True Heiress Returns to Her Unemployed Rich Family (Arabella) novel Chapter 563

"What do you mean?" The others turned back to Arabella, curious about her perspective.

Naomi quietly let out a sigh of relief. If Arabella said not to look into it, the matter would probably be dropped.

Arabella explained plainly, "Whatever we might think of, Mr. Stewart has probably already considered. So if an investigation is needed, he'll handle it. If the Stewart family isn't pursuing it, we don't really need to either."

Ethan nodded slowly. "That's a fair point."

"Arabella's right. Honestly, the Stewarts are likely already looking into this," Frank agreed.

Jonathan's gaze was thoughtful. "Exactly. Robert values his privacy. Normally, reporters wouldn't be able to get anywhere near his place. Just for Robert's peace of mind, I'm sure Matthew will investigate."

As everyone voiced their thoughts, Naomi's heart, which had just settled, began to race again.

She bit her lip lightly, her mind working quickly.

She had stirred up the media to pressure the Stewarts and Matthew, but there was absolutely no way she could let Matthew discover she was behind it. If that happened, she was finished.

Lost in her thoughts, her phone suddenly rang. Naomi flinched.

Her face pale, she pulled out her phone. Seeing the number, she went completely white and immediately declined the call.

"Who was that? Why didn't you answer?" Florence asked, confused.

"Oh, just a spam caller," Naomi said casually.

Ethan studied Naomi closely. "You look really pale. Is everything okay?"

Florence grew concerned. "Naomi, if something's going on, you have to tell us. We're here to help."

"Really, Mom, I'm fine," Naomi replied with a strained smile.

"You're out there on your own. We worry about you," Florence said, her eyes softening with affection.

Naomi nodded gently. "I know, Mom. Don't worry. If anything comes up, I'll definitely ask my brothers for help. They're all so capable."

"Good, that's a relief," Florence said, feeling somewhat reassured.

"Mom, Dad, Frank, Ethan—it's getting late. I should head back too," Naomi said, preparing to leave.

Jonathan reminded her, "Drive safe."

"I will, don't worry," Naomi replied before stepping out.

"Ah..." Florence watched her leave and couldn't help sighing.

Frank comforted her. "Mom, Naomi's pretty independent. She'll be okay."

"I just feel like she's holding something back and won't tell us anymore," Florence admitted. She was certain Naomi was hiding something.

"She's grown up and lives on her own. It's normal to have her own life," Ethan added.

Florence looked at her two sons, then at Arabella, and nodded quietly. "You're all adults now."

"Let her handle it herself. If there's really a problem, we'll find out sooner or later. And if she's truly in trouble, we'll be there for her," Frank said reasonably.

She tightened her grip on the phone. "So what do you want?"

"I need money to lay low. If they find me, I can't promise I won't give you up," the person threatened bluntly.

Naomi was silent for a moment. "How much?"

"Five hundred grand!" The voice was smug.

"What? You might as well rob a bank!" Naomi's voice rose in disbelief.

The person chuckled dryly. "Robbery's too risky. That's illegal."

"And blackmailing me isn't?" Naomi shot back.

"Is it illegal?" The person paused, then laughed coldly. "Well, you're welcome not to pay."

"You—" Naomi choked on her anger.

Not pay? Did she even have a choice?

Even though she knew she was being extorted, there was nothing she could do.

The person had nothing to lose, but she had everything at stake. She couldn't let this spiral out of control.

Matthew was already investigating. If she didn't shut this down now, he'd eventually trace it back to her.

"Send me your account details. I'll transfer the money tomorrow," Naomi finally agreed, her voice tight with resentment.