True Heiress Returns to Her Unemployed Rich Family (Arabella) novel Chapter 572

"It's getting late," Jonathan remarked. "Alfred just got home from a long trip. I think we should all call it a night. Besides, Arabella has her checkride tomorrow—she needs to be well-rested."

"That's true," Florence agreed. "We shouldn't keep her up. She'll need her energy."

"Let's pick this up tomorrow," Frank said, stretching lightly.

Alfred nodded, looking weary. "Yeah, I wrapped up the assignment and drove straight back. I'm pretty beat."

With that, everyone headed to their rooms to turn in.

*****

Meanwhile, over at her apartment, Naomi was already out of the shower and lying in bed.

Sleep wouldn't come. She knew Andy's public clarification had come from Matthew—and once Matthew had made his position that clear, anything else she tried would be pointless.

But she couldn't just accept it. An opportunity like this wouldn't come around again.

"If only Ruby were still here... she'd know how to help me," Naomi muttered to herself, frustration simmering in her chest.

What was she supposed to do now?

She tossed and turned, thoughts racing, until the sheets were tangled and her mind was no closer to calm.

"The deal with Horizon Corp fell through... and now this plan blew up in my face. I can't keep striking out like this," she thought, a dull ache settling in her chest.

Every failure seemed to push Matthew further away, shrinking her chances until one day he'd be gone for good.

"No—I can't lose him," she whispered, sitting up abruptly in the dark.

She clenched her fists, forcing herself to breathe slowly.

Feeling sorry for herself wouldn't fix anything. She had to come up with something...

*****

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the windows of the family home. Everyone had risen a little earlier than usual.

By the time Arabella came downstairs, the whole family was already gathered in the dining room.

A full spread was laid out across the table: pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, fresh fruit, and orange juice. Seeing it all, Arabella felt a warm glow spread through her. Her family had put this together just for her.

It reminded her of back in high school, when some of her classmates would talk about their families making them a "good luck breakfast" before big tests. She'd only ever heard about it—quietly envying the gesture.

Later, she could've made herself something special, but it never felt the same doing it alone.

And now, here she was, grown up, and her real family was doing it for her—treating her with the kind of care she'd once only imagined.

It touched her, more than she expected. She could feel how much they loved her.

"Come sit, honey," Florence said warmly. "Eat up—you'll need fuel for today."

"Thanks, Mom," Arabella replied with a soft smile.

"How about we take you out for lunch to celebrate afterward?" Frank suggested.

"I wish I could, but I already made plans with some friends," Arabella said honestly.

"Friends?" several voices chimed at once, curiosity lighting up their faces.

"Who?"

"Guys or girls?"

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