True Heiress Returns to Her Unemployed Rich Family (Arabella) novel Chapter 621

"Yeah, I'm having lunch with my brothers," Arabella said over the phone.

"Oh," Matthew replied, realizing it was Frank and the others. His tone shifted slightly.

"Mr. Stewart," Arabella noted, a hint of confusion in her voice, "you sound... different just now."

She couldn't shake the feeling he'd been relieved about something.

"No, I don't," Matthew responded calmly. "Why would I?"

Arabella thought it over for a second, then nodded to herself. "Right, of course."

Why would he be? She was probably reading too much into it.

"Anyway, Mr. Stewart, I should let you go. I'm at the office now," she said, moving on.

"Alright. Talk later," Matthew said.

She ended the call and tucked her phone into her bag.

"Mr. Stewart knows," Alfred commented as they walked.

"Yeah." Arabella shrugged. "It's all over the news. Hard for him not to."

Alfred shot her a knowing look. "Even so, he found out pretty fast. Almost like he's been keeping tabs on anything involving you."

You'd only catch news that quickly if you were paying special attention.

Arabella glanced at him and bit her lip lightly. "Alfred, what are you trying to say?"

He shook his head. "Nothing. Forget it."

Maybe she did understand—she just didn't want to dwell on it.

Arabella looked away, a faint frown forming.

If Alfred was right, why would Matthew care so much about her news?

Then it hit her: Matthew still suspected she was Tylin. She gritted her teeth. That guy was still hung up on that? Ugh.

*****

On the other end of the line, Matthew's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. He turned to Andy. "Find out where Dr. Hamilton and her brothers are having lunch."

Andy couldn't help his curiosity. "Didn't she tell you?"

Matthew fixed him with a cold stare. Without a word, Andy shrank back.

"Yes, sir. On it right away," Andy said, turning quickly to leave. He didn't want to risk lingering a second longer.

The office fell quiet. Matthew leaned back in his leather chair, his gaze dark and contemplative.

He drummed his long fingers lightly on the polished desk, as if weighing something in his mind...

*****

Around noon, at the revolving restaurant atop the Furara Hotel.

When Arabella and Alfred arrived, Frank and Ethan were already waiting at the table.

"Frank, Ethan, you guys beat us here," Arabella said with a warm smile.

"Just got here ourselves," Frank said, gesturing for them to sit. "Come on, join us."

Once they were seated, Ethan chimed in pleasantly, "We went ahead and ordered. Take a look and see if you want to add anything."

"I'm not sure, ma'am. I was simply asked to deliver these to Dr. Hamilton," the staff member replied politely.

"Okay, thank you," Arabella said courteously. She handed back the pen and accepted the flowers.

After the staff member left, Arabella studied the bouquet, then glanced at each of her brothers in turn. Maybe it was a surprise from one of them?

But all three shook their heads simultaneously. "Not me."

"Then who?" Arabella was even more confused now.

No name on the card, but they were clearly meant for her.

Besides her brothers, who even knew they were lunching here?

For some reason, Matthew's face flashed in her mind. She had told him she was having lunch with her brothers... but she hadn't mentioned the location, had she?

Just as the thought crossed her mind, Matthew's voice came from the doorway.

"Mr. Stewart! What are you doing here?" Arabella blurted out, genuinely surprised.

He walked in leisurely. "I sent those to congratulate you on going public with your identity."

"Thanks," Arabella said, raising an eyebrow. "So you came all the way here just for that?"

Sending flowers was one thing—showing up in person made it seem like more than just a gesture.

"Yes," Matthew replied plainly.

There was no point trying to fool anyone in this room. Honesty was simpler.

Hearing this, Ethan spoke up warmly. "Mr. Stewart, have you had lunch yet? Why don't you join us?"