True Heiress Returns to Her Unemployed Rich Family (Arabella) novel Chapter 609

Arabella smiled and gestured toward the racks. "Let's start with the dress."

"Of course," the stylist replied, leaving it at that.

But her gaze toward Arabella had shifted subtly. After all, Arabella was the first woman Matthew had ever personally brought into the salon. And the way Matthew had responded earlier... it was clear there was something more between them than met the eye.

"Mr. Stewart, your suit is ready whenever you are," an assistant announced as she approached.

Matthew gave a brief nod and headed toward the fitting rooms.

Meanwhile, Arabella selected a sleek black evening gown—simple, sharp, and elegantly understated. It accentuated her poised demeanor without overshadowing her natural grace.

Around her neck lay a single strand of pearls, complementing the delicate line of her collarbone. Her hair was swept into a clean, low bun, free of any ornament, allowing her softly made-up features to take center stage. She looked, in a word, breathtaking.

"Stunning," the stylist murmured, almost to herself. "I'm a woman, and even I can't look away."

Arabella met her own eyes in the mirror and offered a warm smile. "I have you to thank—the dress and your skill made all the difference."

Impressed by Arabella's effortless poise, the stylist felt her admiration grow.

By the time Arabella stepped out, Matthew was already waiting in the lounge.

He wore a tailored navy suit with a subtle tonal pattern, looking every bit the part of the powerful, polished executive. He had that kind of presence—the sort that quietly commanded the room.

For a second, Arabella simply stared.

No wonder. Half the women in this city would kill to be standing where I am.

Matthew's eyes brightened when he saw her. Gone was the innocent, girl-next-door look from before; in its place was a woman of quiet confidence and refined style. She carried both with ease.

The stylist watched them, her smile knowing. "You two look like you stepped off a magazine spread."

Arabella's eyes flickered toward Matthew, then away, a faint hint of self-consciousness crossing her expression.

"Thank you," she said smoothly, before turning to leave.

Matthew gave a slight nod in the stylist's direction and followed.

Behind them, the stylist exchanged a glance with her assistant. "They really do look right together, don't they?"

"But... isn't Mr. Stewart engaged to someone from the Hamilton family?" the assistant whispered. "Everyone knows that."

"This is Matthew Stewart we're talking about," the stylist said with a meaningful lift of her brow. "If he isn't interested, an engagement ring isn't going to hold him back."

The assistant considered that, then nodded slowly. "Point taken."

*****

Outside the salon, Matthew and Arabella settled into the back of the town car.

"They do," Matthew agreed, his tone layered with something unspoken. It was unclear whether he meant the earrings or the woman wearing them.

Arabella tucked the mirror away and turned to him. "Since this isn't a work event, what's the occasion tonight?"

She hadn't pressed earlier, assuming it was business-related. But now that they were nearly there, she needed to know what she was walking into.

"Just a social dinner," Matthew said casually.

"What?" Arabella couldn't hide her surprise. Since when did Matthew attend "just a social dinner"?

He raised a brow. "You sound shocked. Am I not allowed to have a social life?"

"No—I mean, of course you are," she backtracked, smoothing her expression. It was his prerogative, after all. But if it was so unimportant, why bring a date?

"Dr. Hamilton," Andy chimed in from the driver's seat, "the dinner is being hosted by Mr. Miller."

"Oh." Arabella nodded slowly. "So even if it's informal, it's not exactly optional."

"Caleb's family and Horizon Corp have a long-standing partnership," Andy added. "Mr. Stewart respects that relationship."

"That makes sense," Arabella conceded.

Then a thought struck her, and she looked back at Matthew. "Will Brielle be there tonight?"