Unemployed Family? Hidden Tycoons Dote On Her novel Chapter 283

hapter 283 A Tense Family Dinner

“That’s really not necessary, I’m fine,” Naomi said immediately.

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Her tone came out more urgent than intended, and her serious expression left everyone at the table looking at her in surprise.

Sensing the awkward silence she’d created, Naomi collected herself and forced a calmer explanation. “I’m just worn out, that’s all. A good night’s sleep is all I need.”

She had already been humiliated in front of the family. The last thing she needed was for Arabella to examine her now–it would feel like having her pride stripped away completely.

“I’m finished eating. I think I’ll go lie down. Please, enjoy the rest of your meal,” Naomi said, rising from her chair.

Florence watched her with concern. “Alright, dear. But please call me if you start feeling unwell.”

“Mm–hmm,” Naomi murmured before quickly heading upstairs.

Watching her go, Florence sighed. “Do you think she’s really okay?”

“Don’t worry, Mom. At most, she’s just a little stressed. She’ll be fine after some rest,” Arabella offered, hoping to ease her mother’s

mind.

“Can you really tell just by looking?” Florence asked, somewhat amazed.

“It seems that way from her demeanor, at least,” Arabella replied. A proper diagnosis would require a check–up, but Naomi’s visible tension was telling enough.

“Arabella’s medical insight is truly remarkable,” Alfred said sincerely. “No wonder you’re Aletta’s protégé.”

“I’d say her skills could stand on their own,” Ethan added earnestly. “Even without that prestigious training, she has the makings of an exceptional physician.”

Arabella’s heart gave a faint skip. She shook her head gently. “You’re giving me too much credit, Ethan.”

How did a simple compliment suddenly veer so close to uncovering her secret?

“Arabella is amazing,” Florence stated with a mother’s proud smile. “If she says Naomi’s fine, then I believe it. She’ll feel better after a good sleep.”

Growing increasingly uncomfortable with the direction of the conversation, Arabella decided to steer it elsewhere. “We should all finish our dinner before it gets cold.”

“She’s right,” Jonathan agreed, “Let’s eat.”

The family resumed their meal, the dining room soon filling again with warm conversation and light laughter.

Upstairs, Naomi remained in her room. The occasional sound of laughter drifting up from below made a cold, hollow feeling spread through her chest.

This house, which had felt like a shelter of warmth and safety for so many years, no longer felt like home.

Why did everything now feel so chilly and unsettling?

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11:21 am

DDD

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Chapter 283 A Tense Family Dinner

Her once peaceful and comfortable life had been completely upended since Arabella’s arrival.

Why?

Just because Arabella was the Hamiltons‘ biological daughter?

But she, Naomi, had lived here for years, had loved them and been loved in return. Could all of that really have been meaningless?

The more she thought about it, the more agitated she became. Needing a distraction, Naomi grabbed her robe and headed into the bathroom.

A hot shower might help calm her nerves and wash away these frustrating, circling thoughts.

The next morning, Arabella came down for breakfast but didn’t see Naomi. She lifted a brow almost imperceptibly.

“Where’s Naomi?” Ethan asked as he descended the stairs.

“She said she had an early meeting at the office and left already,” Florence replied with a hint of worry. “Didn’t even touch her breakfast.”

“Is she feeling better, at least?”

“She said she was, and she did look more like herself,” Florence conceded.

“That’s good to hear,” Ethan said, relieved. He turned to Arabella. “Shall we eat?”

“Come on, everyone, let’s eat,” Jonathan called out.

Once they were all seated, Jonathan turned to Arabella. “I heard Matthew stopped by the pharma facility yesterday.”

“Yes, it was about the expansion plans. He came for a site visit,” Arabella confirmed.

“And after that, didn’t the two of you grab a bite to eat or something?” Florence asked, a distinctly curious gleam in her eye.

Arabella felt a twinge of helplessness and rubbed her temple. “Mom, it was strictly a business visit.”

“Even business involves meals sometimes. Look at Frank and his team–they’re always having working lunches or dinners.”

The corner of Arabella’s mouth quirked slightly. Was she reading too much into this? No–her mother’s expression was definitely hinting at something more.

“Mom, Mr. Stewart’s visit was in the afternoon. It wasn’t around a mealtime,” Ethan interjected, coming to his sister’s aid.

“Oh, I see,” Florence said, her tone laced with unmistakable disappointment.

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