True Heiress Returns to Her Unemployed Rich Family (Arabella) novel Chapter 574

"Let's eat," Arabella said, sensing the mood had shifted slightly.

"Okay, I'm starving," Brielle chimed in, then glanced toward Matthew. "You must be hungry too, right?"

"I..." Matthew started to say no, but caught himself. "A little."

Hearing his clipped tone and noticing his stiff expression, Brielle tilted her head. "You don't look so great—are you feeling okay?"

"I'm fine," Matthew replied tersely. "Let's just eat."

"Oh." Brielle nodded slowly, stealing another look at him. Something was definitely off.

Truth was, Matthew was simmering with frustration.

He'd shown up on a whim, only to realize his presence was just going to make things awkward.

Because he was there, what should have been a lighthearted celebration now felt strained.

Brielle, who usually loved to chat and keep the energy up, quieted down once she picked up on Matthew's mood.

Arabella found it odd too and lifted her gaze—only to meet Matthew's eyes already fixed on her. They both paused, caught off guard.

"What brings you here today, Mr. Stewart?" Lucas spoke up, breaking the silence.

"Is that a problem?" Matthew shot back.

"Just wondering," Lucas said evenly, though suspicion lingered beneath his calm tone.

"Don't waste your curiosity on me," Matthew retorted, clearly not in the mood to engage.

Lucas' mouth twitched slightly. He wasn't actually interested in Matthew's business—he was only concerned about Arabella.

Matthew's sudden appearance felt anything but coincidental. In fact, Lucas strongly doubted he'd just "happened" to be in the area.

But there was no way Matthew could've known they'd be here today... right?

"Lucas?" Arabella's voice pulled him from his thoughts.

"Hmm?"

"You're not eating. What's on your mind?"

"Oh, right. Eating," Lucas said, turning his attention to his plate.

Brielle studied him closely and mumbled, "Weird."

Lucas shot her a look. "Can't you eat without commenting?"

"Hmph." Brielle rolled her eyes at him before turning back to Matthew. "Don't mind him, Matthew—he's in one of his moods. So, what do you think of the food? Looks good, doesn't it?"

"It's fine," Matthew said flatly.

Watching their exchange, Arabella frowned almost imperceptibly.

Why did it feel like Matthew was being distant—almost cold—toward Brielle?

But when she glanced at Brielle, the younger girl didn't seem bothered at all. Arabella blinked.

Seeing she wasn't backing down, Lucas swallowed the sharp reply on the tip of his tongue.

Forget it—he'd learned his lesson with this one. Arguing wasn't worth it.

"Let's go," he muttered, not really in the mood to talk. He just wanted some space to himself.

Brielle's eyes widened in surprise. "Wait, you're agreeing just like that? You're not planning something shady, are you?"

If anything, his easy compliance made her more suspicious.

"Yeah, I'm planning to sell you off," Lucas grumbled sarcastically.

"Now that sounds more like you," Brielle said, relaxing a little. She wasn't used to him being agreeable.

Lucas almost cracked a smile despite himself. "Are you crazy?"

"Look who's talking," Brielle fired back, completely unfazed as she followed him to the car.

Lucas stared at her. "I'm the crazy one?"

"Yep. You were acting off during lunch. Are you sick, or did something pop into that head of yours?" Brielle pressed, her tone teasingly nosy.

Lucas kept his expression neutral. "It's nothing. You're overthinking it."

Brielle gave him a knowing look. "So it's about you and Arabella. Never mind—it's between you two. I won't pry."

Lucas looked at her blankly. "What in the world are you talking about?"