True Heiress Returns to Her Unemployed Rich Family (Arabella) novel Chapter 542

Ethan tried to reassure Frank. "Come on, Frank, just listen to Arabella."

"You know, she planned this whole dinner specially for us," Ethan continued. "She mentioned she's been home for a while now and hasn't really had the chance to do anything for the family. Since she had some free time today, she really wanted to cook us a meal herself."

Hearing that, Florence felt a warm rush of emotion mixed with a pang of guilt.

"Oh, Arabella, that's so sweet—but really, it should be the other way around," Florence said softly. "You went through so much while you were away, and now that you're back, all we want is to give you everything you missed. I never expected you to be the one taking care of us."

"Mom, it's really no trouble at all," Arabella said, leaning into Florence's arm with a light, affectionate tone.

Florence had been feeling a little down, but Arabella's gentle demeanor quickly brought a smile back to her face. "Oh, you..."

"Alright, let's leave the heavy stuff for another time," Jonathan chimed in. "Everyone, dig in."

"Matthew, help yourself to some of this," Jonathan offered, gesturing toward the dishes.

Florence added a serving to Arabella's plate. "Here, honey—you did all the work. Make sure you eat, too."

Frank and Ethan quietly enjoyed the soup Arabella had prepared, savoring each spoonful.

For a moment, Naomi seemed completely out of place in the cozy scene.

She felt her face grow pale and clenched her jaw, forcing herself to keep calm so she wouldn't completely lose her composure.

Glancing at the nearly empty pot of soup, Naomi couldn't help but feel a bitter irony.

She tightened her grip on the ladle and reluctantly served herself the last of it. After all, leaving the pot completely empty might seem odd, even though she had absolutely no appetite for it right then.

"Naomi, try this dish—it's wonderful. Arabella really is a fantastic cook," Florence said warmly, placing some food onto Naomi's plate.

"Thank you, Mom. I've got some," Naomi replied politely, though everything tasted bland and unappealing to her.

Everyone else seemed to be thoroughly enjoying the meal. Only Naomi struggled to swallow each bite.

"Arabella, you're full of surprises. I had no idea you could cook like this," Ethan remarked with clear admiration.

Frank shot him a look. "It's probably because of everything she had to go through."

It was hard not to imagine the challenges she must have faced.

"What do you know?" Ethan fired back, lifting his chin slightly. "Arabella said those experiences are part of her story now."

He'd felt sorry for her too at first, but it was Arabella who had reassured him.

"Frank, I really believe things happen for a reason," Arabella said gently, trying to ease his mind. "If you all keep feeling guilty or sad for me, it'll only make me feel worse."

She didn't want her family carrying that weight forever.

She was home now. They were all together. From here on out, they should just focus on being happy.

"Yes, that way if you're ever busy, I can make it for Mom and Dad, too," Naomi said, smiling sweetly.

"Sure. I'll write down the recipe for you later," Arabella replied casually.

"Thank you, Arabella," Naomi said, still smiling.

"No problem," Arabella answered coolly.

Naomi then turned to Jonathan and Florence, her voice sugary. "Dad, Mom, once I learn, Arabella and I can take turns making soup for you."

"That's very thoughtful of both of you," Florence said, beaming.

They continued chatting and laughing through the rest of the meal before eventually moving into the living room.

"It's getting late. Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton, I should probably head out now," Matthew said, preparing to leave.

"Leaving so soon?" Florence sounded a little reluctant, but she nodded. "Alright. Come by again whenever you have time."

"I will," Matthew assured her.

"Matthew, give our best to Robert," Jonathan added.

"Thank you. I'll let him know," Matthew replied.