True Heiress Returns to Her Unemployed Rich Family (Arabella) novel Chapter 599

"Alright," Florence agreed with a gentle smile.

Arabella glanced toward Naomi, her gaze sharpening slightly. She had a growing suspicion that Naomi was keeping something from the family.

If there really was an issue with Cloudy Design, it would come to light sooner or later—Naomi wouldn't be able to hide it for long. But if it wasn't about the company... what else could it be?

"Arabella, eat up before it gets cold," Alfred reminded her softly.

"Thanks, Alfred," she replied quietly.

Leaning in, he murmured, "What's on your mind?"

"It's just... Naomi seems off lately."

"A little," Alfred admitted. "But don't worry too much. She'll handle it. And if she can't, she'll go to Frank or Ethan."

"Mhm." Arabella didn't press further and turned her attention back to her meal.

After dinner, Frank drove Ryan and Lena back to Hamilton Manor. The rest of the family retreated to their rooms to unwind.

Still not feeling sleepy, and noticing her injuries had improved, Arabella decided to set up her easel and paints.

"The view here at Misty Resort really is breathtaking," she murmured to herself.

Once she started painting, she lost track of time. She became determined to capture the full panorama of the main ridge visible from the manor. Canvas after canvas, she worked absorbed in the scene.

"Thud."

A sharp, impatient slam of a door downstairs broke her concentration.

Frowning, Arabella stood up. "What was that?"

She opened her bedroom door just in time to catch a glimpse of a figure rushing down the staircase. From the flash of a floral sundress, she was sure it was Naomi. Her eyes narrowed, and almost instinctively, she followed.

Peering cautiously from the landing, she saw Naomi slip out the front door and hurry toward the side of the garden. After a quick, nervous glance around, Naomi pulled out her phone.

From where she stood, Arabella couldn't make out the words, but Naomi's tense posture and agitated gestures were clear even at a distance. She seemed frantic, almost panicked.

A short while later, Naomi ended the call. Then, as if all the strength had left her, she sank down onto the damp grass, crouching with her head in her hands—utterly defeated.

She's definitely in some kind of trouble. But why wouldn't she tell the family?

A chilling possibility crossed her mind. Unless it's something she can't let the family know.

The realization sent a slight shiver through her. What could Naomi have gotten into? Did she cross someone?

Is she being blackmailed? The more Arabella turned it over, the more uneasy she felt.

Sure, since Arabella's return, tension had lingered between them—much of it stirred up by Ruby. But at her core, Arabella still saw Naomi as the kind, composed sister she'd always appeared to be.

Even Naomi's past resentments seemed more like Ruby's manipulation than anything truly malicious.

What could possibly be so bad that Naomi would endure threats alone rather than ask for help?

After a moment's hesitation, Arabella quietly retreated upstairs, making sure Naomi never noticed she'd been there.

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