True Heiress Returns to Her Unemployed Rich Family (Arabella) novel Chapter 427

Chapter 427 Forced to Leave

“Sir, right this way.” A waiter appeared to escort Matthew.

“Excuse me for a moment.” Matthew gave a brief nod to Florence and followed the waiter out.

Ruby let out a shaky breath, feeling like she’d just narrowly escaped death.

+20 Free Coins

Florence frowned at her. “When are you going to stop being so careless? If Matthew had decided to make a scene just now, even i wouldn’t have been able to help you.”

“Aunt Florence, I swear it was an accident. My hand just slipped.” Ruby’s voice faded until she was practically mumbling, head hanging low.

Seeing how shaken she looked, Florence sighed. “Honestly, you’re such a handful.”

“What happened now?” Liam’s voice cut through, heavy with authority.

Ruby flinched. “I really didn’t do it on purpose.”

“When are you going to stop causing trouble?” Sophia added, exasperated.

“Mom, I already apologized, and Mr. Stewart didn’t even make a big deal out of it. Can you guys just drop it?” Ruby tried to wheedle her way out.

“Who?” Liam’s voice sharpened. “Mr. Stewart?”

Ruby’s face went pale. “Dad, it was an accident.”

“I think you’re asking for a beating.” Liam’s glare could have cut glass. “On Naomi’s big day, you pull something like this and embarrass your aunt in front of everyone. It’s disgraceful.”

“I said I was sorry. What else do you want me to do?” Ruby’s voice climbed, defensive.

“You’re coming home with me. I’m not letting you humiliate us any longer. Liam’s tone left no room for argument.

Sophia stepped in, handing Florence a gift. “Here’s something for Naomi. Please give it to her for us. We’ll take Ruby home now.”

“Stay, really. It’s fine.” Florence tried to wave it off.

But Liam was firm. “We should go. Who knows what else might happen? In front of all these people, it’s better for everyone if we

leave.”

Seeing his resolve, Florence relented. “Alright, if you insist.”

“Naomi!” Florence called out, scanning the crowd. Nothing.

“Where did she go?” she murmured, frowning. “She was just here.”

“Probably touching up her makeup?” Ethan offered.

Florence nodded. “Probably.”

1/3

3:32 pm P

Chapter 427 Forced to Leave

“Here, take this for her. We’ll stop by tomorrow.” Sophia handed over the gift.

Florence took it. “Let me walk you out.”

Liam shook his head. “Don’t bother. Family. You’ve got guests.” He shot Ruby a look. “Coming?”

Ruby didn’t dare argue. “Yeah.”

“We’ll head out now.” Sophia’s voice carried an apologetic note.

Florence gave a reassuring smile. “Go on. Come for dinner tomorrow.”

“We will.” Liam and Sophia nodded, then left with Ruby in tow.

σκ

429 Fre

“Mom, the dance is about to start.” Ethan glanced around. “I’ll go find Naomi. Can’t have the birthday girl missing her own first

dance.”

Florence nodded. “Go ahead.”

Once, Ethan left, Florence turned to Arabella and Alfred, offering a warm smile. “You two have been hiding in the corner all night. Go mingle a little.”

Arabella smiled back. “I was actually about to go say hi to Grandpa and Grandma.”

“Good. They’ve been asking about you.” Florence patted her arm.

“Mom, Arabella’s not really into this kind of thing.” Alfred kept his voice low. “After she says hi to Grandpa and Grandma, we’ll probably head out.”

Florence paused, then nodded. “That’s fine. If you get bored at home, take her out somewhere. We’ll be here late anyway.”

“Got it.” Alfred agreed, then walked with Arabella toward Ryan and Lena.

Florence watched them go, her expression shifting.

Today should have been Arabella’s birthday. This whole party should have been for her.

She let out a quiet sigh, her chest aching.

“It’s okay.” Jonathan’s voice came from beside her. “If she doesn’t want the attention, we respect that.”

Florence looked up at him and managed a small smile. “Yeah.”

“Come on. Let’s mingle.” Jonathan gestured toward the crowd. “I’ve spotted a few young men worth knowing. See if any catch your eye.”

“For Naomi, you mean.”

“Well, she’s the one who has to like them. Speaking of which, where is she? I haven’t seen her in a while.”

“Probably fixing her makeup. Ethan went to find her.”

They moved back into the crowd, exchanging pleasantries with guests as they went.

213

Chapter 427 Forced to Leave

Then a scream tore through the air. The room went dead silent.

For a beat, nothing. Then whispers erupted.

“What was that?”

“Sounded like it came from the guest wing.”

“Did that sound like Naomi to you?”

The question hung in the air, and the room went quiet again.

“Mom, what’s going on?” The Hamilton brothers converged around Florence, their expressions tense.

+20 Free Coins