True Heiress Returns to Her Unemployed Rich Family (Arabella) novel Chapter 554

"Dr. Hamilton's here, too," Robert chimed in cheerfully. "You've picked a great time. Naomi just finished learning how to make this healthy soup—she whipped it up not too long ago. You should join us and have some."

"Healthy soup, huh?" Arabella glanced toward Naomi, a hint of playfulness in her eyes.

Naomi's cheeks flushed, and she quickly looked away.

No one else understood, but Arabella knew exactly why. After all, Naomi had only just learned the recipe from her.

She really hadn't expected Arabella to drop by at this hour.

"It's not just soup," Robert added without overthinking it. "I asked the kitchen to prepare a few other dishes as well."

Arabella was about to politely decline and head out when Matthew spoke first. "Let's eat, then."

"Alright, dinner's ready!" Robert called out toward the kitchen.

Shortly after, staff began bringing out dishes one by one.

Seeing the spread, Arabella agreed. "Okay."

They all moved to the dining room and took their seats.

"Naomi, is that the soup you made? It looks wonderful," Robert said encouragingly.

Naomi shot a quick look at Arabella before nodding. "Yes. Let me serve you first."

"Sounds good," Robert replied with a warm smile.

Naomi stood, ladled a bowl for Robert, and placed it gently in front of him. "Try it, Robert. Let me know what you think."

She then filled another bowl and set it before Matthew. "Here you go, Matthew."

"I don't want any," Matthew stated coolly.

Naomi's smile stiffened, her face paling slightly.

For a moment, no one spoke, and the atmosphere turned noticeably awkward.

Robert glanced around and tried to smooth things over. "This soup really is delicious. If Matthew won't have it, pass it over to me."

"Oh—okay," Naomi managed a strained smile and slid the bowl toward Robert.

She then served another portion and offered it to Arabella. "Arabella, why don't you try some as well?"

Arabella raised an eyebrow. This girl really doesn't give up.

"Alright," she replied with a faint, knowing smile.

Naomi sat back down, her gaze drifting repeatedly toward Matthew and Arabella.

"Arabella, did you come here from Matthew's office?" Naomi finally couldn't resist asking.

"No," Arabella answered calmly, then added casually, "Why do you ask?"

Naomi shook her head quickly. "Oh, no reason. I just saw you two come in together and wondered. My mistake."

"Whether you were mistaken or not isn't really the point. But my comings and goings aren't really your concern, so it's probably better not to ask too much," Arabella said flatly.

All these questions—were they even that close?

"Robert, if you aren't following doctor's orders yourself, you can't exactly point fingers at Mr. Stewart," she remarked. Neither of them was in a position to lecture the other.

"I only had a little extra," Robert tried to explain. "But he's up working night after night."

"Was that 'little extra' within the amount I approved?" Arabella pressed.

Robert shrank back slightly. "Just a tiny bit over."

Arabella rolled her eyes. "So you went over the limit."

"Arabella, when it comes to food, sometimes you should just enjoy what you like. No need to be so strict, right?" Naomi chimed in meaningfully. "Besides, I'm sure Robert knows his own limits."

The subtext was clear. Aren't you being a bit too controlling?

Arabella gave her a cool look. "That's why I'm the doctor and you're not."

Naomi fell silent, offering only an awkward smile before adding, "I just meant, going a little over once in a while isn't a big deal."

Arabella turned back to Robert, her expression completely serious.

Even without a word, Robert felt thoroughly chastised. He straightened up promptly and said earnestly, "I give you my word—from now on, I'll follow doctor's orders."

Only then did Arabella seem satisfied. "Remember—actions speak louder than words."

"I'll stick to it this time, I promise," Robert assured her, placing a hand over his heart.

Arabella nodded, then turned to Matthew. "And you?"

"It's not as bad as Grandpa made it sound. The night before last, there was an urgent international call, so I stayed up a bit later to handle it," Matthew explained. He'd been making a real effort to wrap up work during the day so he wouldn't have to bring it home.