True Heiress Returns to Her Unemployed Rich Family (Arabella) novel Chapter 404

Chapter 404 Fear Returns at Night

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“Arabella, are you running low on spending money?” Florence’s face immediately filled with concern. “Why didn’t you say something? I’ll send you some right now.”

“Aunt Florence!” Ruby cut in, annoyed. “She said she’s the one giving gifts. Why should you have to pay for them?”

“Oh, we’re family. It doesn’t really matter whose money it is. Arabella’s been through so much out there on her own. Now that she’s back with us, the last thing we’re going to do is let her feel like she’s lacking for anything.” Florence said it so casually, like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

Naomi felt a familiar pang of jealousy twist in her chest, but she kept her voice even. “Mom’s right. The gift is about Arabella’s thoughtfulness. Who actually pays for it isn’t really the point.”

“Exactly. That’s what I meant.” Florence beamed.

“Mom, seriously, it’s fine. I’ve got money.” Arabella offered a small smile. “The company’s doing well, I’m turning a profit. Plus, the overseas market Frank helped me break into is actually pretty lucrative. And honestly? The gift I’m planning doesn’t cost a thing.”

“Doesn’t cost anything?” Florence’s eyebrows shot up. “What is it, then?”

Arabella’s smile turned mysterious. “That’s for me to know and you to find out.”

Jonathan let out a warm laugh. “Ha! Alright then, we’ll wait and see.”

Frank leaned in with a grin. “Okay, now I’m actually curious.”

Watching the whole family dote on Arabella like that, Ruby felt her face go tight with suppressed anger. But there was nothing she could do except swallow it.

Arabella glanced her way, her gaze cool and unreadable.

She knew exactly what Ruby was trying to do–stir things up to get something out of it. And there was no way she was letting that happen.

“Here, have some of this,” Florence said, reaching over to serve Arabella.

Arabella’s expression softened. “Thanks, Mom.”

“Don’t thank me, just cat.”

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Chapter 404 Fear Returns at Night

“You too, Mom.”

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Naomi watched the easy affection between them, her expression flickering. “Oh, Mom–Ruby’s going to stay with us for a couple of days.”

Florence looked up. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah, nothing’s wrong,” Naomi explained. “It’s just that my birthday thing is the day after tomorrow. Ruby wanted to stick around and help me get ready.”

“Get ready for what, exactly?” Florence asked, genuinely puzzled.

Ruby jumped in smoothly. “Nothing major. It’s just that Naomi’s big day is really important, and we want everything to be perfect.”

“Ah, I see.” Florence didn’t think much of it. “Well, if Ruby wants to stay, that’s fine with me.”

“Thank you, Aunt Florence.” Ruby smiled gratefully.

Florence chuckled at her eager expression. “Sweetheart, it’s not like you’ve never stayed here before.”

Ruby’s smile tightened slightly. “Right.”

As long as she didn’t have to go home, she didn’t care. Just thinking about that sound–that awful, unexplainable sound–made her feel like she was losing her grip.

Arabella glanced at her again, something cold flickering in her eyes.

She knew Ruby wasn’t telling the full story. Ruby wasn’t staying because she wanted to help with a party. She was staying because she was scared. And Naomi was just giving her an excuse.

Honestly, Ruby’s tactics were nothing compared to what she could do.

Arabella looked down at her plate and kept eating.

After dinner, everyone headed upstairs.

Ruby followed Naomi into her room.

She glanced around instinctively, her eyes betraying a flicker of unease.

Naomi noticed. “This is my room. You don’t have to be on edge here.”

Ruby’s face was still pale. “I know. It’s just–these last few days have been exhausting. I can’t

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Chapter 404 Fear Returns at Night

help it.”

It was a reflex now, something she couldn’t control.

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Naomi frowned. “Ruby, what’s actually going on? I came by your place earlier, and everything seemed fine. The housekeeper, the staff–they all said nothing was wrong. So why is it only you hearing things?”

She didn’t want to accuse Ruby of lying, but something felt off.

“I’m not making this up, Naomi. Please believe me.” Ruby’s voice wavered. Being doubted like this stung.

“I’m not saying I don’t believe you. I’m just wondering…” Naomi hesitated. “Could it be that you’re… sick? Like, mentally?”

It sounded harsh, but this whole situation was strange.

“Sick?” Ruby touched her own cheek. “I’m not sick.”

“But this really isn’t normal,” Naomi pressed gently. “Maybe you should see a doctor. Get checked out. I mean, look at you–you look exhausted. Are you really going to show up at my party looking like this?”

Ruby hesitated. Finally, she nodded. “Fine. I’ll go see someone tomorrow.”

At the very least, maybe they could give her something to help her sleep. Get her color back.

Because on a day like that, when everyone would be dressed up and looking their best, she didn’t want to be the one who looked like a ghost.

“Good.” Naomi seemed relieved.

Ruby looked at her cousin. “Hey–have you thought any more about what I asked you? You’re running out of time.”

Naomi bit her lip. “I’m still thinking about it.”

“Okay.” Ruby sighed. “I won’t push. Just… don’t come crying to me later when you lose Matthew‘ for good.”

Naomi’s face went pale. She nodded stiffly. “It’s late. Let’s just go to sleep.”

“Fine,” Ruby muttered.

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They both got ready for bed, and Ruby lay down, staring at the ceiling in the dark.

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