True Heiress Returns to Her Unemployed Rich Family (Arabella) novel Chapter 573

Brielle couldn't help rolling her eyes. "What's the big deal with three people?"

"Besides," she added, turning her head away with a huff, "it was only supposed to be two of us anyway."

Lucas caught her meaning right away—she was basically saying he'd invited himself along, and he wasn't part of the original plan. It bugged him more than he wanted to admit.

"We were the ones who had plans to celebrate first. You're the one who crashed," Lucas shot back, voice edged with annoyance.

Brielle's smug expression faltered. Okay, he had a point—they were a couple, so technically she was the third wheel.

She let out an awkward laugh. "Oh, lighten up! You two will have plenty of time for just the two of you. Hanging out with me this once isn't going to hurt."

Lucas gave her a sideways look. This girl sure knew how to twist things around.

But something about what she said felt... off.

Plenty of time for what? Once Arabella's exam was done, she wouldn't be coming to the training center much. They'd hardly see each other after this.

Noticing Lucas' darkening mood, Brielle frowned. "You're not actually mad, are you?"

Was he really that sensitive?

Or had she pushed it too far?

"Look, if it's such a big deal and you really wanted it to be just you two, I guess I kind of get it..." she started, but Arabella cut in.

"Let's all just go eat together. It'll be more fun that way," Arabella said, her tone even and warm.

She didn't like the bickering, but now that it had suddenly died down, the air felt thick and uneasy. Better to just move on and get some food.

Brielle peeked over at Lucas. When he didn't object, she stuck her tongue out playfully and fell into step beside Arabella.

Since Arabella was going, Lucas followed without another word—though he was still stuck on what Brielle had meant.

"Whatever. She's always talking without thinking." He shook his head, deciding to drop it.

Before long, they arrived at The Sky Lounge.

The restaurant lived up to its name—perched atop a high-rise with floor-to-ceiling windows offering sweeping views of the city skyline. The décor was chic and modern: clean lines by day, and by night, delicate string lights twinkled like stars overhead.

But today was different. Brielle had booked the entire place and arranged a special theme.

Instead of the usual floral centerpieces, the space was filled with model airplanes—commercial jets, vintage biplanes, even sleek fighter jets—displayed on tables, shelves, and even hanging delicately from the ceiling.

Arabella's eyes widened. "Brielle, you didn't..."

"Whoa, Brielle. This is next level," Lucas blurted out, his jaw practically dropping.

Seeing their stunned faces, Brielle's confident smile wavered. "You... don't like it?"

"No, we love it!" Arabella said quickly.

"We just weren't expecting all this. It looks like an aviation exhibit in here," Lucas added, glancing around in awe.

Behind him, Andy barely hid a smile. Gotta hand it to the boss—even his excuses sound convincing.

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