True Heiress Returns to Her Unemployed Rich Family (Arabella) novel Chapter 581

"Guess I'm joining you old-timers too," Jonathan chuckled.

Ryan shot his son a glance. "You're not quite there yet, but yeah, you fit right in with us."

The whole table erupted in laughter.

Florence linked her arm through Lena's. "Lena, let's go get some aromatherapy and just unwind."

"Sounds perfect," Lena agreed.

Frank turned to Matthew. "How about you, Mr. Stewart?"

"I'm still a long way from being an old-timer," Matthew replied.

"Then you're coming with us to the back hill," Ethan cut in, giving Matthew a look. "The more the merrier. Plus, we can watch each other's backs."

They quickly settled their afternoon plans and kept chatting over the rest of the meal.

After lunch, everyone headed back to their rooms to change.

Since there might be some light hiking, they all threw on athletic wear—something comfortable and easy to move in.

Alfred was the first one ready. When he got back to the meeting spot, no one else had made it yet.

A short while later, Arabella showed up in a white workout set, her hair pulled up in a high ponytail. She looked youthful and fresh—like she'd just stepped out of a sports catalog.

"Who's this middle-schooler?" Alfred teased.

Arabella grinned. "Look at you, Alfred—you could totally pass for a college guy."

"That young, huh?" Alfred couldn't help but touch his cheek.

"Absolutely, totally young," Arabella insisted, nodding emphatically.

Alfred beamed. "You're the best."

"Ha!" Arabella laughed. "Alfred, it's not like you're at the age to be worrying about that yet, right?"

"I shouldn't be," Alfred sighed. "But my whole team's started calling me 'The Old Captain'."

"Are your teammates all younger than you?" Arabella asked curiously.

Alfred shook his head. "Nope. That's why I'm starting to wonder if I really am getting old."

"Got it," Arabella said with a reassuring smile. "Well, don't worry—you're still seriously young."

Frank, Ethan, and Naomi arrived one after another, all dressed in athletic gear, each looking sharp in their own style. Even Frank, who usually tried to act mature, seemed more relaxed and energetic.

"Frank, you look way younger like this too," Ethan remarked with a smile.

Frank glanced over. "I wasn't old to begin with."

"Right, just older than the rest of us," Ethan added playfully.

"Matthew!" Naomi's voice held a hint of surprise, and everyone turned to look.

"Arabella, you might not have been drooling, but you were definitely staring," Alfred murmured under his breath.

Even though he'd spoken quietly, everyone nearby caught it.

Arabella's face flushed instantly. "Who was staring? I was just thinking he's so slow, showing up last and making everyone wait."

"Sure, whatever you say," Ethan replied, his tone lightly teasing.

Arabella frowned. "Ethan, what's that supposed to mean? You don't believe me?"

"No, no—I totally believe you."

But the mischievous glint in Ethan's smile only annoyed her more.

This is all Matthew's fault. Why did he have to say that? She wasn't drooling at all!

Still, she was equally frustrated with herself for actually falling for it and wiping her mouth. So embarrassing!

"Hey Arabella," Alfred piped up, "there's a hot spring pool out back on the hill. You wanna check it out?"

"No need," Ethan cut in. "They pump the hot spring water straight into the tubs in the rooms."

"It's not the same at all. How can a bathtub compare to the real thing?" Alfred argued.

Arabella looked at Alfred. "Is it an enclosed pool?"

"It's open-air, but it's totally private. Frank doesn't let anyone else use it," Alfred explained.