Chapter 119
Arabella finally took a seat.
Seeing that Ethan was genuinely paying them no mind, Ruby redirected her focus toward Arabella. “Fine, if Ethan doesn’t want it, that’s that. Arabella, what do you think of this bag on me? Doesn’t it look amazing? ”
Ever since Arabella had left with Matthew earlier, Naomi had been stewing quietly.
She was now determined to make Arabella feel just as uneasy–to regret not buying anything for herself.
But Arabella merely gave her a calm glance and said, “Honestly? I don’t think it suits your style very well p>
Those words instantly deflated Ruby. “What do you mean it doesn’t suit me? Do you even know fashion p>
Arabella looked away indifferently.
She almost scoffed to herself.
Most of what the Hamiltons wore came from her own design lines–of course she knew fashion.
That bag simply didn’t complement Ruby’s look at all.
Seeing Ruby losing ground, Naomi whispered
to her, “Ruby, let it go. Arabella didn’t buy anything today, so she’s probably not really in the mood to appreciate this stuff anyway.” Then, turning to Arabella with a performative smile, she added, “Arabella, I picked up quite a few pieces today. If there’s anything you like, just say the word–I’ll give you one as a gift p>
Naomi was putting on a show of generosity.
Arabella watched the two of them playing their little game and felt a wave of irritation.
She knew the items at today’s showcase carried staggering price tags. Since Naomi wanted to act so magnanimous, she might as well let her follow through.
With that thought, Arabella’s gaze landed on the most expensive bag in front of Naomi. “Since you’re being so generous, I’ll take this one p>
Naomi never expected that Arabella, whom she assumed knew nothing about high fashion,
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would immediately pick out her most expensive purchase!
For a moment, Naomi’s expression froze solid.
Ethan, who could easily gauge the value of such items, couldn’t help glancing at his sister. “Naomi, that bag wasn’t exactly cheap, was it p>
If Naomi wasn’t willing to part with it, he could simply buy Arabella a new one.
But Naomi quickly plastered on a smile and looked at Arabella. “It’s fine, really. If Arabella likes it, then she should have it p>
Ruby, sitting nearby, couldn’t help but widen her eyes. “Naomi… that’s your favorite p>
It was the most expensive and coveted bag Naomi had chosen all day!
Even when Ruby had hinted at wanting it, Naomi had politely brushed her off. Now she was just handing it over to Arabella?
Why p>
Naomi shot Ruby a sharp, disapproving look, then masked her own discomfort with a light laugh. “It’s really okay. I have plenty of bags, and Arabella doesn’t have as many. I’m happy to give it to her p>
Anyway, she was committed to this performance today!
She had to make Arabella understand—she was the one their mother doted on, and she had the means to be lavish!
Watching Naomi casually hand the bag over to Arabella, Ruby was so furious she could feel her nails digging into her palms.
In her eyes, a bag like that was meant for someone like her or Naomi, not some unsophisticated girl fresh from the countryside!
Ruby no longer felt like showing off. Annoyed, she began gathering her own things, worried Naomi might get carried away and gift something else to Arabella.
Naomi, meanwhile, steered the conversation toward what she really wanted to know.
“Arabella, after you left the showcase earlier with Mr. Stewart, why didn’t you come back p>
She had been wondering the whole time what they had gone off to do–perhaps they’d gone on a private date?
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But in the end, Arabella had returned with Ethan…
Ruby also couldn’t help looking at Arabella with keen curiosity. “Yeah, you left with Mr. Stewart, didn’t you? Why did you say you went to visit Ethan’s office? We’ve been waiting here for you p>
“Where I go doesn’t seem to require your approval, does it? Why the sudden interrogation?” Arabella shot them both a cool glance.
“That’s not what we meant at all. We’re not interrogating you. Mom originally wanted to show you around the whole exhibition, but you never came back. You missed out on so many beautiful things–we just felt a little sorry for you, that’s all,” Naomi said, her tone dripping with performative regret, as if Arabella had missed the opportunity of a lifetime.
“Yeah, after you left, Aunt Florence didn’t seem very interested in staying either,” Ruby chimed in.
She had originally hoped to ask Florence for a few more gifts, but after spending all her energy defending Naomi, she hadn’t had the stamina to keep browsing.
“It’s only natural she lost interest. Those items weren’t particularly compelling to begin with,” Arabella stated, entirely unconcerned.
Those luxury pieces weren’t even as well–crafted as her own designs. She had no real interest
in them.
Only social climbers like Naomi and Ruby, who were easily impressed by labels, would get so excited over mass–produced luxury goods.
“You didn’t like them? But I see you’re still wearing the bracelet Aunt Florence bought you p>
She clearly liked nice things but refused to admit it.
“Arabella, there’s nothing wrong with liking beautiful things. But acting all superior when don’t really know any better is just a bit… sad,” Ruby said, her voice laced with sarcasm.
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Ethan shot Ruby a deeply displeased look. “Ruby, has your father been away on business lately? If you’re that bored, I can certainly find some productive work to keep you occupied p>
She was always running her mouth carelessly around the Hamiltons. Ethan had let it slide before, but he wouldn’t tolerate her directing that attitude toward Arabella.
Hearing his sharp tone, Ruby immediately ducked behind Naomi, avoiding his piercing gaze and not daring to look him in the eye.
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Then she whispered timidly, “No, thank you. I haven’t exactly been idle lately p>
Seeing how frightened Ruby was, hiding behind her, and how stern Ethan looked, Naomi quickly tried to smooth things over. “Don’t be upset, Ethan. Ruby didn’t mean it like that. She’s just very… straightforward p>
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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.