True Heiress Returns to Her Unemployed Rich Family (Arabella) novel Chapter 460

“Of course I care. She’s done a lot for me, and she’s my only sister. Of course I’m gonna look out for her.” Edward’s tone was firm.

“Only sister?” Matthew gave him a meaningful look. Weren’t there… more siblings back home?

Edward caught his drift and smiled awkwardly. “Let’s not get into family stuff, Mr. Stewart.”

Matthew didn’t push it. Instead, he shifted gears. “Do you know how Arabella met Marla?”

“No, I don’t.” Edward shook his head. “Honestly, I was pretty surprised when I found out, too.”

“How do they keep in touch, then?”

Another head shake. “No idea. Never really asked.”

“You really do trust her,” Matthew said, a hint of irritation slipping through.

Edward didn’t seem to know anything.

If Andy hadn’t already looked into it, Matthew might’ve thought Edward was hiding something on purpose.

Edward gave a sheepish grin and rubbed the back of his neck. “Well, who else am I supposed to trust?”

“Has she mentioned Marla lately?” Matthew asked, hanging onto a last strand of hope.

“Actually, yeah.” Edward nodded. “I wanted to take Marla out to thank her, but Arabella said she’s overseas right now and isn’t available.”

“Overseas?” Andy frowned, muttering. “But there’s no record of her leaving the country.”

Matthew’s eyes darkened. “She really said that?”

“Absolutely. I just saw her yesterday–that’s exactly what she told me,” Edward said it like he was taking an oath.

Something complicated flickered in Matthew’s deep–set eyes. She’d been in contact with Marla just yesterday?

But why would she claim Marla was abroad when there was no paper trail of her leaving the country…

“Hey, Edward, I’m here” Arabella walked in holding a tote bag, but she froze mid–step when she spotted Matthew. Her eyes widened in surprise. “Mr. Stewart? What are you doing here?”

Matthew had actually come to Edward’s office? What was going on?

“Arabella’s here. Mr. Stewart stopped by to ask me about a few things,” Edward explained.

“What kind of problem could my brother possibly help you with?” Arabella looked at him suspiciously. The whole situation felt off

Matthew needing Edward’s help? Yeah, right.

Chapter 459 Matthew’s Inquiry

“He can’t help me, actually. I was hoping Dr. Hamilton could.” Matthew held Arabella’s gaze meaningfully. For some reason, her heart skipped a beat. The way he was looking at her… it didn’t feel right.

“What is it?” Arabella asked, brows slightly knit.

“It’s about Marla.” Matthew’s calm tone made Arabella’s stomach drop.

Edward chimed in, “Yeah, Arabella. I don’t know Marla either, so I really can’t help Mr. Stewart much.”

“Why are you looking for her?” Arabella asked, trying to keep her voice even.

Matthew’s eyes fixed on her. “You didn’t know I’ve been trying to reach her?”

“Me? How would I know?” Arabella’s gaze drifted away. She didn’t dare meet his eyes for too long.

This guy was too sharp. One slip and he’d catch her.

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“So you really had no idea, Dr. Hamilton.” Matthew took a slight step back. “Would you be willing to introduce us, then?”

“What do you want with Marla?” Arabella asked, playing curious.

“I admire her skill set. I’d like to discuss a professional collaboration.” Matthew was being straightforward with her, not beating around the bush.

“Oh, that…” Arabella put on a regretful expression. “I’m afraid you might be disappointed, Mr. Stewart. Marla has this personal policy–she doesn’t do partnerships. Ever.”

“Really?” Matthew’s eyes flicked toward Edward. You expect me to buy that?

Arabella’s lips twitched almost invisibly, but she had to commit now. “My brother got into some trouble a while back, and I begged her to step in. She only agreed as a one–time favor. Made it clear it wouldn’t happen again. So I really can’t bother her with this. Please don’t put me in that position, Mr. Stewart.”

There. Door firmly closed. He couldn’t pressure me now, right?

Matthew raised an eyebrow, a glint of amusement in his eyes. She made it sound so principled, like she was doing everyone a favor by not helping.

