Chapter 168
Chapter 168 Grandfather’s Ultimatum
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Arabella glanced at him, wondering at the sudden formality. She smiled and said, “There’s no need for such courtesy, Mr. Stewart. It’s my responsibility.
“I’m genuinely pleased to see Robert recovering so well.
“Robert, now that you’re being discharged, it’s crucial to maintain a stable mood. Absolutely no getting agitated or upset. Don’t trouble yourself with external matters–leave everything to Mr. Stewart. Your only task is to rest and recuperate.” Concerned that he might face stressful situations at home, Arabella offered this reminder in advance.
“Don’t you worry, Dr. Macdonald. You worked so diligently to treat me; I’ll certainly keep my emotions in check.
“As long as he doesn’t give me a reason to be upset, I’ll be perfectly fine,” Robert said, shooting a pointed look at Matthew. The broken engagement was now the primary threat to his peace of mind.
“Mr. Stewart, did you hear that? Keeping your grandfather’s mood stable is in your hands,” Arabella turned to Matthew and reiterated.
“Don’t worry. I won’t do anything to upset him,” Matthew replied, his expression earnest.
“I believe you can manage it.”
“Well then, that’s settled. Owen has already gone to process the discharge. You’re free to leave whenever you’re ready.
“I have other matters to attend to, so I’ll be on my way now.” Arabella bid farewell to Robert.
“Matthew, see Dr. Macdonald out for me,” Robert instructed.
“Dr. Macdonald, allow me to walk you out,” Matthew said to Arabella.
“That’s quite alright. You should stay here with Robert,” she replied before turning and leaving the private suite.
After Arabella had gone, Robert’s expression turned stern as he looked at Matthew. “I held back while Dr. Macdonald was here, but now that we’re alone, you will explain yourself.”
Seeing that Robert hadn’t dropped the issue, Mathew assumed he must have heard about the online rumors. He had no choice but to addess it. “I didn’t mean to keep it from you. It was just that Dr. Macdonald was present earlier, and I wasn’t sure if she was aware, so I hesitated to bring it up.
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Chapter 168 Grandfather’s Ultimatum
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“But I’ve already dispatched people to handle the online situation. Those photos were taken by the same two individuals we dealt with previously. You needn’t concern yourself with it,” Matthew stated calmly.
“Online? Photos? What on earth are you talking about?” Robert looked at Matthew, utterly bewildered. Could it be that Matthew’s visit to Hamilton Manor to break off the engagement had already become public gossip…?
Seeing the genuine confusion on his grandfather’s face, Matthew realized Robert wasn’t referring to the paparazzi photos at all. He frowned slightly. “You… didn’t know about the online situation?”
“I know now. Explain it to me in detail,” Robert said, his gaze sharpening.
It seemed he would have to clarify this matter first.
Matthew studied Robert and realized his mistake–Robert had known nothing about the online photos. When Robert noticed Matthew’s prolonged silence, he pressed, “Why aren’t you speaking? I’m waiting.”
Since he had already broached the subject, Matthew now had no choice but to explain.
“It’s about the time Dr. Macdonald and I went to the mall to purchase supplements for you. Someone took photos of us together and posted them online. There were malicious rumors being spread about Dr. Macdonald. That is what I hadn’t told you,” Matthew answered truthfully.
Hearing this, Robert’s frown deepened. “Someone took photos of you two and posted them? And they spread rumors about Dr. Macdonald?
“Such individuals should not be treated leniently” Robert said, his tone turning cold with displeasure. To dare slander someone from the Stewart family and his personally appointed physician–they truly had no sense of their place.
“Yes, I’ve already sent people to deal with it,” Matthew confirmed.
“Aside from this, consider what else you have been keeping from me,” Robert said, leaning back in his chair and taking a deliberate sip of water to steady himself.
“That’s all there is. Nothing else.”
“Did someone tell you something?” Matthew asked, a slight frown forming as he looked back
at Robert.
“Since you are unwilling to say it, I will.
“When precisely were you planning to inform me about your visit to the Hamilton family to
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Chapter 168 Grandfather’s Ultimatum
break off the engagement?” Robert demanded, his expression hardening.
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The question immediately caused Matthew’s brow to furrow. How did he know about this? Could Arabella have told him? “Grandfather, who told you about this?” Matthew asked, his voice measured.
“Never mind who told me. Why did you go to the Hamiltons privately to end the engagement without a word to me?” Robert’s tone was severe.
Seeing that concealment was no longer possible. Matthew felt there was no point in hiding it. He confessed plainly, “I don’t have feelings for Naomi. She’s constantly inserting herself into my affairs, and I find it irritating.”
“What is wrong with Naomi? She is a good girl–kind–hearted and considerate. How could she possibly irritate you?” Robert asked sternly, unable to comprehend.
“Her being kind–hearted is irrelevant to me. Not developing an affection for someone doesn’t require a reason,” Matthew replied coolly.
“You stubborn boy. In all of Doranor City, only the Hamilton family is a suitable match for ours in terms of standing. There is no one more appropriate for you than Naomi.
“Furthermore, the engagement between our families was decided by Ryan and myself. How could you unilaterally attempt to break it off without any regard for the respect due to your elders?” Robert’s displeasure was evident.
Seeing Robert’s rising agitation, Matthew quickly sought to placate him. “Dr. Macdonald specifically reminded us that you must not become upset.”
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