True Heiress Returns to Her Unemployed Rich Family (Arabella) novel Chapter 625

Colton had been mulling it over. "You know, if we really become family one day, we wouldn't have to keep up this whole charade. We could just tell him everything." That way, he wouldn't have to keep meeting Matthew while pretending to be Tylin—it was getting awkward.

Arabella shot him a warning look. "What do you mean, 'family'? Don't say things like that. And you need to be extra careful lately—watch your step."

Colton was taken aback. "Seriously? You don't actually think Mr. Stewart would dig into someone like me over something this small, do you?" He was just a regular guy with a regular job. There was no way he'd be on Matthew's radar.

God, she couldn't be serious. The whole situation was stressful enough already.

"He's not just suspicious anymore—he's certain," Arabella replied firmly. "He just doesn't have solid proof yet. And I'm pretty sure he'll have Andy looking for it."

"Oh," Colton said, his tone turning more serious. "Got it."

"Just stay alert and keep a low profile. Things should be fine," Arabella reminded him. "And let's not communicate too much for now unless it's absolutely necessary."

"Alright. I won't reach out unless I have to," Colton agreed.

"Yeah," Arabella said before ending the call.

"Knock. Knock. Knock."

There was a soft knock, and Chloe stepped into the office.

"Ms. Hamilton, these documents need your signature," she said, placing a folder on the desk.

"Let me see them," Arabella responded, reaching for the papers.

As Chloe handed them over, her eyes landed on the bouquet sitting neatly on the corner of the desk.

"Wow, those are gorgeous!" Chloe grinned, a playful tone in her voice. "Did an admirer send them, Ms. Hamilton? Looks like someone put a lot of thought into picking them out."

"No," Arabella answered simply. She quickly signed the documents and passed them back. "They're from... a friend."

She had almost said "Mr. Stewart", but caught herself at the last second. Better to keep it vague, she thought. Saying "friend" is simpler—saves me from having to explain further.

"Just a friend?" Chloe pressed lightly, still smiling. "Or a friend you wouldn't mind being more than friends with?"

Arabella almost laughed. "You're overthinking it."

"Oh, okay," Chloe said, hugging the folder to her chest. "I'll get back to work then."

"Go ahead," Arabella replied with a warm smile.

After Chloe left, Arabella's gaze drifted back to the bouquet.

Remembering Chloe's teasing, she shook her head gently, a soft smile touching her lips.

*****

Horizon Corp.

Matthew had just returned to his office when Andy approached quietly.

"Mr. Stewart, Tylin has left the country," Andy informed him in a low voice.

"What?" Matthew's brow furrowed. "When?"

"The report just came in. He must've boarded a flight shortly after leaving the hospital."

"Went straight to the airport from the hospital?" Matthew's eyes darkened.

"Our people didn't see him at the hospital at all. Do you think maybe...?" Andy hesitated, wondering if Matthew had misheard the voice earlier. But that seemed unlikely—Matthew didn't make mistakes like that.

Andy blinked. This is next-level leniency.

He studied Matthew for a long moment, inwardly amazed. So this is how Mr. Stewart acts when he's fallen for someone? Is this really the same no-nonsense boss I've worked for all these years?

Was his assistant losing his edge?

*****

The sun was beginning to dip toward the horizon as the workday came to a close.

Arabella stepped out of the building and spotted Alfred's car already waiting at the curb.

"Alfred," she greeted warmly as she slid into the passenger seat.

Alfred started the engine. "Everything played out just like you expected."

"The Johnstons were behind it," Arabella said, her expression darkening even though her tone remained steady.

"Yes," Alfred confirmed. "The men confessed they were paid to cause trouble. They identified the Johnston couple as the ones who hired them."

"They probably thought ruining my reputation would help Dylan's case," Arabella said, her voice tinged with disdain.

Alfred nodded. "They were hoping public pressure would force Kindwell Hospital to admit your diagnosis was flawed. That might've given Dylan a chance at release."

What they hadn't counted on was running into a wall named Arabella—who also happened to be the renowned Aletta.

No one would ever believe Aletta had made a mistake. Dylan's chances of walking free were now nonexistent.

"Thinking they can use underhanded tactics to get Dylan out? Not going to happen," Arabella said, a sharp gleam in her eyes.

"Freya was involved this time, too," Alfred added. "But once the news broke that you're Aletta, she called Edward back home. You should be careful."

"Why would she reach out to my brother?" Arabella's frown deepened, concern flickering across her face.