Chapter 169
Chapter 169 A New Marriage Proposal
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“It was you who upset me in the first place, and now you’re telling me not to be angry?
“Even if you were serious about ending the engagement, you should have at least discussed it with me first. We should have arranged a proper meeting between the families, talked it through respectfully, and given everyone a clear explanation,” Robert spoke more evenly now, consciously trying to temper his emotions.
Matthew considered his grandfather’s words. He realized he had acted impulsively out of sheer annoyance with Naomi’s constant intrusions.
Looking back, storming over to Hamilton Manor to call off the engagement without any prior discussion was hardly the most diplomatic move.
But at the time, he hadn’t dared to broach the subject with Robert, knowing full well he would have been forbidden from going.
Still, judging by Robert’s somewhat softened stance now, it seemed he might actually be open to dissolving the engagement. If that was the case, perhaps a formal sit–down with both families wasn’t the worst idea.
“You’re right. I handled it poorly. But my position on this hasn’t changed,” Matthew stated seriously.
Robert let out a quiet sigh. If Matthew was this adamant and proceeded unilaterally, it would certainly damage the long–standing friendship between their families. Thinking it over, Robert suddenly recalled a piece of gossip he’d heard recently.
He fixed Matthew with an intent look. “I heard the Hamiltons recently located and brought home a daughter they’d lost contact with years ago. Were you aware of that?”
Matthew glanced at Robert. He had promised Arabella he wouldn’t reveal her background- how had Robert found out? Why was he bringing this up now?
“The Hamiltons? I haven’t heard anything about that. Where did you hear that rumor, Grandpa? It’s probably just gossip,” Matthew replied, feigning surprise. Even if Robert knew, he wouldn’t be the one to confirm it.
Seeing Matthew’s blank expression, Robert said, It seems you truly didn’t know.”
“From what I understand, this daughter they found is even more remarkable than Naomi.
“Your only objection was to Naomi herself, correct? Now that the Hamiltons have their biological daughter back, why not consider getting to know her instead?
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Chapter 169 A New Marriage Proposal
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“That way, the alliance between our families could remain intact.” Robert suggested, a hint of a knowing smile in his eyes.
Hearing this, Matthew felt a jolt of surprise. So Robert hadn’t given up at all–he was just shifting his focus. Now he had Arabella in his sights…
Matthew suddenly felt a headache coming on. He hadn’t even extricated himself from Naomi, and now Arabella was being proposed. Was Robert trying to be the death of him?
Yet, strangely, the thought of Arabella didn’t evoke the same visceral resistance that Naomi did. Weird…
Seeing Matthew lost in thought, Robert assumed his suggestion was giving him pause. “Take your time to consider it. Just refrain from any more unilateral moves regarding the engagement.”
“Grandpa, do you honestly believe I’m incapable of finding a partner on my own? Why this singular focus on my marital status?
“I have a great deal to manage at the company,” Matthew said, sounding exasperated.
“Manage, manage, manage–that’s all you ever say! When I was your age, I already had your father.
“Look at you–not even seeing anyone seriously. What kind of life is that?” Robert’s expression darkened.
“Times are different now than in your day. You can’t measure everything by the old standards.
“Never mind, it’s impossible to explain in a few sentences. Do as you wish. I have matters to attend to, so I’m leaving.
“The driver will be here shortly to pick you up. I won’t be accompanying you.” With that, Matthew stood up and left the room.
“Hey, you stubborn boy! Can’t even handle a little advice before running off? Give serious thought to what I said!” Robert called after Matthew’s retreating back. There was no reply from the hallway.
“Sigh, that boy. If you don’t give me a proper answer this time, you won’t evade the topic next time,” Robert muttered to himself, shaking his had in resignation.
Once outside the room, Matthew instantly felt he could breathe easier. Perhaps he should visit Robert less frequently for a while–otherwise, he’d be subjected to this interrogation constantly.
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Chapter 169 A New Marriage Proposal
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But besides himself, only members of the Hamilton family knew about his attempt to break the engagement. Who could have told Robert? He doubted it was Arabella; they both had reasons to keep each other’s secrets.
*****
“Hey, I see you’re enjoying some TV,” Arabella said as she pushed open the door to Edward’s hospital room.
“Arabella, you’re here! I haven’t heard from you in days. Have you been busy?” Edward’s face lit up with a warm smile upon seeing her.
“I’ve been a bit swamped lately. How are you feeling?” Arabella asked with concern.
“I’m completely recovered. Actually, if you hadn’t come today, I was planning to call you.”
“Could you help me check out? I’ve been here for days now, and I feel perfectly fine,” Edward said, smiling at her.
“You want to be discharged too? I just helped Robert with his discharge before coming here,” Arabella said, surprised.
“Robert was discharged today? Does that mean he’s fully cured?” Edward asked, looking at her in surprise.
“Essentially, yes. He just needs to continue resting and recuperating properly at home.”
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