True Heiress Returns to Her Unemployed Rich Family (Arabella) novel Chapter 556

Arabella gave a casual shrug. "You could think of it like that. Laughter's good for your health, you know—they say a laugh a day keeps the years away."

Matthew's expression darkened slightly. "Do I seem that old to you?"

A playful smile touched her lips. "Well, you are older than I am."

"So you prefer younger guys?" Matthew's deep-set eyes gave little away, his tone neutral.

She found herself drawn into that steady gaze, curious what might lie behind it.

Suddenly, a hand waved in front of her face. Arabella blinked, pulled back to the present, and felt a flush of embarrassment.

She cleared her throat. "I should get going."

She opened the car door and slid inside, then added through the open window, "You ought to head back in too, Mr. Stewart."

"Alright," Matthew replied simply.

Arabella started the engine and drove off.

Matthew stood watching until her taillights vanished down the street. His expression tightened.

She hadn't answered his question. Or maybe, in a way, she just had.

A dull weight settled in his chest, and the evening air seemed to grow colder around him.

Once she was clear of Stewart Manor, Arabella finally let out a long, slow breath.

"Can't believe I zoned out like that. So awkward," she muttered to herself, annoyed.

Still, she had to admit—she'd never really noticed before how compelling Matthew's eyes were.

"Like there's a whole universe hidden in them," she murmured after a moment's thought, a faint smile forming.

Back at Stewart Manor, Matthew returned to the dining room but found he'd lost his appetite.

"Grandfather, I'm finished for the evening. I'll be in the study," he announced.

"Don't stay up too late. I'll have to let Dr. Hamilton know if you do," Robert warned lightly.

Matthew nodded. "That's why I'm handling things now—so I won't need to."

"That's more like it," Robert said, satisfied.

As Matthew headed upstairs, Naomi remarked casually, "You really take Dr. Hamilton's advice seriously, don't you?"

"When a good doctor gives advice, it pays to listen," Robert replied cheerfully. "Now, let's finish our drinks and call it a night."

It was getting late, after all—he couldn't keep a young guest like Naomi here drinking all evening.

"Sure," Naomi said. She threw her head back and drained her glass in one go.

"Hey, easy there," Robert said, concerned. "No need to rush."

Naomi set the glass down. "I know you shouldn't have too much, Mr. Stewart. And I don't want to overstay my welcome."

"It's really no trouble—the night's still young," Robert assured her.

But Naomi shook her head. "Even so, I should get going. Arabella already left, so it's only right I head out too."

As they walked, Robert asked, "What was that Matthew brought in with him earlier?"

"Something from Dr. Hamilton, I believe. Most likely medicine," Charles replied.

Robert paused. "Dr. Hamilton, you say?"

"Yes, when the young master walked her out, I saw her hand him something. I couldn't make out what was said, though—they were quite a ways off."

"Well, whatever it was, it's a good sign," Robert said, smiling slightly. "Shows she's looking out for him."

Charles hesitated. "Then why not just tell Matthew that Dr. Hamilton isn't seeing anyone? Might move things along faster."

"That's for Matthew to discover on his own," Robert replied, a note of pride in his voice.

"But why?" Charles asked, somewhat puzzled.

Robert gave a knowing look. "Some things depend on timing."

Charles didn't fully understand, but he didn't press further.

Late that night, the house was quiet.

After wrapping up his work, Matthew finally headed to his bedroom.

He took a quick shower, changed into sleepwear, and stepped out of the bathroom.

But he stopped short.

There, in his room, was Naomi—wearing nothing but a men's dress shirt that barely reached her hips. Her long, bare legs were exposed, and her feet were bare. The shirt was unbuttoned nearly all the way, leaving little to the imagination.