True Heiress Returns to Her Unemployed Rich Family (Arabella) novel Chapter 582

Arabella gave Alfred a look. "If no one's allowed in, why even bring it up?"

"Well, you're the exception," Alfred replied, then glanced over at Frank. "Right, Frank?"

"Absolutely." Frank nodded. When it came to Arabella, the rules never really applied.

Arabella felt a warmth in her chest. "Thanks, Frank. But not today—maybe another time."

"Whenever you're up for it," Frank said.

Naomi lingered toward the back, watching the group ahead of her. Her expression was unreadable, shadowed and closed off.

Matthew and Robert showing up had really thrown her. It felt like things were getting serious.

Especially Matthew—he'd gone straight to Arabella the moment he arrived, and just now he'd been joking around with her so easily. That wasn't the Matthew she knew. He never acted that way with anyone.

And all the brothers just kept doting on Arabella, endlessly.

Right now, she felt completely out of place—like she didn't even belong here.

Yeah, she wasn't really a Hamilton. What right did she have to tag along?

"Naomi, you're falling behind—everything okay?" Ethan called back to her.

"No, I'm fine," Naomi snapped out of her thoughts and picked up her pace.

"If you're tired, just say so. We can take a break," Ethan reminded her gently.

Naomi forced a small smile. "Thanks, Ethan. I'm good."

"Alright then, let's catch up. They're way ahead now," he said, quickening his step.

After a while, they reached the base of the back hill.

"This next stretch is pretty steep. You two gonna be okay?" Alfred asked, looking between Arabella and Naomi.

"I'm good," Arabella said, scanning the slope with confident eyes.

"I'll manage," Naomi replied quietly.

"Then let's head up," Alfred said, then added firmly, "But remember—if it gets too tough or you can't keep up, don't push it. Okay?"

"Got it," Arabella said.

Naomi nodded. "I understand, Alfred."

After a quick once-over, they started climbing.

The back hill wasn't some gentle scenic trail—it was mostly rugged rock, with only patches of hardy plants and tiny wildflowers sprouting between cracks here and there, giving it a raw, stark kind of beauty.

A narrow path wound upward. What made climbing a rocky hillside worth it was the view—the higher you went, the farther you could see, and the more breathtaking everything became.

"Arabella, stick close to me. Naomi, stay with Ethan. Watch out for each other," Alfred instructed.

"I'll take the lead," Frank offered.

Alfred, realizing he'd spoken out of turn in his excitement, quickly changed the subject. "Let's keep moving. I remember there's a lookout platform about halfway up from here."

"Good idea. We can properly rest there," Ethan agreed.

One by one, they got to their feet, ready to continue.

But just as Naomi stood up, a wave of dizziness hit her. She stumbled sideways—right into Arabella.

Arabella had only just risen herself, her balance not fully steady. The sudden bump sent her footing out from under her, and she tumbled down the slope, Naomi falling alongside her.

Naomi was closer to Ethan. She reached out instinctively, and Ethan caught her arm.

But there was no one to catch Arabella. She lost her balance completely and began rolling downhill over the rough terrain.

"Arabella!" The cry burst from several of them at once, shock sharp in their voices.

In a split second, Alfred bolted after her, but the uneven, rocky path slowed him down.

"Arabella, protect your head!" he shouted, hoping to at least help her avoid the worst of the impact.

"Go, get to Arabella!" Frank and Ethan scrambled downhill after her.

In that moment, each of them wished for wings—anything to reach her faster.

Just as panic surged through them, a dark figure shot past. All they saw next was a blur of black and white tumbling rapidly down the hillside.