True Heiress Returns to Her Unemployed Rich Family (Arabella) novel Chapter 583

"Matthew!" Naomi gasped, her hands flying to her mouth. Her eyes welled up instantly.

"Move faster," Frank urged, and the three of them quickened their pace.

A moment later, the blur of tumbling figures came to a halt.

Frank and the others caught up, breathless.

"How bad is it?" Ethan asked, voice tight with worry.

"Let me check." Alfred knelt down to examine both of them.

Frank stood to the side, his expression dark and unreadable. He looked deeply concerned.

"I'm all right," came Matthew's voice.

Then they saw Matthew helping Arabella sit up. "How do you feel?" he asked, his tone low.

Arabella winced, her face pale. "Just... scrapes and bruises, I think."

But it hurt—a lot more than she let on.

"Nothing seems broken, but these cuts need to be cleaned before they get infected," Alfred said, sounding frustrated. "Wish we'd brought a first-aid kit."

It was supposed to be a simple hike. He hadn't expected anything like this.

"Let's get back, then," Ethan said quickly. "Arabella, hang in there. I can carry you down."

Before he could even step forward, Matthew had already lifted Arabella into his arms and started walking.

The others exchanged glances before hurrying after them.

Naomi bit her lip and followed, her steps rushed.

Pressed against Matthew's chest, Arabella could feel his rushed breaths. She studied his profile, a little dazed.

She remembered tumbling, her body slamming against dirt and rocks—then suddenly being pulled into a firm, warm hold. In that instant, the panic had subsided.

She just never expected it to be Matthew who'd shielded her.

"Mr. Stewart... are you okay?" she asked softly.

She could feel the sting of scrapes all over her own skin. He must have been hurt, too.

"I'm fine," Matthew replied steadily. "You're going to be okay."

Arabella pressed her lips together, her eyes lingering on the line of his jaw as her thoughts drifted.

The climb up had been tough enough. Now he was carrying her downhill, moving fast.

She felt him stumble a couple of times, but his hold on her never loosened, keeping her securely against him.

For some reason, a faint, unfamiliar feeling flickered in her chest—but it passed before she could grasp it.

"Just hang on a little longer, Arabella," Alfred said as he caught up beside them. "Frank already called ahead. There's a doctor waiting at the house."

"Don't worry, we're all right here with you," Ethan added, keeping pace.

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