True Heiress Returns to Her Unemployed Rich Family (Arabella) novel Chapter 597

Arabella considered it for a moment. "I suppose that's how it'll have to be."

It wasn't that she couldn't handle things herself—she was perfectly capable—but the odds were against her this time. More importantly, she didn't want everyone fussing over her.

"Mr. Stewart, will you and Robert be driving back?" Ethan glanced toward Matthew.

"I'll have to check with my grandfather first," Matthew replied.

"That's fair. Let's go with whatever he's comfortable with," Ethan agreed.

As they walked and chatted, Arabella couldn't help but remark, "It's hard to believe we're leaving already. I really didn't get enough of this place."

It truly felt like a little slice of paradise—the kind that made you wish you could stay forever.

Ethan offered a reassuring smile. "We'll have plenty of chances to come back."

"Yeah," Arabella said softly, returning the smile.

She was just feeling a bit nostalgic already, even before they'd left.

They continued along the path when Arabella asked curiously, "How did Frank even find this place and decide to develop it?"

There were plenty of scenic spots around Doranor City, surrounded by mountains and water, but Misty Resort was easily the most beautiful—and the most well-known.

When she noticed the exchanged looks but no immediate answer, Arabella understood.

Something clicked in her mind then.

Frank's clear attachment to this place must have had something to do with a woman.

She was already growing curious about just what kind of woman it could have been.

Lost in her thoughts, Arabella's phone buzzed. She checked the screen and answered. "Hey, Brielle."

"Arabella, come hang out with me today." Brielle's cheerful voice came through.

"Can't today," Arabella replied. "I'm actually not in Doranor City right now."

"Really?" Brielle sounded surprised. "Where'd you go?"

"Misty Resort. I'm here with my family," Arabella explained.

"Misty Resort? No way!" Brielle's excitement was palpable. "Hold on, I'll head over right now."

Arabella couldn't help but laugh lightly. "Don't bother—we're actually heading back this afternoon."

"Oh." Brielle's voice dropped a little. "That's too bad."

Had she known Arabella was there, she would've invited herself along in a heartbeat.

"I'll take you another time," Arabella said, hoping to lift her spirits.

"Okay, deal! Let's plan a proper trip out here together soon," Brielle agreed.

"Sure thing. I'll give you a call once I'm back in town." Arabella ended the call.

As she slipped her phone back into her pocket, she instinctively glanced toward Matthew.

To her surprise, he was already looking right at her. Their eyes met.

Arabella offered a slightly awkward smile. "That was Brielle."

"I figured," Matthew said, his tone even.

Arabella raised a brow slightly. Why did he sound so indifferent?

Ethan followed his gaze, and his eyes tightened almost imperceptibly.

"I'm a little concerned about Arabella," Edward said quietly.

"No need to worry," Ethan reassured him calmly. "Our families do have an understanding, but ultimately, it's up to them."

"An understanding?" Edward's voice rose in shock before he could catch himself.

The Stewart family. Matthew Stewart. Arabella and Matthew were formally intended for each other?

His reaction instantly drew the attention of the others.

Ethan was quietly amused. Was it really that surprising?

Realizing he'd overreacted, Edward forced an awkward smile. "Sorry—just got caught up talking shop."

Ethan almost smiled. That excuse was so weak it was almost charming—did Edward really think anyone would buy it?

Though nobody was fooled, everyone present had seen and heard enough in their lives to take it in stride.

Alfred even spoke up kindly, "We're here to relax, Edward. Save the work talk for when we're back in the city."

Edward nodded, his smile still sheepish. "Right. We'll discuss it back in town."

He'd just been so caught off guard he'd momentarily lost his cool.

Now composed on the surface, Edward maintained his calm demeanor—though he couldn't quite keep his eyes from drifting back to Matthew and Arabella every so often.

If it was Matthew... maybe that wasn't such a bad thing after all.

He was, by most accounts, the most accomplished man in Doranor City. And Arabella was every bit his match.