True Heiress Returns to Her Unemployed Rich Family (Arabella) novel Chapter 639

Since playing rough hadn't gotten Calvin anywhere, she guessed he'd probably switch tactics.

"I know. I'll be careful." Edward's voice was low, his expression grim.

Ethan gave him a reassuring clap on the shoulder. "Don't sweat it. You've got us watching your back."

"Yeah." Edward nodded, though his mood was clearly still down.

"Let's get this stuff cleared away." Ethan handed over the items from the desk.

Edward let out a heavy sigh as he put them away.

Arabella could see how much this was weighing on him. Her heart went out to him. "Hey, it's almost noon. Why don't we go grab some lunch?"

"Okay," Edward agreed, though his tone made it clear he wasn't really feeling it.

Ethan frowned slightly, testing the waters. "What if we just order in and eat here instead?"

"Sure," Edward said again, his voice flat, giving nothing away.

Arabella and Ethan exchanged a glance. She sighed quietly.

"Alright, staying in works," Arabella agreed, going along with Ethan's suggestion.

After asking their assistant to place a food order, Arabella and Ethan settled back into their seats.

"Arabella... I don't have any family left now," Edward said abruptly. "From here on out, you're the only sister I've got."

She paused for just a second, then nodded firmly. "I'm your family now. Always will be."

Edward took a deep breath, pulling himself together. "I know what I need to do."

"What's that?" Ethan raised a brow, curious.

"I can't afford to be soft anymore. I won't let them walk all over me or manipulate me." Edward's gaze hardened.

He was hurting, but his mind was clear now.

A flicker of approval showed in Ethan's eyes. Not bad—he bounced back quicker than I expected.

"That's right. You've got to toughen up. Don't give anyone a chance to see your weak spots," Ethan said encouragingly. "Get through this, and you'll come out stronger."

Edward's biggest flaw had always been his soft heart.

He understood—they were family, so it was hard to let go. But all that sentiment had done was give Freya and Calvin more ammunition against him. The sooner he woke up to that, the better.

Edward managed a faint smile. "I will."

"Take your time, Edward. Growing pains are real," Arabella added gently.

Looking at her, Edward's smile warmed slightly. "It doesn't hurt as much knowing I've got you."

"Heh," Arabella chuckled softly.

"It's less about destroying them and more about keeping them too busy scrambling to bother you. If they're completely ruined, they might get desperate—and desperate people do reckless things," Ethan said with a shrug.

Edward blinked, slowly piecing it together.

He gave Ethan an impressed look. "No wonder you've built such a reputation."

"You just haven't been through enough hard knocks yet. Don't worry—life'll teach you," Ethan said, half-smiling.

"Heh," Edward laughed softly, a little goofily. "With you two around, I won't get burned too bad. I'll just learn."

Ethan shot him a mock-disgusted look. "You've got some nerve saying that. Weren't you the one who said you wanted to grow up and protect your sister?"

"Ethan," Arabella cut in, sounding annoyed. "Edward's already done a lot for me. He was willing to give up his own company. You don't get to talk to him like that."

"Just stating facts," Ethan replied, though his tone softened. "Besides, he knows I don't mean it."

"Yeah, it's fine," Edward said quickly. He wasn't in a position to take offense anyway.

Ethan raised his eyebrows smugly, as if to say, "See?"

Arabella rolled her eyes but kept her tone firm. "Still not okay."

"Sometimes I can't tell who's really her brother—you or me," Ethan joked, feigning hurt.

"You both are!" Arabella declared, lifting her chin playfully.