True Heiress Returns to Her Unemployed Rich Family (Arabella) novel Chapter 430

Chapter 430 A Trap Backfires

Arabella understood now why Florence had called her over. They wanted her to check on Naomi.

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She pushed open the door and stepped into the dressing room. The sight that greeted her made her frown deepen–Naomi was barely dressed, huddled in a corner.

Naomi was crying, but the moment she heard Arabella’s voice, she went rigid, then lashed out. “Get out! Just get out!”

“Mom asked me to check on you.” Arabella kept her voice even. “If you won’t talk, all we have is the waiter’s version of what happened.”

“Are you happy seeing me like this? Get out!” Naomi’s voice climbed, hysterical.

Arabella didn’t push. She turned and left the room.

“She’s just overwhelmed emotionally. Doesn’t look like anything actually happened to her.” Arabella turned to the waiter. “Now. Tell me exactly what happened.”

The waiter’s voice was low, shaky. “I don’t really know. They told me to bring Mr. Stewart to this room so he could change. But he decided to just wash up in the restroom instead. I came back to let them know, and then… she was like that.”

“Like what?” Arabella’s eyes sharpened.

The waiter hesitated, unsure how to phrase it.

“Tell the truth.” Her voice was quiet, but it cut through the air like a blade.

The waiter swallowed hard. “She was… just in her underwear. When she heard the door open, she ran over. Before I could say anything, she grabbed me. Then she realized it was me and screamed. She’s been crying like that ever since.”

The poor guy looked terrified, pale and trembling as he relived the moment.

“Not a word of this to anyone.” Arabella’s tone left no room for argument.

Alfred stepped forward, his voice cold. “If even a rumor gets out, I’ll find you.”

The waiter nodded frantically. “I understand. I swear, I won’t say anything.”

“Go.” Arabella dismissed him.

He fled like the room was on fire.

Arabella turned to Florence. “Mom, you should talk to her. Try to get her to go home.” Then she headed for the door.

“Wait for me.” Alfred caught up.

Once they were clear of the room, he let out a frustrated breath. “How could Naomi be so stupid?”

They’d all braced for something terrible. Instead, they’d walked into a setup that backfired.

“She really wants Matthew.” Arabella’s observation was flat, detached.

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Chapter 430 A Trap Backfires

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“That doesn’t excuse this.” Alfred shook his head, disgusted. “Matthew made it clear he wants out of the arrangement. Grandpa and Robert agreed. Why would she stoop this low?”

Arabella shrugged. “Who knows?”

But Naomi had done it anyway. On her own birthday. In front of everyone.

Did she really think a man like Matthew would cave to something like this?

Even if Matthew had walked through that door, the only person ending up humiliated would have been Naomi.

“Mom cleared the whole party to protect her reputation.” Arabella’s voice held a note of regret. “Too bad Naomi doesn’t seem to care about it herself.”

“When did she become like this?” Alfred looked genuinely lost. “I feel like I don’t even know her anymore.”

“People change.” Arabella’s tone was calm, neutral. “Or maybe you never really knew her.”

Alfred shot her a look. “How are you so calm about this?”

Arabella met his gaze evenly. “What reaction were you hoping for, Alfred?”

He opened his mouth, then closed it. After a moment, he nodded. “Fair point.”

What was she supposed to do, anyway?

They made their way back to the main hall.

Frank and Ethan met them halfway. “What’s going on?”

“Nothing serious.” Arabella kept it vague. “Mom’s trying to get her to go home.”

frowned, clearly unsatisfied with that answer. “What actually happened?”

understanding. It’s handled.” Arabella wasn’t about to rehash the details.

Frank studied her face for a moment, then nodded. “Good. As long as nothing happened.”

“We should head home.” Arabella glanced toward the exit. She figured Naomi might calm down faster if they weren’t all hovering.

Frank agreed. “I’ll take Grandpa and Grandma back.”

Jonathan stepped in. “I’ll wait for your mom and Naomi. You all go ahead.”

Robert finally spoke up, “Matthew, let’s go.”

Matthew nodded and guided Robert toward the exit.

The rest of them filtered out, leaving only Jonathan standing in the empty hall.

After what felt like a long time, Florence finally appeared, supporting Naomi as they walked slowly toward him.

Naomi’s head was down, her whole body radiating defeat.

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PWM

Chapter 430 A Trap Backfires

Jonathan didn’t ask questions. He just said gently, “Let’s go home. Get some rest. Tomorrow’s a new day”

Naomi didn’t respond. Didn’t even look up.

Florence gave Jonathan a small, weary shake of the head.

He nodded, dropping it. “Alright. Let’s go.”

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The three of them walked out of the hotel slowly, unaware of the figure lingering in the shadows nearby. His gaze stayed fixed on Naomi, unblinking, long after she disappeared from sight.

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