True Heiress Returns to Her Unemployed Rich Family (Arabella) novel Chapter 664

"I see." Ethan nodded. "But why do you need to thank him?"

"Because he saved—" She caught herself just in time, correcting quickly, "He helped me out."

Ethan's gaze sharpened slightly. "What were you going to say?"

He had a hunch Arabella was keeping something from him.

Arabella handed the file over to Ethan. "Take a look at this."

Ethan accepted it and scanned Horizon Corp's investment and acquisition proposal. He gave an approving nod. "This is a solid plan. Is this what you're getting him a gift for?"

"Yeah. Honestly, Mr. Stewart could've handled this entire proposal on his own. So I figured, I shouldn't just take it without showing some appreciation. Business is business, but a little gratitude doesn't hurt," Arabella explained.

"Hmm, that's a good way to look at it," Ethan conceded, seeming convinced.

Arabella let out a quiet sigh of relief. Her family still didn't know about the kidnapping, and she wanted to keep it that way—no need to make them worry.

"All right, let's move forward with this proposal," Ethan agreed.

Arabella nodded. "Sounds good."

Ethan glanced back at Arabella's sketch. "What's this?"

It still looked like a rough draft, hard to make out clearly.

"A tie," Arabella said.

"Oh." Ethan's tone held a hint of playful envy. "Now I'm kind of jealous of Matthew. I'm your brother, and I don't have one yet."

"I told you, it's to thank Mr. Stewart," Arabella replied, amused and a little exasperated. Did they really have to turn this into a competition?

Ethan nodded with a smile. "Guess I'll have to scout a good project next time. Then maybe I'll get a gift too, right?"

"You don't have to go through all that," Arabella laughed. "If you like it, Ethan, I'll just sketch an extra one for you."

"It's no trouble at all," Ethan said proudly. "Negotiating a project is nowhere near as tough as you drawing up these designs."

Arabella thought it over. He had a point—Ethan would always have projects coming his way, no doubt about it.

"Still, no need," Arabella did a quick mental tally. "Actually, I might as well design a few more styles. One for each of my brothers."

"Wouldn't that be too much work?" Ethan asked. Did she really need to design that many?

Arabella shook her head with a soft smile. "Not at all. It's just sketching a few neckties."

If she hadn't been chatting with Ethan, she could've finished one design by now.

"Alright, if you say so," Ethan agreed, though he added gently, "But if it's too much, just forget it. I was only kidding earlier." Deep down, he didn't want Arabella overworking herself.

Seeing right through him, Arabella felt a warm smile spread across her lips. Her heart felt full.

Ethan waved the file in his hand. "I'll let you get back to it. I'm going to take this over to Horizon Corp and confirm everything with Mr. Stewart. If everything checks out, we'll sign."

"Okay, whatever you decide is fine with me," Arabella agreed.

"Mm," Ethan said. "I really think this proposal is strong. Let's push it through quickly."

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