True Heiress Returns to Her Unemployed Rich Family (Arabella) novel Chapter 596

Arabella wouldn't have pegged Matthew as the type to spread rumors.

"Probably just a mix-up," Matthew said, leaving it at that.

"A mix-up?" Arabella pushed. "Did Mr. Stewart see me with someone?"

How could something like that even be mistaken?

If she'd simply been meeting a guy one-on-one, that wouldn't normally raise eyebrows. There'd have to be something that looked... close, or easily taken the wrong way.

But racking her brain, she couldn't think of a single situation that could've been misread like that.

"I just... misjudged the situation." Matthew paused, but ultimately kept Brielle's name out of it.

He trusted Brielle wouldn't make something up—so whatever she saw must've been unclear or taken out of context.

"You saw—" Arabella almost rolled her eyes. Your vision's that off?

"Let's keep walking. The creek up ahead has great views, and the trees give plenty of shade." Matthew shifted the topic smoothly.

Arabella didn't press further and followed him toward the water.

Under the canopy of a large oak, she took a seat on a wooden bench. It was noticeably cooler there.

Matthew glanced at her, a faint, almost invisible smile touching his lips.

He pulled out his phone and snapped a candid shot of her profile. After admiring it a moment, he quickly set it as his home screen.

Whatever had been going on with her and Lucas was clearly a misunderstanding—and the tightness in his chest finally eased.

He didn't know exactly when it started, but right then, he was sure. It was her.

"Mr. Stewart, come sit," Arabella called over.

"Yeah." Matthew walked over and settled beside her.

Arabella gazed at the scenery ahead and sighed softly. "Every part of this place is so beautiful. I kinda don't want to leave."

"It really is. Frank put a lot of heart into designing the grounds," Matthew replied.

Arabella raised a brow. "You know about Frank's past?"

"What makes you say that?" Matthew looked down at her, amused.

"Just a hunch." Arabella bit her lip lightly. "But I get the feeling it might be... a tough story."

"A little, yeah." Matthew gave her head a gentle pat. "But that's really something you should hear from Frank himself."

Arabella shot him a playful glare. "If you're not gonna tell me, don't tease me about it!"

"I never said I would," Matthew pointed out mildly. "It's Frank's personal business—wouldn't be right for me to share."

"Ugh." Arabella folded her arms, feigning annoyance.

If Frank was willing to talk about it, why would she need to ask around?

She brushed a hand over her forehead, slightly confused. What's going on?

"Why're you looking at me like that?" Matthew's tone had softened without him even realizing.

Arabella shook her head. "No reason."

She couldn't exactly say, "You're acting kind of weird today."

"Arabella!" A voice called from a distance. She looked up.

Ethan, Alfred, and Edward were walking toward them along the path.

"We were about to head back to find you. Didn't expect you'd already be out here," Alfred said as they reached her.

Arabella offered a small smile. "I rested up, so I thought I'd enjoy the views."

"Perfect timing. There's a waterfall just up ahead—want to check it out together?" Alfred suggested.

"Sure, sounds good." Arabella nodded.

The group began making their way toward the falls.

"How're you feeling, Arabella? Any pain from the injuries?" Ethan asked, concern in his voice.

"I'm okay, honestly. Think I'm pretty much good now," she replied.

"Even if you feel fine, take it easy. On the way back, maybe let Frank take the pilot seat," Alfred chimed in lightly.