True Heiress Returns to Her Unemployed Rich Family (Arabella) novel Chapter 385

Chapter 385 Unspoken Rivalries

Alfred furrowed his brows slightly and said, “Robert, if you don’t start, none of us are going to touch a thing.”

Unaware of Alfred’s reluctance, Robert responded with a warm smile, “Alright then, let’s dig in.”

Seeing Robert begin, everyone else followed suit.

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Arabella quietly let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. Robert’s earlier comments had nearly made her want to slip out of the room.

Usually, he was always nudging her toward Matthew. Out of respect for her elder, she didn’t make a fuss, but hearing him bring it up in front of her brothers today left her feeling a little embarrassed.

Matthew glanced down at Arabella and murmured, “You seem tense.”

“Aren’t you?” Arabella couldn’t help but shoot him a look.

“It’s not an arranged date, so why be nervous?” Matthew replied calmly.

Arabella’s lips quirked slightly as she muttered, “Just keep it down, would you? Can’t you see Robert’s trying to play matchmaker?”

Seriously, didn’t he know how to stay under the radar?

“If Grandpa wants to think that way, there’s not much we can do. We just won’t encourage him,” Matthea, said, sounding unbothered.

Arabella let out a soft laugh. She leaned a little closer and whispered, “So you’ve done this before–pretending to go along while doing the opposite.”

“When it comes to marriage talks, always,” Matthew admitted frankly.

Arabella nodded in understanding. “No wonder Robert gets so worked up whenever your marriage comes up.”

So he’d been dealing with Matthew’s quiet resistance all along.

“Can’t help it. I just haven’t met anyone who catches my interest,” Matthew said, his expression neutral

Arabella gave him a sidelong look. “You really do have high standards.”

Then again, he had every right to be selective.

“I suppose so,” Matthew replied evenly.

Arabella raised an eyebrow. “I’m kinda curious what your future wife will be like ”

“A woman,” Matthew stated plainly.

Arabella turned to study him for a moment before saying, “You don’t mean ”

He didn’t like women but had to marry one… Could he be

Meeting her gaze, Matthew’s expression turned stern. “Don’t overthink it. I’m perfectly normal.”

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Chapter 385 Unspoken Rivalries

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Seeing his mild annoyance, Arabella relaxed. “Good.”

“Do you care?” Matthew asked, lifting a brow.

Arabella shook her head. “Not really. I was mostly worried that if it were true, Robert might not handle it well.”

“You’re Grandpa’s doctor. If his health suffers, that’s on your medical skills,” Matthew said coolly.

“If Mr. Stewart would stop stressing Robert out, I wouldn’t have much to do,” Arabella fired back without missing a beat.

“Matthew, this is your favorite. You should have some,” Naomi cut into their quiet exchange.

Although she couldn’t quite catch what they were saying, seeing them so close made her chest feel tight and uneasy.

When had they gotten this comfortable? She’d never seen Matthew act this way with any other woman–herself included.

Matthew turned to Naomi and said, “I can help myself, thanks.”

“Matthew, what were you and Arabella talking about just now? Something work–related?” Naomi asked, trying to sound casual.

“Just chatting,” Matthew replied briefly.

“Oh, was it?” Naomi forced a light laugh, feeling increasingly frustrated.

She had wanted to join in, but Matthew’s reply left no opening.

How was she supposed to jump into the conversation if she didn’t even know what they were discussing?

Across the table, Robert watched their back–and–forth and couldn’t help smiling in satisfaction.

Today’s get–together had been the right call–well worth strong–arming Matthew into showing up.

“Robert, how have you been lately?” Frank struck up a conversation with Robert.

“Can’t complain,” Robert replied cheerfully.

“You should stop by to see Grandpa when you have time. He talks about you often,” Frank said politely

Robert nodded. “We really ought to stay in touch. After all, we’ll be family one of these days.”

“Robert, whether we become family or not can wait. Given how long you and our grandfather have been friends, it’s only natural to keep up,” Alfred chimed in, sounding unusually playful

“Alfred” Frank gave him a rare, slightly sharp look

Ethan stepped in smoothly to lighten the mood. “Robert, please, help yourself to whatever you’d like”

Robert glanced at Alfred. The young man had been holding back earlier–did he not approve of his grandson?

Seeing right through Alfred, Robert felt a flicker of amusement

With a hint of a smile, he glanced toward Matthew it seemed the kid might run into some roadblocks if he wanted to marry lito Hamilton family

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Chapter 385 Unspoken Rivalries

Good–someone ought to keep him on his toes.

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“Alright, let’s enjoy the meal. Everyone, dig in,” Robert said, not at all bothered by Alfred’s attitude. If anything, he looked forward to watching Matthew navigate a little trouble.

The conversation picked up again, laughter sprinkled here and there, and the atmosphere relaxed into something warm and lively.

After lunch, everyone made their way out of the restaurant.

“Matthew, my car’s in the shop. Any chance I could catch a ride with you?” Naomi asked hopefully.

‘I’m driving Grandpa home. You should call a cab or use a ride–share,” Matthew replied flatly.

Naomi hadn’t expected Matthew to turn her down even after she’d asked so openly. Her face paled just a little.