True Heiress Returns to Her Unemployed Rich Family (Arabella) novel Chapter 561

"As long as they don't blame you," Chloe said quietly. Even though Arabella hadn't done anything wrong, it was still their daughter who ended up in handcuffs.

"Don't worry about it. And in Ruby's case—even if she's convicted, it's not like she'll be locked away for years," Arabella pointed out. It wasn't a homicide charge, so the sentence wouldn't be too harsh. Ruby just needed to learn her lesson so she'd think twice before pulling something like that again.

"So we don't need to do anything else on our end?" Chloe checked.

"Nope," Arabella shook her head. "That's all for now. Go ahead and get back to work."

"Okay," Chloe replied before heading out.

Arabella took a slow breath, her expression turning a shade more serious.

They'd caught David, which meant Ruby's trial should be wrapping up soon.

But Liam and Sophia... they'd still be hurting, wouldn't they?

After a moment's thought, she picked up her phone and called her mother.

"Mom, could you invite Uncle and Aunt over for dinner tonight?" Arabella asked.

"Did something happen?" Florence's voice held a note of concern.

"They arrested David. Ruby's case is probably coming to a close soon," Arabella explained.

There was a brief pause on the other end before Florence replied, her tone heavier now, "Alright, I understand."

"Thanks. I'll get back to work now," Arabella said.

"Sure, honey. We'll talk more tonight when you're home," Florence reassured her before hanging up.

Arabella let out a soft sigh and turned her attention back to her desk.

Evening fell, painting the sky in shades of orange and purple by the time Arabella pulled into the driveway of Cloudrise Manor.

Seeing all the cars parked outside, she knew the whole family had already gathered.

She stepped out and made her way into the spacious villa.

"Mom, Dad, Uncle Liam, Aunt Sophia, Frank, Ethan," she greeted each of them in turn, before her eyes settled on Naomi.

Naomi's face was calm, but her eyes held a faint gleam of satisfaction—almost like a quiet challenge.

Arabella raised an eyebrow slightly. What was that look about?

"Arabella, we heard about everything. Please don't feel pressured. Ruby brought this on herself—nobody else is to blame," Sophia said gently, though the sadness in her eyes was unmistakable.

Liam nodded in agreement. "We just hope this teaches her a lesson. Maybe then she'll stop acting so recklessly."

"That's right," Sophia added softly. "We're really hoping she'll change."

"We know you're both upset, but what's done is done. We'll all just have to wait until she's released," Florence said, trying to offer some comfort.

"How about we move to the dining room?" Jonathan suggested warmly.

Soon, the whole family settled around the large dinner table.

"I asked the kitchen to prepare all your favorites," Florence said as she encouraged everyone to start. "With Ruby's case coming to an end, and you all leaving again soon... let's consider this a farewell dinner for now. Next time you visit, we'll do this again."

"Yeah, we've been away too long already. Work's really piled up—my assistant's practically begging for relief," Liam admitted with a tired smile.

"It's going to be a busy few months back home," Sophia added, turning to Jonathan and Florence. "Jonathan, Florence—we'll come see you both as soon as we're back."

Florence nodded understandingly. "We get it. You focus on your work."

They were always on the move. Maybe keeping busy would help take their minds off everything, even if just a little.

No matter how reckless Ruby had been, she was still their daughter. Of course they were hurting.

The dinner was tinged with a quiet weight—partly because of Ruby, and partly because goodbyes were never easy.

"It's getting late," Liam said finally, rising from his seat. "We should probably head out."

"I'll walk you to the door," Arabella offered, standing up as well.

Liam and Sophia exchanged a glance, then nodded. "Alright, thank you."

Since Arabella was seeing them out, the others remained seated, lingering over the last moments of the evening together.