True Heiress Returns to Her Unemployed Rich Family (Arabella) novel Chapter 576

Arabella seemed to finally piece it together. She gave a slow nod. "Alright, I understand."

For some reason, a weight settled in her chest. Her mood dipped noticeably.

It made sense, really. If Matthew had chosen to be with Brielle, then he ought to clarify things with Robert—clear the air about whatever was between him and Arabella, so Robert wouldn't keep holding onto the wrong idea.

Watching the two of them effectively close the door on whatever they had, Andy felt a pang of helpless anxiety. There was nothing he could do.

The car pulled to a stop. "Dr. Hamilton, we're here," Andy announced.

Arabella looked up to see the pharmaceutical company building ahead. She opened the door and stepped out. "After the weekend, I'll go with you to Stewart Manor."

With that, she turned and walked inside.

Matthew watched her figure retreat, his eyes growing even more unreadable.

"Mr. Stewart, if you had just spoken up earlier, things might have turned out differently," Andy ventured carefully.

Now it looked like whatever was between them was over before it even began.

"Wouldn't have changed a thing," Matthew replied coolly. "Let's go."

"Yes, sir," the driver responded, pulling away from the curb.

Andy still couldn't let it go. "It was just one comment from Ms. Miller, one picture. What if she set that up deliberately?"

If Brielle was determined to marry Matthew, maybe she was trying to create a rift.

"That's enough." Matthew's tone carried a quiet warning.

A chill ran down Andy's spine, and he paled slightly. "Understood."

He was genuinely worried about his boss, but if Matthew didn't want to hear it, he'd have to drop it.

Leaning back in his seat, Matthew turned his gaze to the window, though he seemed to be looking somewhere far beyond the glass.

He knew Brielle's intentions were clear enough—but he also knew she wasn't the type to resort to cheap tricks.

The photo she'd sent him was something she'd genuinely seen with her own eyes. He'd seen it too, and it wasn't doctored.

If Arabella had really accepted Lucas, then he and Arabella needed to come clean with Grandpa. It had been an arrangement from the start, just something to keep up appearances for his grandfather's sake.

*****

Arabella went back to her office.

"Ms. Hamilton, you don't look well. Are you feeling okay?" Chloe set down a coffee and studied Arabella with concern.

"I'm fine. Go ahead with your work," Arabella said, shaking her head lightly.

Chloe still looked uneasy. "I'll be outside if you need anything."

Arabella nodded.

Once alone, Arabella took a deep breath and rubbed her temples.

She wasn't sure why she felt so low. There was a strange tightness in her chest, a heavy, unsettled feeling.

She picked up her coffee and took a few sips before she started to feel even slightly better.

"I assure you they're original. No copying, no borrowing, no imitation. They were designed specifically for Horizon Corp," Colton replied smoothly, his expression relaxed and confident.

Seeing no trace of unease in Colton's demeanor, Matthew's eyes darkened slightly.

"Good." Matthew selected one draft and set the rest aside. "What's this series called?"

"Well..." Colton hesitated. "I haven't settled on a name yet.

"I assumed Horizon Corp might already have something in mind. If not, I can propose one once I'm back at the studio," he added.

"Call it 'Unstained Grace'," Matthew said calmly.

"Of course," Colton agreed.

Matthew watched Colton's calm composure, his own expression growing more inscrutable.

"That'll be all for now. You may go," Matthew dismissed him with a slight gesture.

"I'll take my leave then, Mr. Stewart. Please have the director reach out if anything comes up." With a polite nod, Colton exited.

"Mr. Stewart, is something off about those designs?" Andy asked quietly once they were alone.

If there was any hint of plagiarism, it could jeopardize the whole collaboration.

"It's nothing," Matthew said, though his tone was distant. "Get back to your work."

"Yes, sir." Andy withdrew, closing the door softly behind him.

Alone, Matthew picked up the single design draft he'd kept back. His deep, steady gaze held something unreadable—a quiet intensity that seemed to pierce right through the paper.