Chapter 135
Chapter 135 Questioning a Late Return
Her words also subtly reminded Florence and Ethan where her priorities lay.
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“Alright, the important thing is that you’re home safe,” Florence said, finally releasing a long. relieved sigh.
Seeing Arabella return unharmed, the heavy knet of worry in her chest finally loosened.
She then gently pulled Arabella down to sit beside her on the sofa.
Ethan looked at Arabella with curious concern. So, who were you out with? What kept you out so late?”
Arabella turned to Ethan. How should she answer this?
After a brief pause, she spoke up, “You know I used to work at that small design studio? Well, I ran into a former coworker today, and we just went for a casual bite to catch up.”
“Oh, a former colleague,” Ethan said, seeming to accept the explanation.
“Arabella, I don’t mean to pry, but if it was just a casual catch–up with an ex–coworker, why did it run so late?” Naomi interjected, her tone light but pointed.
Arabella glanced at Naomi but remained silent.
Suddenly, Naomi’s eyes widened as if she’d had revelation. “Arabella… you weren’t out with someone you’re interested in, were you?”
Hearing this, both Florence and Ethan looked at Arabella with renewed surprise.
“Arabella, was it really just a colleague?” Florence now asked, her eyes searching Arabella’s face with clear doubt.
“You’re not keeping something from us, are you Ethan added, his own suspicion piqued.
Seeing her words had struck a chord, Naomi allowed a faint, barely perceptible smirk to touch her lips.
Arabella quickly shook her head. “No, I’m not hiding anything. It really was just a former
coworker.”
“Really?” Ethan raised a skeptical eyebrow, still not fully convinced.
“Really. Don’t you trust me?” Arabella met his game with a hint of challenge.
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Chapter 135 Questioning a Late Return
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Sensing her defensiveness, Ethan decided to drop it for now. “It’s not about trust.”
“Well, you must have this friend’s number, right Do you dare call them right now, in front of us?” Naomi, seeing Ethan back down, seized the chance to press harder.
She refused to believe a simple dinner with an ex–colleague would last so late.
There had to be a man involved.
Seeing Naomi was determined to corner her, Arabella narrowed her eyes slightly.
She then replied coolly, “It’s very late. They’ve probably gone home to rest. If you’re so curious about who I had dinner with, I can call them in front of you tomorrow. Would you like to answer the phone then?”
Noticing Arabella’s reluctance to make the call immediately, Naomi felt her suspicions confirmed.
“Young people these days, even if they get home around this time, aren’t necessarily asleep yet.”
Her comment was a thinly veiled suggestion that Arabella was afraid to call.
Then, adopting a mask of sisterly concern, Naomi added, “If you really don’t want to call, that’s fine. We’re just worried about you, that’s all.”
“Thanks so much for your concern,” Arabella said, her smile not reaching her eyes, which were full of quiet disdain.
“You’re welcome. If you do have someone you like, we’d be happy for you. You don’t have to tell us right away.” Naomi deftly pinned the “secret crush” label on Arabella once more, aiming to secure her own position regarding Matthew.
Florence listened to their exchange, feeling a flutter of anxiety for Arabella.
While she would support her daughter’s choice anyone, her deepest hope was still to see Arabella and Matthew together.
Arabella could see right through Naomi’s attempt to goad her into calling.
She simply refused to give her the satisfaction.
If Naomi was so desperate to know, Arabella wasn’t going to play her game.
“Alright, then I won’t disturb my friend’s rest.”
Then, ignoring Naomi, she turned to Florence and Ethan, who held genuine worry in their
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Chapter 135 Questioning a Late Return
eyes. “You’ve all been up waiting for me. You should get some rest too.”
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“Alright, let’s go up,” Florence said, deciding not to press the matter about a potential love interest in front of Naomi and Ethan.
It was late, and she didn’t want to keep Arabella up any longer. She would find a private moment to talk to her daughter another time.
“Mm.”
“Goodnight, Ethan,” Arabella said with a warm smile for her brother, then headed upstairs. with Florence.
Naomi, seeing them both retire, stood up as well “Ethan, I’m heading up too. Goodnight.”
“Wait a moment,” Ethan said, his expression unreadable.
Naomi paused, turning back to him. “What is it, Ethan? Is there something else?”
Ethan’s expression darkened slightly. “Earlier, with Mom present, I held back. But couldn’t you see Arabella didn’t want to answer your questions?”
“Really? I didn’t notice that at all,” Naomi replied feigning innocence.
Ethan looked at her with a hint of exasperation and let out a frustrated sigh. “Even if you didn’t, you two are close in age. You could have asked her privately later. Why keep pushing in front of Mom? You must have made her incredibly uncomfortable.”
Hearing his admonishment, Naomi’s interest was suddenly piqued. She looked at him intently. “Ethan, do you also think there’s something suspicious about Arabella coming home so late tonight?”