Chapter 55
Chapter 55 A Cold Conversation
Naomi approached Matthew with a tentative smile. “Matthew, are you finished for the day p>
Matthew glanced around the café. It was fairly crowded. “Let’s talk somewhere else,” he said.
Then he turned and walked outside.
Naomi immediately signaled for Ruby to follow.
Once in the car, Matthew instructed the driver directly, “Head to the restaurant p>
A faint, hopeful smile touched Naomi’s lips.
It seemed Robert’s words had gotten through. He really was taking her out.
She pulled out her phone and texted Ruby. “Just follow his car.
“Got it,” Ruby replied, watching the car ahead with a mix of hope and concern for Naomi.
Soon Matthew’s car stopped in front of an upscale restaurant.
The manager was already waiting at the entrance.
Seeing Matthew step out, the manager approached respectfully. “Mr. Stewart, your private dining area is ready. Right this way. ”
As he spoke, his eyes briefly flickered toward Naomi beside Matthew.
Ruby followed closely but was stopped by the host at the door.
“Matthew, Ruby came with me. Could she join us?” Naomi felt nervous about being alone with him and hoped Ruby’s presence might steady her.
Without looking at Ruby, Matthew gave a slight mod, and she was allowed in.
The manager led them to a luxurious, secluded section of the restaurant.
“Your selections will be served shortly, Mr. Stewart. Is there anything else you require p>
“No interruptions p>
“Of course. The manager withdrew.
Seeing Matthew had requested privacy, Naomi allowed herself to hope his feelings had shifted.
1/3
Z0U8 Wed, Jan 14
Chapter 55 A Cold Conversation
Looking at him seated across the table, a quiet smile of relief began to form on her face.
Ruby, meanwhile, stayed utterly silent. With Naomi alone, she was talkative and bold, but facing Matthew, his imposing presence made her shrink into her seat, avoiding eye contact and trying to make herself invisible.
After a long silence, Matthew looked at Naomi impassively. “You visited my grandfather today p>
“Yes, I did,” she answered carefully.
“He needs rest. Unless it’s necessary, please don’t visit the hospital again.” His tone was cool and instructive.
“Oh. I heard he’d been admitted and was worried his condition had worsened,” Naomi said softly, explaining her concern.
Matthew didn’t acknowledge her worry. He continued, his gaze steady and cool. “Naomi, you heard what I said at your family’s home, correct
His penetrating, icy stare sent a chill through her
The hopeful look faded from Naomi’s face. Why was he bringing this now?
Hadn’t Robert persuaded him? Was this his way of reminding her…
Hesitantly, she asked, “Matthew, Mr. Stewart said on the phone p>
up
“My grandfather cannot be agitated right now. I won’t upset him,” Matthew cut in.
“But you should understand–between us, we are friends at most.” His reminder was delivered in the same detached, unemotional tone.
“Friends…” Naomi drew a sharp breath. Did that mean everything he’d just agreed to was only for Robert’s sake?
He hadn’t changed his mind. He hadn’t brought her here for a pleasant dinner–he’d come to make his position painfully clear again.
Naomi’s fragile calm shattered like a stone dropped into still water.
While waiting in the café, she had believed Matthew had chosen her over Arabella–that she was, in his eyes, the better match.
Now the conviction that had briefly rekindled her hope crumbled completely.
Why was he so cold, so distant? Why couldn’t he accept her feelings?
111
2/3
Chapter 55 A Cold Conversation
+20 Free Coins
Ruby’s hand, holding her phone, trembled slightly. She glanced cautiously at Matthew.
What was he doing? He had sounded so agreeable on the phone. Why was he like a different person now?
Had it really been him speaking to Robert?
Seeing Naomi’s devastated expression, Ruby leaned closer and whispered, “Naomi, are you alright? Maybe we should go p>
Matthew had made his stance unmistakably clear. It seemed he truly intended to end the arrangement; his agreement with Robert had only been pretense.
Naomi wasn’t ready to give up. She knew if she left now, she might never have another chance to discuss this with him.
After a long pause, she tried once more to salvage the situation. “Matthew, I’ve never expected you to commit right away. It’s our families who want to formalize things soon. If you’re not ready, I can speak to them–ask them not to pressure you anymore. Just… please don’t make a final decision now, okay?
“If you need space, I won’t appear in front of you. I won’t bother you for a while. Let’s both just… take some time. Maybe you’ll feel differently later,” she pleaded softly.
Hearing Naomi’s words, Ruby felt a pang of sympathy–and helplessness. It was clear Naomi was now begging.
8/3
Sara Lili
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.