True Heiress Returns to Her Unemployed Rich Family (Arabella) novel Chapter 540

When Florence saw Arabella and Ethan coming in with several large shopping bags, her eyes widened in surprise. "Goodness, what's all this? Did you two buy out the whole store?"

"Mom, I'm cooking dinner tonight," Arabella announced, already heading toward the kitchen with the bags.

Ethan followed close behind, helping to unpack the groceries.

Florence turned to Matthew, who had walked in with them, and smiled warmly. "Matthew, did you join them for the grocery run?"

"No," Matthew replied calmly.

"Oh, then how did you all end up arriving together?" Florence asked, looking a little puzzled.

If they hadn't gone shopping together, what were the odds they'd all pull up to the house at the same time?

"I stopped by to visit you and Mr. Hamilton," Matthew explained. "I ran into them outside when I was parking."

Florence nodded in understanding. "I see! Well, make yourself comfortable—please, have a seat."

She gestured toward the living room sofa. "Jonathan is up in his study. Let me go get him."

"There's no need to rush," Matthew said politely. "I don't have anything pressing on my schedule. I'm happy to wait until he's finished."

"Well, by the time he wraps up, it'll probably be dinner time," Florence said with a light laugh. Then, as if struck by a sudden idea, she added, "Actually, if you're free, why not stay and join us for dinner?"

"Mom, Mr. Stewart must be very busy, we shouldn't—" Arabella began, stepping back into the living room, but Matthew spoke over her gently. "I'd love to."

Florence beamed. "See? Matthew says he's free."

Arabella's lips twitched slightly. She shot Matthew a faintly exasperated look. Since when are you not busy?

Matthew pretended not to notice her expression and continued speaking to Florence in an easy tone. "Thank you for the invitation, Mrs. Hamilton. I'd be delighted to stay."

"Perfect! And today's the best day for it—Arabella's the one cooking. You'll get to taste what she can do," Florence said, clearly thrilled.

"Mom, I was planning to cook just for you, Dad, and my brothers," Arabella said, a touch of protest in her voice. If she'd known Matthew was coming, she might not have volunteered so quickly.

"Oh, don't be like that. Since you're making a whole meal anyway, we can all enjoy it together," Florence insisted. She stood up, gently steering Arabella back toward the kitchen. "Ethan, you help your sister out too, okay?"

"Wait, what's happening?" Ethan asked, looking confused as he glanced between them.

Arabella sighed quietly. "Mom invited Mr. Stewart for dinner. She wants him to try my cooking."

"But dinner's hours from now. Mr. Stewart's a busy man, why would he..." Before Ethan could finish, Arabella cut in. "He already accepted."

"No way," Ethan said, genuinely surprised.

"Yes way. Absolutely, completely yes," Arabella confirmed dryly.

"What is Mom thinking?" Ethan murmured, frowning.

"She wants to show Matthew how capable I am—creating a perfect opportunity to impress him," Arabella said, seeing right through her mother's intentions. She sighed again, half-amused, half-resigned.

So much for being the center of attention. The moment Matthew showed up, all that doting seemed to go straight out the window.

"Up in his study," Florence said, checking her watch. "Oh my, dinner's almost ready. You know he'll stay up there all evening unless someone fetches him."

Naomi looked at Matthew again and didn't move.

Florence was already heading toward the stairs. "Matthew, make yourself at home. I'll go get Jonathan down."

"Of course," Matthew replied.

Once Florence had gone upstairs, the living room was left with just Matthew and Naomi.

Naomi felt a faint, unspoken awkwardness settle in. She cleared her throat softly. "So, Matthew... you're staying for dinner, then?"

"That's the plan," Matthew answered, his tone still pleasant but reserved.

Naomi couldn't help but feel a little excited. Matthew rarely visited, let alone stayed for a full meal.

She suddenly felt grateful that, after going back and forth all day, she'd decided to come home tonight. Otherwise, she would've missed this entirely.

"Coming through! Dinner's ready!" Arabella called out as she stepped carefully into the living room, carrying a large serving tray toward the dining room.

As she hurried past, Naomi's eyes went wide. She stared, completely taken aback.

What in the world had she just seen?

"Arabella, the soup's bubbling over a little—should we let it simmer a bit longer?" Ethan followed behind with another tray, raising his voice so she could hear him from the kitchen.