True Heiress Returns to Her Unemployed Rich Family (Arabella) novel Chapter 598

Without even realizing it, Edward had begun to regard Matthew with something like the protective instinct of an older brother.

Arabella, for her part, wasn't particularly bothered by it. After all, it was just an arrangement she and Matthew had agreed on—one she figured they could clarify before long.

"Mr. Stewart," Arabella spoke up after a moment, "last time you mentioned wanting me to come back to Stewart Manor with you. Have you decided on a date yet?"

"Not yet," Matthew replied.

She raised an eyebrow. "Didn't you say it would be after the weekend?"

"Once we return, I'll have some matters to attend to. I probably won't be available for a while. We can discuss it later." His refusal was polite but firm.

Arabella opened her mouth to respond, then hesitated. First he said one thing, now another—could he really change his mind that quickly?

"Well, maybe we could go see Robert now, since everyone's here," she suggested instead.

Matthew didn't answer directly. Instead, he shifted the subject. "Let's see what's up ahead."

Watching him stride away, Arabella frowned slightly. "What's with him acting so strange?"

"Arabella," Alfred cut in, sounding puzzled, "why does Mr. Stewart want you to go to Stewart Manor anyway?"

"It's nothing serious," Arabella replied, shaking her head without offering more explanation.

Alfred muttered under his breath, "You don't think she's actually falling for Matthew, do you?"

"Whether she is or not, let it be," Ethan said with a shrug.

Alfred gave him a sidelong glance. "How come you're not worried?"

"What's to worry about? If Arabella's happy, I'm happy," Ethan responded calmly.

"It's not just about being happy. She's still so young—don't you want her to stay home a few more years?" Alfred grumbled, feeling like the only one reluctant to see her leave.

Ethan shot him a look. "You just said she's young. There's no rush to get married."

Who said an engagement had to lead straight to a wedding?

Alfred paused, momentarily speechless. Well, that was true enough.

"Honestly, Mr. Stewart is really exceptional. You won't find anyone better here in Doranor City. I'm actually really happy for Arabella," Edward chimed in, his approval of Matthew evident.

From his perspective, someone in his position would never normally cross paths with a man like Matthew. And yet, his own sister was engaged to him.

A legendary figure in Doranor City, paired with his incredible sister—it seemed like a perfect match.

Alfred glanced at Edward, taking in his enthusiastic expression, and couldn't help but feel conflicted.

Everyone seemed to have a point. Was he the one overthinking things?

"Let's go," Ethan called out, snapping Alfred from his thoughts.

Realizing he'd fallen behind, Alfred hurried to catch up.

*****

"But I really should thank him," Naomi insisted. "If your brother hadn't lent me his car that day, I'm not sure how I would've gotten down the mountain."

"It was just coincidence," Arabella replied evenly. "Even if my brother hadn't been there, we'd have found a way to get you down. Everyone understands emergencies happen."

"Right," Ethan agreed. "If it had been something serious, we all could've come back to help sort it out."

Naomi's expression tightened briefly before she shook her head. "No, that's alright. I handled it myself."

Her somewhat strong reaction drew curious looks from around the table. "Naomi, you didn't run into any real trouble, did you?" someone asked.

Naomi steadied herself and forced a calm tone. "Not at all. I already felt bad for leaving early. I wouldn't want to trouble my brothers too. Besides, I took care of everything."

"Well, that's good then," Ryan said. "Just remember, if you ever have problems, you can always tell the family."

"I will. Thank you, Grandpa," Naomi replied sweetly.

Jonathan gestured toward the table. "Come on, everyone, let's eat."

Florence nodded. "Yes, enjoy your dinner. Frank, you'll drive Grandma and Grandpa back to Hamilton Manor later. The rest of you, if you don't have plans, try to turn in early."

"I am feeling pretty tired," Ryan admitted.

"Got it," Frank acknowledged.

Florence turned to Naomi. "What about you, dear? Heading back to your apartment?"

Naomi shook her head. "I'd like to stay here tonight."