True Heiress Returns to Her Unemployed Rich Family (Arabella) novel Chapter 578

"Alright," Naomi replied, though her tone was flat, and she trailed after Florence without another word.

Ethan turned to Arabella with an easy smile. "Don't take it to heart—Mom mentioned Naomi's been pretty stressed lately. She tried to get her to take a trip overseas to unwind, but Naomi wasn't into it. So Mom thought bringing her along today might help her relax a bit."

Arabella shrugged lightly, a faint smile touching her lips. "It's really fine. I was just teasing her to lighten up—didn't expect her to get so serious about it."

"As long as you're okay," Ethan said, his expression softening.

Just then, Alfred piped up with a grin. "Hey Arabella, think I could snag one of your paintings before we head out?"

Arabella pretended to consider it, raising an eyebrow playfully. "You know my work doesn't come cheap, right?"

Alfred waved a hand, putting on an exaggerated air of generosity. "No worries—name your price."

"Count me in too," Ethan added. "I'll pay whatever it takes."

Frank's calm voice joined in from nearby. "I'd like one as well."

Arabella blinked, caught off guard. "Wait, you guys are serious?"

"Absolutely," Alfred confirmed. "We're not here that often. Having a painting to take back home would be like keeping a piece of this place with us."

Arabella couldn't help but laugh. "Sounds like you really love it here, Alfred."

"Of course I do," he replied. "Don't you?"

"I really do." Arabella nodded. "Okay then, I'll paint something for each of you. Just tell me which spots you like best."

Alfred pointed toward a hazy mountain stream nestled between pine-covered slopes. "That view over there is my favorite."

Frank gave a mild shrug. "Anything you choose is fine with me."

Ethan chuckled. "I won't fight over scenery. But I want tomorrow's."

"Tomorrow's?" Arabella echoed, confused.

Ethan paused for dramatic effect. "Tomorrow's... sunrise."

"Wow, demanding much?" Alfred shot him a mock-annoyed look. "You're gonna make her wake up at dawn just to paint that?"

But Arabella just smiled warmly. "It's no trouble—I was planning to watch the sunrise anyway."

For her, it was simply about capturing the moment while she was there.

"Can't believe she agreed that easily," Ethan said, clearly pleased with himself.

Alfred jumped back in. "Well, in that case, I'll take today's sunset. That work for you?"

"Sure," Arabella agreed, then glanced at Frank. "And you, Frank? Any preference?"

"Whatever feels right to you. Paint mine whenever inspiration strikes," Frank said, his gaze gentle.

"I'm keeping these safe, by the way," Alfred declared cheerfully. "Once our little sister makes it big in the art world, these'll be worth a fortune!"

Ethan rolled his eyes. "Since when are you so desperate for cash?"

Alfred puffed out his chest playfully. "I'm not! And I wouldn't sell them anyway."

"Okay," she murmured, already absorbed in blending a shade of gold into the sky.

She worked in focused silence, completely lost in the flow of creation...

At the sound of footsteps approaching from behind, she assumed it was her father returning. "Almost finished, Dad," she said without looking up.

"It looks beautiful," came a familiar, deeper voice.

Arabella's brush stilled. She turned and found Matthew standing beside her, his expression calm and unreadable. Her lips parted slightly in surprise.

"Didn't expect to see me?" Matthew asked, a faint smile touching his eyes.

It took her a second to find her words. "How did you get here?"

"Grandpa heard your grandparents were spending the day here, so he decided to join," Matthew explained smoothly.

"Robert's here too?" Arabella's eyes widened.

"Yes. He's over by the lodge talking with Ryan right now."

Arabella hesitated, searching his face. "Did you come over because you... want to clear things up with Robert now? Is that why you're talking to me, Mr. Stewart?"

Matthew's gaze seemed to darken for an instant. Then he shook his head lightly. "No. I just came over to take in the view. I didn't expect to find you painting here."

"Oh." Arabella picked up her brush again, adding careful strokes to the foreground.

Matthew studied the nearly finished painting—the way she'd captured the light and texture so vividly. "You know," he said after a moment, "you could easily call yourself a painter."