True Heiress Returns to Her Unemployed Rich Family (Arabella) novel Chapter 631

"What kind of reaction were you expecting?" Arabella replied, her lips curving into a light, teasing smile.

Lucas paused for a beat. What should her reaction have been?

"Yeah, I guess you're right," he said, scratching his head with a slightly sheepish grin. "The rest of us were pretty shocked, but you really don't have to make a big deal out of it."

Shrugging, Arabella shifted the subject. "Did you finish your checkup?"

"Yeah, just got the results back. Everything's fine—the doctor said I've just been under a lot of stress lately," Lucas explained.

"It's just an alumni anniversary event. I can't believe you're that stressed over it," Arabella said, half-laughing, half-exasperated.

Lucas gave a helpless look. "Planning stuff like this isn't really my thing."

"So what? Play to your strengths. You're great at food—why not set up something like a gourmet tasting or a casual brunch corner? That's a vibe in itself," she suggested casually.

After all, there weren't strict guidelines. Might as well make it fun and relaxed.

"Oh, true!" Lucas smacked his forehead lightly. "Arabella, you're a genius. How'd you come up with that so fast?"

Arabella's lips twitched in amusement. "It's not exactly rocket science."

"I'm gonna show the proposal to my uncle as soon as I get back. He'll definitely go for it," Lucas said excitedly.

"Alright then, I'll see you later," Arabella replied, turning to head toward her office.

"Wait—do you have anything going on right now?" Lucas blurted out.

Arabella shook her head. "Not at the moment. I just need to check on a patient a little later."

"Since you're free, wanna grab coffee?" Lucas asked, hoping to spend a bit more time with her.

After a brief hesitation, Arabella shook her head again. "Maybe another time."

Things felt off today. Since Freya was so convinced Edward would show up, and Calvin was nowhere around, Arabella figured Calvin had probably gone to pick Edward up.

She didn't know when they'd arrive at the hospital, so she decided it was better not to leave.

"Okay, no worries," Lucas said, a touch of disappointment in his voice.

"Get some rest when you get home," Arabella reminded him before continuing down the hall.

Watching her walk away, a faint bittersweet feeling lingered in Lucas' eyes.

Once inside her office, Arabella sank into the couch, her expression thoughtful.

Something felt strange—Freya acting so off today couldn't be without reason.

"She's so sure my brother will show up. Unless..."

"Knock, knock, knock."

After a moment, Arabella glanced toward the door. "Come in."

The door opened, and Lucas appeared again, holding a small paper bag and smiling. "Brought coffee."

Arabella couldn't help but laugh softly. "You didn't leave."

Arabella laughed. "Just kidding. You're perfectly healthy. Don't stress."

"Oh," Lucas let out a soft sigh of relief.

Studying him, Arabella looked slightly puzzled. "What's up with you? You seem kind of... nervous?"

Lucas smiled, a little embarrassed. "It's just—you're basically a medical celebrity now."

For some reason, he'd started feeling a subtle pressure around Arabella lately.

"Come on, seriously?" Arabella said, grinning. "Are you saying we can't be friends anymore?"

"No, that's not it," Lucas replied, his tone turning more sincere. "We're friends. As long as you don't mind me sticking around, we'll always be friends."

"What are you talking about? Since when have I ever minded?" Arabella rolled her eyes at him.

Lucas scratched his head and broke into a goofy grin. "Heh, right."

"Oh, by the way—you're coming to the anniversary event, right?" Lucas asked.

"If I get an invitation, I'll probably stop by," Arabella agreed.

She'd initially thought it was just for current students, but since even alumni with advanced licenses like her could attend, she figured she'd make an appearance.

"Awesome. I'll make sure you get an invite," Lucas said, his eyes brightening.

Just as they were chatting, Arabella's phone buzzed.