True Heiress Returns to Her Unemployed Rich Family (Arabella) novel Chapter 605

Florence suggested, "Why don't you finish up and go lie down for a bit?"

"Okay," Naomi replied quietly, keeping her head down as she continued eating.

Arabella and Alfred shared a quick look before turning their attention back to their plates.

Truth be told, Alfred had only been testing the waters with Naomi. Even though they weren't planning to dig any deeper, a little probing helped them know what to expect.

From the way Naomi was acting, it seemed the issue really was with the company.

That gave Alfred some relief.

"Arabella, I think I saw you around noon today," Ethan mentioned, glancing her way.

Arabella looked surprised. "Really? I didn't notice you!"

"You were with Caleb's daughter, weren't you?" Ethan asked.

"Yeah, that was Brielle," Arabella confirmed with a nod.

"Looks like you two hit it off," Ethan remarked.

"We really do get along," Arabella said warmly.

Ethan smiled slightly. "I have to say, that's kind of unexpected. How did you two become friends? Was it because of that charity gala last month?"

"Mostly, yeah." It really was that event where she'd realized how well they connected—plus Brielle was genuinely fun to be around.

"Seems like you've got your own little circle going," Ethan said, a playful gleam in his eyes.

Arabella chuckled. "Not a circle, really. We just talk about things—life, thoughts, that kind of stuff."

"Thoughts?" Alfred raised an eyebrow curiously.

"Well, mostly her thoughts. I'm more of a listener," Arabella clarified. "But honestly, I really like her vibe."

"Got it," Alfred said, relaxing a little.

If his sister ever seemed troubled, he'd start worrying something was wrong.

"Arabella, isn't Caleb's daughter involved with Matthew...?" Jonathan frowned. How in the world did those two end up friends?

Arabella was taken aback. "Dad! How do you know about that?"

"Last time we spoke, Caleb confirmed with me that Naomi and Matthew's engagement was off," Jonathan explained.

"Oh," Arabella said, understanding dawning. Looked like Caleb had been keeping tabs on Matthew too.

Ethan added with a frown, "That guy's never been straightforward."

Naomi, her face pale, spoke softly, "But the engagement was always meant to be with the Hamiltons."

"He probably thinks that since you and Matthew aren't engaged anymore, the agreement between the Stewarts and the Hamiltons is void," Jonathan reasoned.

Since Arabella's real identity hadn't been publicly revealed, many still didn't know Naomi wasn't the Hamiltons' true daughter.

"So... did Matthew agree to it?" Naomi asked nervously.

"I'm not sure," Jonathan admitted.

He couldn't exactly press for details. He'd only told Caleb what was true—Naomi and Matthew were no longer engaged.

"Yeah, Mr. Stewart doesn't seem like the type to bend like that."

If he were, he would've married Naomi by now.

Arabella held her hands up innocently. "I'm telling the truth."

"So... you'd be okay if Mr. Stewart and Brielle got together?" Naomi ventured hesitantly, her face still pale.

"That's up to them. It's not my place to say," Arabella replied calmly.

Whether they ended up together or not was their decision—she wasn't going to interfere.

Seeing how unbothered Arabella seemed, Naomi felt she was being sincere.

"Does she really not care about Matthew at all?" Naomi murmured under her breath.

"Arabella... aren't you even a little sorry about it?" Florence asked carefully.

Arabella smiled. "There's nothing for me to regret."

"But... Matthew really is something special," Florence tried.

"I like to think I'm not so bad either," Arabella replied lightly. She believed she had plenty going for herself.

"Hah!" Jonathan laughed warmly. "That's right. Our Arabella is pretty special herself."

Florence shot him a look. Was that really the right thing to say right now?

Jonathan patted her shoulder. "It's a good thing our daughter knows her worth."