“I wonder,” Matthew said, leaning slightly into her space, looking down at her, “does Marta genuinely not want to see me, or is it just… not a good time?”

Arabella was enveloped in his shadow. She looked up; his presence felt heavy, almost oppressive.

Her heart gave a faint tremble. Forcing a polite smile, she replied, “You’re free to interpret it however you like, Mr. Stewart. That’s Marla’s call. If you’re really that bothered, you’ll have to take it up with her yourself.”

“I’d love to,” Matthew said, his lips curling meaningfully, “but she doesn’t seem to be giving me the chance.”

Arabella shrugged innocently. “Then I guess there’s nothing I can do.”

Marla’s business is her own. Sorry, can’t help you.

Matthew’s gaze deepened. This girl was clever–sharp in a way that left him no room to maneuver.

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Chapter 459 Matthew’s Inquiry

“Alright then. I won’t take up any more of your time.” With that, Matthew turned and walked out.

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Chapter 460 Covering Tracks

Chapter 460 Covering Tracks.

“Take care, Mr. Stewart,” Arabella said with a smile, giving a slight wave as he turned to leave.

Matthew didn’t look back. Over his shoulder, he replied politely, “You’re too kind, Dr. Hamilton.”

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Once he was gone, Edward let out a tense breath. “Arabella, that’s Matthew Stewart. Aren’t you worried he’ll hold that against you?”

“I honestly couldn’t help him,” Arabella replied, her expression all innocence, eyes wide and sincere.

Edward sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I’m just concerned for you. We’re talking about Matthew Stewart here.”

He was the most influential figure in Doranor City, the one who really called the shots in this city.

Arabella furrowed her brows. “Why did he come see you, anyway?”

“Oh, Mr. Stewart mentioned he’s been trying to get in touch with Marla about a potential collaboration, but he’s never managed to meet her. He heard she invested in my project, so he thought I might know how to reach her,” Edward explained.

Arabella’s eyes narrowed slightly. So that was it.

“He still hasn’t given up on tracking her down,” she murmured quietly.

Back at the auction, she’d turned down his request for a meeting. She’d assumed he’d dropped it by now.

“What was that, Arabella?” Edward asked, leaning in. He hadn’t quite caught her words.

“Oh, nothing important,” she said, shaking off the thought. She handed him a small paper bag. “Here’s the herbal blend I prepared for your cough. It’s already portioned—take one packet in the morning and one at night. You should be feeling much better once you finish the course.”

“Thanks, Arabella. I really appreciate you doing this,” Edward said, accepting it with a grateful smile.

“It’s no trouble at all,” she replied gently. “But you really have to remember to take better care of yourself.”

“I will,” he assured her, warmth spreading in his chest.

“I should get going then. Call me if you need anything.”

“Let me walk you out.”

“Don’t worry about it–I know the way.”

With a quick nod, Arabella strode out of Edward’s office and headed downstairs.

Once inside her car, she let out a long, slow breath.

She knew perfectly well Matthew suspected something. She’d slipped up in front of him before, and now using Marta’s name to help Edward had only added fuel to the fire.

“What’s Matthew going to do next?” If he kept digging, she’d have to stay several steps ahead.

Chapter 460 Covering Tracks

The thought prompted her to pull out her phone and call Colton.

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“Hey, I need you to use Marla’s identity to make a few high–profile investments overseas. Make it splashy–the kind that gets noticed. Most importantly, make it look like she’s currently abroad,” she said without preamble,

Colton sounded confused. “What’s going on? Did you piss someone off over there?”

“Not exactly. Let’s just say someone’s paying a little too much attention. Be careful—cover your tracks. Matthew doesn’t miss details, and he’s sharp.”

“Matthew?!” Colton blurted out, surprised. “How’d you end up on his radar again?”

“He wants to work with Marla. I don’t want my identity out there, so I need to keep him off the trail,” Arabella explained.

Hearing that, Colton’s tone grew more serious. “Got it. Leave it to me.”

“Thanks. Talk soon.” Arabella ended the call.

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