True Heiress Returns to Her Unemployed Rich Family (Arabella) novel Chapter 590

From the moment they sat down for dinner, he could sense something was off about her. As he observed her throughout the meal, it became clear that whatever was bothering her seemed directed at him.

But honestly, Matthew had no clue what could have happened between the time she'd treated his wounds, Naomi's sudden appearance, her leaving, and then their meeting again at the table.

If it was about Naomi, he found that hard to believe. Arabella had always been cool toward Naomi, sure, but never disgusted—and she definitely wasn't the jealous type. So what was it? What had he missed?

"No," Arabella said, not looking at him. "Nothing's wrong."

"You really expect me to buy that?" Matthew's voice grew quieter, more intent. "You've been acting strange since you walked out of dinner."

"No, I haven't," she insisted.

"I've been watching you all night. You think I'd miss it?"

Arabella's lips tightened slightly. Why are you watching me so closely? This is getting impossible to brush off.

"Really, it's nothing," she held her ground, refusing to give in.

"Then what did I do?" Matthew pressed, not letting up. He had that look—the one that said he wouldn't drop it until he got a real answer.

Frustrated, Arabella ran a hand through her hair and scrambled for an excuse. "It's nothing, honestly. You're just imagining things."

Seeing her still shut him out, Matthew's expression darkened.

"Fine," he said flatly, leaving it at that.

Arabella let out a quiet breath, some of the tension easing from her shoulders.

Finally, he's letting it go. Maybe now this can be over.

"You're planning to paint something for Alfred?" Matthew's voice cut through her thoughts again.

"I told him I would. But not today—I'll do it from memory once we're back." After all, she was still recovering. Even if she wanted to paint now, nobody would allow it.

A faint trace of satisfaction flickered in Matthew's eyes. At least she remembered she was hurt.

"Mr. Stewart, thank you for looking out for Arabella earlier," Alfred said, stepping smoothly between them and creating some space.

Arabella felt the pressure lift almost immediately.

"Don't mention it," Matthew replied, tone indifferent.

Alfred raised a brow. Was he annoyed?

Matthew shot him a glance. "Was there something else?"

"Not really." Alfred shrugged.

The look Matthew gave him then seemed to say, "Then why are you still here?"

Alfred didn't budge. If you don't like it, you walk away.

Catching the weird vibe between them, Arabella glanced from one to the other and sighed inwardly. Perfect. One issue isn't even settled and another one pops up.

"Alfred, what kind of painting did you have in mind?" Arabella asked, trying to steer the conversation elsewhere. She didn't get why things felt so tense between them, but separating the two seemed like the easiest fix.

"Anything you're inspired to do is fine," Alfred said warmly.

"Then I'll work on something once we're back," she promised.

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