Arabella continued. “I want to invest in one of my brother’s projects–the rare earth metals venture capital fund. Use the Marla alias. I’ve reviewed the prospectus; the risk profile is manageable, and market competition is low. it’s solid strategic fit for his company’s current growth phase…”

Listening to her detailed instructions, Colton took careful notes. “Consider it done.”

“Alright. Reach out if anything comes up.”

“Will do,”

After ending the call, Arabella turned her attention back to her computer screen.

She reviewed the document one final time before sending it to Chloe via the office messaging system

“Treatment plan. Please forward this to Jacob’s mother’s primary care team tomorrow. The required procedure isn’t overly complex. Adherence to this protocol should yield a high success rate. There shouldn’t be any complications,” she typed.

Chloe’s reply was almost instantaneous. “Understood, Ms. Hamilton. I’ll handle it first thing in the morning.”

Arabella shut down her computer, completed her nightly routine, and slipped into bed.

For some reason, an image of Matthew intruded into her thoughts unbidden.

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9:24 am

Chapter 380 A Coincidental Encounter

+5 Fre

The man was far too perceptive. To have connected her to the artist Stella based on a single painting… And before that, he’d uncovered her Tylin identity as well.

“Ugh, I really need to be more careful around him from now on,” she sighed.

As drowsiness finally pulled her under, she fell into a deep sleep.

Morning sunlight streamed through the sheer curtains, painting warm stripes across the room.

Arabella woke up slowly, feeling disoriented. She stared blankly at the ceiling for a moment.

Where am I? How did I get here?

Her eyes scanned the familiar surroundings, and memory gradually returned. This was her room at Cloudrise Manor.

Huh?

“I was just…” she murmured aloud, as fragments of a dream surfaced.

Her expression froze. “Oh my god. That was just a dream… But why would I dream about Matthew? And…” Recalling the specifi scenes, she felt her cheeks grow warm.

She had dreamed they were on a date. And in the dream, she had been… embarrassingly captivated by him.

“This is too ridiculous,” she muttered, shaking her head as if to physically dislodge the memory.

She got out of bed and walked into the ensuite bathroom. Splashing cold water on her face finally brought her fully awake.

“It was just a dream. And dreams are often the opposite of reality. It doesn’t mean anything,” she told her reflection firmly, rallyir her composure.

After completing her morning routine and getting dressed, she headed downstairs.

“Arabella, what’s up with your makeup?” Alfred asked, looking at her curiously as they met in the hallway.

Arabella instinctively touched her cheek. “What about it?”

“It’s just… a bit more noticeable than usual,” Alfred said, his gaze holding a hint of scrutiny.

A pang of guilt hit her. She had been distracted while applying it, her mind wandering back to that absurd dream, and had perhap been less subtle than normal.

“Not really, I have a project review with investors today. Wanted to look a bit more polished, that’s all,” she explained with a casual shrug,

“Alright. Just thought maybe you were trying to hide dark circles or something,” Alfred said, seeming to accept her answer as he relaxed,

Arabella averted her eyes. “Come on, let’s go. I’m starving.”

The two made their way

downstairs.

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9:24 am

Chapter 380 A Coincidental Encounter

+5 Free Coil

“Arabella, you look lovely this morning,” Florence remarked warmly upon seeing her. “You should wear your makeup like this mo often. You usually go for such a natural look.”

Arabella felt a flush of mild embarrassment. “Thanks, Mom,” she said, quickly steering the conversation. “I’m really hungry.”

“Perfect, breakfast is ready. Come sit down.” Florence took her daughter’s hand and led her toward the sunlit dining room.

After taking her seat, the rest of the family gradually trickled in. A few glances lingered on Arabella with slight surprise.

“Let’s eat, everyone. The spread looks amazing today,” Arabella announced, keen to preempt any further questions about her appearance and divert the table’s attention to the food.

Once everyone was seated, the room filled with the comfortable clatter of cutlery and light conversation about the day’s plans ar snippets of news.

Throughout the meal, however, Arabella could feel a persistent gaze occasionally settling on her from across the table.

She frowned slightly and looked up, her eyes meeting Naomi’s directly.

Caught off guard, Naomi’s expression stiffened.

“Is there something on my face?” Arabella asked bluntly.

“N–no, nothing,” Naomi stammered, quickly looking down at her plate.

Arabella’s frown deepened. “Then why do you keep looking over here?”

“You’ve misunderstood, Arabella. I wasn’t staring at you,” Naomi said, her voice tight. “I was just… reaching for the avocado toast.” Having made the excuse, she awkwardly stretched her arm toward a serving plate in the center of the table.