True Heiress Returns to Her Unemployed Rich Family (Arabella) novel Chapter 412

Chapter 412 Sharing a Meal

Arabella was surprised. “Wait, you’re actually going?”

She’d only meant to mess with him a little–she never thought he’d actually say yes.

“If that’s where you want to eat, then that’s where we’ll go,” Matthew said evenly.

She looked him over. “Would someone like you really set foot in a place like that?”

She was pretty sure he’d never been to a spot like this before.

Matthew didn’t miss a beat. “If you can go, I can go.”

“Alright then,” Arabella agreed.

Before long, they pulled up to a barbecue place downtown.

Matthew and Arabella headed up to a private room on the third floor.

A server handed the menu to Arabella. “Let me know when you’re ready to order.”

Arabella glanced at Matthew, then picked up a pen and quickly marked up the order sheet.

“That should do it,” she said, handing it back.

“Got it. I’ll get these started for you,” the server said before heading out.

Arabella looked around the room. “This is nice, but honestly, I think barbecue tastes better in the main dining area.”

“You usually sit out there?” Matthew asked.

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“Yeah.” She nodded. “It’s lively–the buzz, the steam, the chaos. Last time I was here, I remember thinking, this must be what people mean by the simple warmth of everyday life.”

“So why don’t we sit out there today?” Matthew pressed.

She tilted her head toward him. “Because of you, obviously. I figured you’d be more comfortable in here.”

This was Matthew Stewart, after all. The fact that he was even in a place like this was surprising enough. If anyone spotted hirs sitting in the general area, people would lose it.

Matthew’s expression softened slightly. Because of me.

“I wasn’t sure if you’d be okay with all the noise,” Arabella added, glancing around the room again. “But this is nice too

“Yeah,” Matthew said quietly, a warmth flickering in his eyes. “It really is.”

He’d been surrounded by people his whole life–people who respected him, flattered him, wanted things from him. But no one had ever been so straightforward about doing something just for his sake. And hearing her say it–it actually sounded good.

Just then, the server returned with their food.

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Chapter 412 Sharing a Meal

The grill was set on the table–a dual–sided grill, one side spicy and the other mild.

“What’s this?” Matthew asked, frowning slightly.

“You probably can’t handle spicy food, so I asked for a split. Your side is the mild, non–spicy sauce,” Arabella explained.

“A split grill?” Matthew raised an eyebrow. “Interesting.”

Arabella felt a little awkward. Why did that sound so strange?

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“Yes, sir. Around here, people call it a twosided grill,” the server chimed in. “We’ve got other sauces if you ever want to come back and try them.”

The server laid out all the ingredients on the table. “You’re all set. Enjoy, and just flag me down if you need anything else.”

With that, the server slipped out and pulled the door shut behind them.

Once the door closed, the noise from outside faded and the room grew quieter.

The server’s explanation had eased Arabella’s earlier awkwardness.

“Mr. Stewart, dig in,” Arabella said, motioning toward the table.

Watching the grill sizzle, Matthew picked up a pair of tongs and started placing food on the grate.

Arabella loaded her side with all her favorite spicy items.

“Mmm, this is so good,” she said after a bite, her eyes practically closing in satisfaction.

Matthew glanced at her spicy side and was about to reach for something when Arabella interrupted. “Stick to the mild side. It’s really good too.”

She was worried that if he ate anything spicy, his stomach issues might act up again. Before he could even move, she’d already guessed what he was thinking.

Matthew raised an eyebrow. “You’re watching me while you eat?”

“Not watching. Just guessing,” she said. And she’d guessed right.

He looked at the sizzling spicy side, then finally followed her advice and fixed his plate from the mild grill instead.

“Not bad,” Matthew admitted.

Arabella smiled. “Told you. Good recommendation, right?”

“Very discerning taste,” Matthew agreed with a nod.

The spicy food soon left a thin sheen of sweat on Arabella’s forehead. She wiped it with the back of her hand and kept eating

Matthew glanced at her, then picked up a napkin from the table and gently dabbed at her brow.

Arabella froze mid–chew, startled.

After carefully patting her forehead dry, Matthew asked quietly, “Do you want me to turn the AC down a bit more?”

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Chapter 412 Sharing a Meal

She snapped out of it and shook her head. “No, it’s fine. Sweating while eating spicy barbecue is kind of the point.”

Hearing that, Matthew nodded. “Alright. Take your time.”

“Okay,” Arabella said, meeting his gaze. Their eyes held for a moment, and they both smiled.

From time to time, Matthew would dab the sweat from Arabella’s forehead.

At first, she felt a little uncomfortable with the gesture, but gradually she grew used to it.

“So when are you planning to expand the herb cultivation area?” Matthew asked.

Arabella replied, “It’s already in motion. I’d say everything should be set within a few days.”

“Right by the pharma facility?” Matthew pressed.