Unemployed Family? Hidden Tycoons Dote On Her novel Chapter 653

Arabella paused for a moment before replying, "Alright, I'll give it a shot."

"You know how to design?" Brielle said, genuinely surprised.

"I just sketch in my free time sometimes," Arabella replied casually.

Brielle's face lit up. "Then I'll wait for your designs, Arabella. I'm sure I'll love whatever you come up with."

"Okay, I'll get you the drawings," Arabella assured her.

Brielle couldn't contain her excitement. "Wow, I didn't expect this lunch to come with such a nice surprise."

"Don't get too excited before you see the actual designs," Arabella teased lightly.

"I trust you, Arabella—you know my taste better than anyone," Brielle said with full confidence. Arabella was so capable, and she understood exactly what Brielle liked; the shop design was bound to be perfect.

"Alright, let's eat," Arabella said, a hint of a smile in her eyes.

"Sure," Brielle agreed, already thrilled and looking forward to it.

After lunch, the two walked out of the restaurant together.

"Arabella, are you heading back to the office?" Brielle asked.

Arabella nodded. "Yeah, I've still got some work to wrap up."

"I'm going to campus—I have a class this afternoon," Brielle said. "If I run into Lucas, I'll let him know you won't be giving that speech."

"Thanks," Arabella said with a small smile.

Brielle waved her off. "No need to thank me, Arabella. I can't handle that."

"Fine, no 'thanks' then. Next dinner's on me," Arabella offered instead.

"Deal. I'll hold you to that," Brielle said, tilting her chin up playfully.

Arabella smiled. "Alright, I'm heading out."

"Bye, Arabella!" Brielle watched as Arabella walked toward her car.

Then she suddenly froze—two suspicious-looking men were moving quietly toward Arabella.

"Wait—" Brielle waved urgently. "Arabella, watch out! Behind you!"

Arabella glanced in the direction Brielle was pointing, but the men were already right beside her.

She felt something cold press against her lower back, and a low voice growled, "Don't make a sound. Get in the car."

Arabella's eyes narrowed. She hesitated for a second, then winced as the pressure against her back sharpened into a sting.

Left with no choice, Arabella slid into the driver's seat.

The two men climbed in after her—one beside her in the passenger seat, keeping the blade pressed firmly against her side.

"Drive!" the man barked, nudging the knife closer.

She started the engine and pulled away.

"Arabella!" Brielle sprinted forward, but it was too late. All she could do was watch helplessly as the car sped off with Arabella inside.

"Hello?" Brielle answered instantly.

"Explain. What's going on?" Matthew's voice came through, tense and urgent.

Brielle broke down into loud, shaky sobs. "Matthew, someone took Arabella right outside the restaurant. We're following them now—please hurry!"

"Where are you?" Matthew demanded.

"We-we're..." Brielle couldn't get her bearings.

"Mr. Stewart, we're on Solara Road," the driver called out from the front.

"Click."

The line went dead again.

Brielle froze for a second, then sniffled hard. "Good... Matthew's coming. Arabella's going to be okay."

"Don't worry. Mr. Stewart will take care of it," the driver said, trying to sound reassuring.

Brielle patted the back of the passenger seat urgently. "Just keep up. Don't lose sight of them."

"Don't worry, Ms. Miller. I've got them," the driver replied.

Then he glanced into the rearview mirror and startled. "Wait—where'd they go?"

"What?!" Brielle's face went pale with dread. "Find them! Now!"