True Heiress Returns to Her Unemployed Rich Family (Arabella) novel Chapter 543

"Arabella, why don't you walk Matthew out," Florence suggested, gently urging her forward.

"Huh? Me?" Arabella looked puzzled. Couldn't the butler handle that?

"I can go—" Ethan began to offer, but a glance from Florence made him backtrack. "Actually, I've got some things to take care of. Arabella, you should go."

Matthew's gaze lingered on Arabella, as if waiting.

"Arabella, you spent all that time preparing dinner—you must be exhausted. Mom, let her rest. I'll see Matthew out," Naomi offered softly.

"Naomi..." Florence frowned, hesitation clear in her voice.

But Naomi was already approaching Matthew. She offered a light smile. "Matthew, I'll walk with you."

"No need. I know my way out." With that, Matthew turned and strode toward the door.

"Matthew!" Naomi stood frozen, her face flushing with embarrassment.

"Ethan, go ahead and walk him out," Jonathan instructed.

"Right, of course," Ethan replied, hurrying after Matthew.

Once they were gone, Frank remarked, "Mr. Stewart seemed a bit off tonight, didn't he?"

"Off how?" Arabella shrugged. "Isn't he always like that?"

"Just a feeling," Frank said, leaving it at that.

Only Naomi understood exactly what Frank meant.

Over the years, Matthew had visited the Hamilton household only a handful of times. He rarely attended family gatherings, much less stayed for a casual dinner.

Her eyes darkened as she stared at Arabella, resentment simmering beneath the surface.

She refused to believe Matthew had stayed for the family's sake. Arabella was clearly showing off in front of him.

And Matthew... he did seem different around Arabella tonight.

"Arabella," Naomi began, her tone sweetly neutral, "you promised to write down that recipe for me. Is now a good time?"

Arabella glanced over. "Give me a moment."

She found a notepad and pen, quickly jotted down the ingredients and steps, and handed it over.

Naomi's lips curved slightly as she examined the handwriting. "Thanks, Arabella."

Without another word, Arabella turned to her parents. "Mom, Dad, I'm going upstairs to rest."

"Of course, honey. You've earned it," Florence said warmly.

After Arabella disappeared up the stairs, Frank announced, "I'll be in the study—some paperwork to finish."

Jonathan nodded. "Alright."

"Yeah, it's getting late. Time to go back to my place." She turned to Matthew, her tone bright. "Drive safely, Matthew."

Matthew's expression remained cool, his eyes distant.

Pretending not to notice, Naomi offered a graceful little wave, slipped into her car, and drove off.

Once her taillights disappeared, Ethan turned back to Matthew.

"What were you saying earlier?" Ethan asked, his brow furrowed.

Matthew studied him for a moment, as if debating whether to repeat himself.

"Seriously, I didn't catch it," Ethan admitted.

"You and Dr. Hamilton seem close," Matthew said slowly. "But do you really know what's going on in her life?"

Ethan looked genuinely confused. "Could you be more specific?"

Every word made sense, but together, they didn't quite connect.

Matthew took a slight breath. "Dr. Hamilton is seeing someone. Did you know that?"

"Since when?" Ethan stared, completely caught off guard. How could he not know?

"Apparently not," Matthew observed, one brow lifting slightly. Ethan's surprise seemed genuine.