True Heiress Returns to Her Unemployed Rich Family (Arabella) novel Chapter 541

"It's fine, I'll go take a look." Arabella had already cleared the plates. She picked up the empty serving tray and headed back toward the kitchen.

Ethan set down the dishes he was carrying, then gathered his own tray and followed her in.

The two of them went back and forth, and the living room fell quiet again—even quieter than before.

Naomi turned back slowly, her movements stiff, almost mechanical.

"Matthew," she asked, disbelief coloring her voice, "how long have they been here?"

When she'd gotten back, she hadn't seen Arabella's car outside—only Matthew's. It never crossed her mind that Arabella would be here too, busy whipping up a full meal in the kitchen.

She wasn't sure exactly what was going on, but a sinking feeling settled in her stomach.

"They've been here the whole time," Matthew replied.

"So Arabella was the one making dinner." Why would Arabella bother cooking? Was it because of Matthew?

Naomi's heart gave an uneasy thump, and her face paled slightly.

Why had it never occurred to her to do something thoughtful like that whenever Matthew came over?

"Matthew, Naomi." Florence and Jonathan came down the stairs.

"Matthew, you should've had your aunt come get me when you arrived. You didn't have to wait here all this time," Jonathan said, walking toward Matthew with a warm smile.

"No hurry," Matthew replied with a slight nod.

Jonathan glanced toward the kitchen. "I heard Arabella's cooking tonight. I can already smell it from here."

Just then, Arabella walked out with another tray and caught Jonathan's remark. She smiled. "Dinner's ready, everyone. Hope you like it."

"Alright then, let's taste what Arabella's made." Jonathan turned to Matthew. "Matthew, come on, let's head to the dining room."

"Sure." Matthew followed Jonathan into the dining area.

Before long, Arabella and Ethan had brought all the dishes to the table.

Arabella glanced around, frowning slightly. "Isn't Frank back yet?"

"Did somebody miss me?" Frank's voice came from behind her, sounding pleased with himself.

Arabella turned and offered a small smile. "Frank, perfect timing. Let's eat."

Frank stepped into the dining room, looked over the spread on the table, then at Arabella still wearing her apron. He raised an eyebrow. "You made all this?"

"Ethan and I did," Arabella said lightly.

Ethan was quick to clarify. "I only helped a little—washed and chopped some veggies. Arabella did most of the work."

"Arabella, going through all this trouble to cook a big dinner... You got some good news to share?" Frank shot a meaningful look toward Matthew as he spoke.

"No, thanks. You have it," Matthew said, already picking up some food with his fork.

Naomi's expression dimmed a little, but she pressed on. "Ethan mentioned Arabella simmered this for hours. It'd be a shame if you didn't get to taste it."

"Here, take mine," Arabella said, sliding her bowl toward Matthew. She added, "I didn't realize we'd have so many people over today. I guess I didn't make enough."

She'd noticed Naomi had deliberately served extra-large portions earlier—otherwise, there would've been plenty to go around.

"It's fine," Matthew replied evenly. "I can try it another time."

Arabella's lips twitched slightly. Another time?

Come on, even if she did cook dinner again, he might not even be here. He was just a guest today, after all.

That was what she thought to herself, but she kept her tone light and polite. "You're our guest. I can't let you miss out."

Still, her smile didn't quite reach her eyes.

Matthew frowned, a faint ripple of irritation passing through him. The word guest suddenly felt uncomfortably distant.

"Don't argue over it. Arabella, have mine," Frank said, offering her his bowl.

Arabella smiled at him. "None of you has even tried it yet. Don't worry about me."

Frank hesitated. After all, Arabella had put so much time into making the soup, and now she wasn't even going to have any herself.