True Heiress Returns to Her Unemployed Rich Family (Arabella) novel Chapter 566

"Of course not," Lucas replied, feigning a cocky tone. "I've got actual skills, you know."

Arabella raised an eyebrow skeptically. "Prove it by teaching Brielle well—then I might believe you."

"Wait a second..." Lucas studied her face, suddenly suspicious. "Are you setting me up here? Since when are you so nice to that little troublemaker?"

Arabella chuckled softly. "Guilty as charged."

"Still," she added, a playful glint in her eyes, "it doesn't change the fact that you've got to show what you're made of, right?"

Lucas let out an exaggerated sigh. "Yes, Your Highness. Whatever you say."

A faint smile touched Arabella's lips. "I'm heading out, then."

"Alright," Lucas said, quickly adding, "Don't forget—be here on time tomorrow."

"Bye." Arabella gave a slight nod and a casual wave before turning to leave.

Lucas watched her walk away, her stride confident and assured. An unexpected pang tugged at his chest—a faint, lingering sense of loss.

After tomorrow, once she had her pilot's license in hand, she wouldn't be coming back to the flight academy.

"It's going to be even harder to see her after this," he muttered under his breath.

"Still thinking about seeing her? Did you already forget what your parents told you?" Hank's voice cut through his thoughts, coming from right behind him.

"Whoa!" Lucas jumped, startled. "Uncle, you can't just sneak up on people like that. You nearly gave me a heart attack."

"Hmph. Only people with guilty consciences get scared that easily," Hank retorted, shooting him a disapproving look.

"What guilt? Never mind," Lucas said, shaking his head. "So, what's up? Something going on?"

"Your parents want you home for dinner tonight," Hank stated plainly.

"That's it?" Lucas blinked, surprised. "Couldn't you have just called? Why come all the way out here to tell me?"

For a moment, he'd worried something serious had happened at the academy.

"Can't I come check on my own nephew?" Hank countered, frowning.

"Yeah, of course you can," Lucas replied, forcing a polite smile.

No point arguing. Might as well let him have his way.

Hank gave Lucas a stern, lingering look. "Just remember what your parents said. Don't let it slip your mind."

Lucas stayed silent. After a moment of hesitation, Hank shook his head slowly and walked away.

Once he was alone again, Lucas slumped slightly, his earlier energy deflating.

"What's with you?" Brielle's voice chimed in as she walked back over, glancing around. "Did Arabella leave already?"

"She finished her training, so yeah, she took off," Lucas replied, his tone quieter than usual.

Brielle tilted her head, studying him. "You seem kinda down."

"Nah, you're imagining things," Lucas said flatly, then turned to leave.

"Hey, wait—" Brielle began, but he was already walking away. She rolled her eyes in frustration.

With everyone gone, the hangar felt too quiet. Sighing, she eventually grabbed her things and headed out too.

Arabella entered, her demeanor focused but calm. "Mr. Stewart, regarding Derek's project—Bruce's team has confirmed a successful trial run."

"Efficient as always," Matthew noted, a hint of praise in his tone. "Then again, I shouldn't be surprised. You are the protégé of the renowned Dr. Aletta, after all."

Arabella offered a modest smile. "Thank you."

"Looking back," Matthew continued, "investing in your research and that custom lab was one of the smarter decisions I've made."

He'd evaluated several biomedical startups at the time, but something about Arabella's proposal had stood out—clear, bold, and promising enough that he'd agreed almost immediately.

Arabella's smile turned a touch more confident. "I'd say it reflects well on your judgment, Mr. Stewart."

"Is that a compliment aimed at me, or a subtle one for yourself?" Matthew teased—a rare, almost playful tone for him.

"Let's just call it a compliment to you," she replied, her eyes gleaming with mild amusement.

Matthew's expression softened slightly. This lighter, more relaxed side of her was unusual—and intriguing.

Noticing the drink in his hand, Arabella asked, "Rough night, Mr. Stewart? You look like you could use the rest."

"Not exactly rough. Just... didn't sleep very well. I've been feeling tired lately," he explained vaguely.

"What's been keeping you up?" she inquired, genuine curiosity in her voice.

Matthew held her gaze for a moment. "That news segment that aired yesterday. You did see it, didn't you?"

Arabella looked genuinely surprised. "That actually bothered you?"

She'd assumed someone like him would brush off media noise without a second thought.