True Heiress Returns to Her Unemployed Rich Family (Arabella) novel Chapter 623

"You finished your soup," Matthew noted. "Let me get you some more."

Arabella looked down to find her bowl empty.

Her lips curved slightly. "Sure, I'll take another bowl."

To her surprise, Matthew stood and refilled it himself.

"Thanks," she said as she accepted it.

He gave a warm smile. "Anytime. If the timing works out, I'd like to introduce you to Tylin. You'd be pretty surprised."

"Why's that?" Alfred asked, looking puzzled. "He's just a designer, right? What's so surprising?"

Matthew turned to him kindly. "Let's just say the contrast is pretty striking."

"What do you mean?" Alfred pressed. "Is he... not easy on the eyes?"

"Looks aren't the issue. He's on the heavier side, wears thick glasses, comes across a little... quirky." Matthew paused, then added casually, "Oh, and he's a guy."

"Pfft—cough, cough!" Ethan, who'd been sipping his soup, nearly choked.

Frank's eyebrows shot up. "Tylin... is male?"

"Yep," Matthew said with a shrug. "Took me by surprise too when I first met him."

Frank and Ethan exchanged another glance—a silent moment of understanding.

Alfred rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Okay, that is unexpected."

He shot Arabella a glance, his expression laced with gentle teasing. You've always had a sharp tongue and quick mind. Why use a man as your public proxy?

Arabella's lips curved into an uneasy half-smile, her eyes silently signalling that the matter was tangled.

They both looked away, ending the wordless exchange.

Matthew caught the subtle interaction and allowed himself a small smile.

"Let's keep eating," he said, lightening the mood.

Ethan grinned at Matthew. "Mr. Stewart, if you get the chance, I'd like to meet him. Arabella might not be too interested."

"Sure, I can arrange that," Matthew replied easily.

"Why not make it a group thing?" Alfred suggested.

"Works for me," Matthew said.

"I've got a business trip coming up," Alfred added. "How about we plan it for after I'm back?"

Arabella gave Alfred a subtle thumbs-up under the table. Nice move.

She hadn't expected him to jump in, but he'd just bought her some time.

If they kept postponing, maybe the whole idea would just fade away.

Matthew gave Alfred an appreciative look. "You live up to your reputation, Mr. Hamilton."

"You're too kind, Mr. Stewart. Now, let's enjoy the meal," Alfred said smoothly.

As lunch continued, Ethan and Matthew drifted into a conversation about business, giving Alfred a moment to lean closer to Arabella. "What's really going on?" he murmured.

She looked down at the blooms. Their scent filled the car—rich and soothing.

"These are all rare varieties," she remarked.

"Well, he is Matthew Stewart. He wouldn't give just any flowers," Alfred said lightly.

He understood, too, that Matthew had chosen them deliberately. Anyone else might not have gotten even ordinary flowers to her.

"Alfred," Arabella began after a moment, "is there anything unusual about the engagement agreement between the Hamiltons and the Stewarts?"

He shook his head. "Not that I know of. It was mainly because Grandfather and Robert were close."

"I see." She nodded.

"Why do you ask?" Alfred glanced at her curiously. She'd never brought up the engagement before.

"No reason, really. It just crossed my mind," she said.

She was mostly curious: if the engagement came with special conditions, breaking it might be difficult.

But if it was just based on their grandfathers' friendship, perhaps it wouldn't be so hard to undo.

Still, she couldn't help but wonder...

"Why has he suddenly stopped pushing for it?" she murmured.

She remembered how firmly Matthew had stood his ground before, completely unwilling to bend.

Frowning slightly, a thought struck her. Is he just trying to find a way to end things with Naomi?