True Heiress Returns to Her Unemployed Rich Family (Arabella) novel Chapter 614

"Aria, cut it out," a firm voice called over.

Aria turned and saw Barry walking toward her. Her eyes instantly welled up. "Dad, she's picking on me!"

"Don't be silly," Barry chided before looking over at Matthew. "Mr. Stewart, my daughter doesn't know any better. Please don't take it personally."

Matthew didn't respond. He simply glanced down at Arabella.

Arabella cleared her throat, feeling a little awkward. "It's alright, Mr. Torres. Just an accident—no harm done."

Barry gave Matthew a somewhat complicated look before turning back to Arabella gratefully. "Thank you for being understanding, Dr. Hamilton."

"Mr. Miller, I apologize—my daughter's ruined the evening for everyone. We'll get out of your hair now." Barry offered his apologies, then motioned to Aria. "Let's go."

"But Dad," Aria protested, upset.

Sure, she'd made a mistake, but Brielle had stepped on her foot first.

"Let's go," Barry repeated, his tone softer this time.

Aria clenched her jaw, shot Brielle a sharp look, and followed her father out.

"Well, that's a relief," Caleb exhaled, then turned to Matthew. "Mr. Stewart, I truly am sorry about the commotion."

"If you're really sorry, keep your daughter away from us from now on," Matthew replied. His voice wasn't harsh, but it left no room for argument.

"Understood," Caleb agreed right away.

After all, Matthew bringing Arabella tonight had made his position perfectly clear.

"No way!" Brielle objected.

Matthew's eyes narrowed slightly, and the air around them grew chilly.

Brielle swallowed hard but forced herself to speak up. "You don't get to decide for Arabella, and you can't stop me from seeing her."

"Brielle!" Caleb quickly grabbed his daughter's arm, alarmed.

"Dad, he can't do this," Brielle insisted, refusing to back down.

Her eyes grew wet as she looked at Arabella, on the verge of tears. "Arabella, don't listen to Matthew. You won't just ignore me, will you?"

Arabella couldn't help but smile helplessly. She nodded. "Of course not."

Brielle's tears instantly turned into a grin. "I knew you were the best, Arabella."

Matthew's expression, however, shifted from displeased to openly annoyed, his mood visibly darkening.

They were carrying on as if he were some villain tearing them apart.

But honestly, wasn't she the one being difficult right now?

"Mr. Stewart," Caleb began with an awkward, appeasing smile. "I'll talk to Brielle and make sure she understands."

"Dad!" Brielle cut in. "Arabella isn't under Matthew's control anyway, and she already said it was fine. I'm going to visit her."

Caleb rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on. He really didn't know what to do with his daughter.

Given the state of her dress, it might be better to find a place to freshen up first.

Arabella shook her head. "It's fine. Just drop me off at Cloudrise Manor."

"Maybe you should change first before heading home," Andy suggested gently.

"Really, it's okay. I'll explain once I get back," Arabella assured him.

Seeing that she was firm, Andy didn't press further. He instructed the driver to head to Cloudrise Manor.

Matthew glanced down at her but stayed quiet the whole way.

After a short while, the Rolls-Royce pulled into the driveway of Cloudrise Manor.

Arabella stepped out and was about to thank Matthew when she saw him get out of the car as well.

"Did you need something else, Mr. Stewart?" Arabella asked, surprised.

"I'll walk you in," Matthew said, already heading toward the entrance ahead of her.

"Huh? Hey—" Arabella had to quicken her pace to catch up.

As soon as they entered the living room, they saw Florence coming down the staircase.

"Matthew, what a nice surprise!" Florence greeted, her eyes warm. Then she noticed Arabella's stained dress and gasped lightly. "Arabella, what happened to your dress?"

"Just a little accident at the party—it's nothing serious. I'll go change real quick," Arabella replied before making her way upstairs to her room.