True Heiress Returns to Her Unemployed Rich Family (Arabella) novel Chapter 612

"You have no idea what you're talking about, so just keep quiet. Arabella already has a boyfriend," Brielle shot back dismissively.

"Yeah, Mr. Stewart—we all just saw that," Aria replied with a shrug. "That's exactly why I was trying to be nice and give her a heads-up. Ms. Hamilton, you might want to watch your step around her."

"No, that's not it," Brielle insisted. "Arabella's boyfriend isn't Matthew. It's actually—"

"Come on, don't kid yourself," Aria cut in sharply. "Whatever's going on between them, it's pretty clear you've missed your shot. You're never going to marry Mr. Stewart."

"Like that's any of your business. As if you ever stood a chance," Brielle fired back.

Aria just shrugged again. "Maybe not, but at least I never went around bragging that I would."

"You don't have anything worth bragging about in the first place, so what gives you the right to come at me like that?" Brielle said, tilting her chin up. "I actually have a shot here. And honestly? I'm not even sure I want it anymore."

"Please." Aria rolled her eyes so hard it looked painful. "You know you don't have a chance, so now you're just making stuff up to save face."

"Exactly."

"Since when is it up to you whether you want it or not?"

"At the end of the day, isn't it Mr. Stewart's call?"

"I don't think Mr. Stewart has even noticed you twice."

Soon, others joined in, piling onto Brielle with voices dripping in jealousy.

"Looks like someone's being a sore loser," Brielle muttered, pursing her lips. "Don't confuse your ignorance with honesty. What would any of you even know?"

She was determined to go after what she wanted now. Of course the opportunity was hers to take.

Listening to all the back-and-forth, Arabella rubbed her temples, feeling a headache coming on.

This whole group was just a bunch of kids squabbling. Weren't they tired?

"Arabella, are you okay?" Brielle asked, noticing her expression shift.

Arabella offered a faint smile and shook her head. "It's just... this whole thing feels kind of..."

"Immature," Brielle finished for her when she hesitated.

"Ugh, tell me about it," Brielle sighed. "That's just how they are. Any chance they get, they have to flaunt how empty-headed they are."

That was exactly why she couldn't be bothered with someone like Aria. It was all so childish.

Arabella's lips twitched slightly. Yep, that was the queen of sharp comebacks, alright.

"Brielle, you're the empty-headed one!" Aria snapped, face flushed. "Not only that, but you spend all day obsessing over guys. Have some self-respect."

"Don't even start. You all don't obsess over guys because you've never had a real shot," Brielle retorted, lifting her chin defiantly. "Go on, admit it. If you had a chance with Matthew, would you really turn him down?"

"Of course I would—" Aria began, but Brielle cut her off. "Think before you speak. Matthew is right over there. Maybe use your brain before saying something you'll regret. It might not work that well, but at least have the decency to be honest."

Not just Aria, but the others also glanced instinctively toward Matthew.

"What's going on over there?"

"Didn't Mr. Stewart come here with Dr. Hamilton?"

"Looks like Brielle is pretty tight with Dr. Hamilton, too."

People murmured in confusion, everyone looking a bit lost.

Matthew's expression cooled slightly, and the air around him seemed to grow still.

"Mr. Stewart, it's probably just a misunderstanding. You know how young people can be—let's just leave it," Caleb said nervously, hoping to avoid an even more awkward scene.

This was Matthew Stewart. He never let anyone back him into a corner.

If you tried to force his hand, you'd only end up embarrassing yourself.

Matthew didn't respond immediately. Instead, his eyes settled on Arabella. His gaze seemed to hold a question, and maybe even a hint of hurt?

Arabella gave a small, almost imperceptible shake of her head, telling him without words to stay out of it.

"Caleb, about what we were discussing earlier..." Matthew turned back to his conversation with Caleb, calm and composed as if nothing had happened at all.

Caleb let out a quiet sigh of relief and glanced toward Arabella.

This woman was not someone to cross. Definitely, definitely don't get on her bad side.