True Heiress Returns to Her Unemployed Rich Family (Arabella) novel Chapter 602

Andy's eyes brightened with curiosity. "Did you discover anything new during your visit to Misty Resort?"

Matthew gave him a look but answered anyway. "She broke down the concept behind 'Unstained Grace' pretty clearly."

"Got it." Sensing Matthew was in a fairly good mood, Andy seized the opportunity to add, "Usually, the person who understands a design best is the designer themselves.

"But Dr. Hamilton hasn't admitted to it, right?" Otherwise, Matthew wouldn't have asked him to look into it.

"Exactly," Matthew replied. "I'm not sure why she's keeping that identity under wraps."

"Still, if you do find something, keep it quiet." If Arabella wanted it kept secret, she probably had her reasons.

Andy's expression turned more serious. "Understood."

"Good. Go make the necessary arrangements," Matthew said.

"Yes, sir." With a nod, Andy left the office.

Matthew leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful gleam in his eyes.

"Knock, knock, knock."

"Come in," Matthew called out.

The door opened, and Brielle strode inside.

"What are you doing here?" Matthew frowned slightly.

"I didn't have classes today, so I thought I'd stop by and see you," Brielle said, her tone light and innocent.

Matthew rubbed his temples, a hint of irritation in his voice. "You really don't need to come see me."

"Trust me, I wouldn't usually bother," Brielle shrugged, feigning helplessness. "But my dad insisted."

Matthew sighed in disbelief. "Do you always do everything your father tells you?"

"Pretty much. What other choice do I have?" Brielle fired back.

"I'm not obligated to play along with your family's plans," Matthew said coolly, his gaze turning distant.

"I know that," Brielle replied casually. "You don't have to play along—I'll just show up anyway."

Matthew's expression darkened. What kind of logic was that?

His voice grew colder. "Don't come here again."

"Matthew, are you in a bad mood or something?" Brielle studied his face, trying to read him.

"No," he said curtly. "This isn't going anywhere between us, so stop wasting your time."

"Why not?" Brielle sounded surprised. "Is there someone else you're interested in?"

Matthew shot her a sharp look but stayed silent.

"I know you like Arabella, but she's already taken. You two aren't happening, so why cling to it?" Brielle reasoned, trying to sound practical. "Look, I'm just following my dad's lead here. And I know Mr. Stewart is putting pressure on you too. Why don't we just... make things easier for both of us?"

Matthew almost laughed at how bluntly she put it, caught between annoyance and amusement.

"Stop," Matthew cut her off.

His patience thinning, he added, "I don't want to hear those two words again, and I don't want to hear your voice—especially your opinions. Go home and think it through yourself."

Seeing Matthew was clearly at his limit, Brielle simply muttered, "Okay."

"I'll head out now, Matthew. Don't stay upset. I'll come by again another time," she said before turning to leave.

Matthew stared after her, momentarily stunned, before finally saying, "Don't come back."

As the office door closed, a wave of exhaustion washed over him.

"Caleb's so sharp. How did he end up with a daughter as naïve as Brielle?" he wondered to himself. She was far too trusting and straightforward.

Brielle stepped out of Horizon Corp. and into the waiting car.

"Heading home, Ms. Miller?" the driver asked.

"Not really feeling like it," Brielle sighed. "Matthew still doesn't want to marry me. What am I supposed to do?"

The driver hesitated, then offered gently, "You're an exceptional young woman. I'm sure Mr. Stewart will come around eventually."

Brielle glanced at him and groaned. "I kind of don't want to listen to my dad anymore. What happens now?"

"You can't do that, Ms. Miller!" The driver's expression shifted to concern. "It would break your father's heart."

"His heartbreak is a problem for later," Brielle replied, sounding genuinely troubled. "Right now, I'm the one who's upset."