Chapter 198
Chapter 198 A Shadow of Inquiry
“Since when is someone from the Myers family connected to Arabella?” Matthew said coolly. “Find out what their relationship is.”
“Right away,
“Mr. Stewart,” Andy updated, “our team reports that the Johnstons took Dylan to see some back alley medic. He’s receiving treatment there now. Should we intervene?”
“Is this ‘medic‘ any good?” Matthew asked.
“Not really. Just a quack with no proper license. He might be able to set the broken hand, but full recovery… That’s doubtful,” Andy replied.
A cold smile touched Matthew’s lips. “Then let them be. As long as they stay away from real hospitals, they can visit every backstreet practitioner in town.”
“Understood.”
“Also, make arrangements. Whenever Arabella comes in for her wound care, ensure she receives the best treatment available,” Matthew instructed.
“Consider it done. I’ll handle it personally.”
Meanwhile, Naomi’s phone rang. It was Kyle.
“Ms. Hamilton, I’ve sustained an injury and won’t be able to teach your sessions for a while. You can hold off on coming to the institute.”
“Injured? Is it bad?” Naomi asked, surprised.
“I’ll manage. Just wanted to give you a heads–up. That’s all,” Kyle said, preparing to hang up.
“Wait, Kyle,” Ruby cut in quickly.
Hearing about his injury, her eyes lit up. “Since you’re laid up, could Lucas possibly take over the classes?”
“Lucas isn’t teaching right now either. Haven’t you heard?” Kyle replied.
“No, we hadn’t. Is Lucas hurt too?” Ruby feigned concern.
“Not exactly. His student, Arabella, is injured, so he’s put his classes on hold for now.”
“Arabella is hurt?” Ruby murmured, a frown forming.
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“But I’ve already spoken with Lucas. Once Arabella recovers and returns, if I’m still not better. he’ll cover for me temporarily,” Kyle explained, inadvertently letting the news of Arabella’s injury slip.
“Arabella is injured? When did that happen?” Naomi’s eyes widened in genuine surprise.
“I’m not sure of the details. I just happened to run into her at the clinic today during her appointment. Anyway, that’s all. Gotta go,” Kyle said.
“Okay… goodbye,” Naomi replied slowly, ending the call.
“Naomi, did you hear that? Arabella’s actually hurt. Maybe she’ll finally lay low for a bit,” Ruby said, a hint of a smile in her eyes.
“Why would Arabella get hurt out of nowhere?” Naomi wondered, a slight crease in her brow.
“Who cares about the ‘why‘? The point is, she is. I’m thrilled! Serves her right for always crossing us. Karma’s a bitch, huh?” Ruby’s satisfaction was plain on her face.
“She’s probably stuck at home resting right now. Naomi, maybe we should swing by and… check on her?” Ruby suggested, giving Naomi a meaningful look.
Naomi glanced at her, thought for a moment, and gave a slight nod. “Couldn’t hurt to pay a visit.”
“Great! Let’s go change,” Ruby said, taking Naomi’s hand and leading her toward the walk–in closet.
Soon after, they changed and drove toward Cloudrise Manor.
At the manor, Arabella had just returned home with Ethan. They were settled in the great room, sharing laughs and easy conversation with Jonathan and Florence.
“Mom, the physician’s assistant said today that my injury is healing really well. I might not need the wheelchair much longer,” Arabella said, hoping to ease Florence’s worries and ditch the chair for outings.
“Really? That’s wonderful news, sweetheart. But how will you get around without it? Crutches can be so awkward,” Florence fretted, concerned about her putting weight on the injury.
Arabella chuckled softly at her mother’s worry. “Who needs crutches? I’ll just take it slow.”
“But won’t your injured foot still have to bear some weight?” Jonathan pointed out.
“Your father’s right. That’s not a good idea,” Florence insisted, her eyes full of maternal concern. “Even if it’s better, it’s not fully healed. Putting pressure on it could reopen everything.
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Absolutely not.”
“Alright, alright,” Arabella conceded with a resigned smile. “The wheelchair it is, for now?
Her attempt to negotiate her way out of the chair had been thoroughly overruled by her parents‘ united front.
Just then, Naomi and Ruby walked into the Hamilton home. The sight of Arabella confined to the wheelchair sent a secret thrill through them.
They exchanged a quick, knowing glance, their eyes glinting with shared amusement.
Then, slipping into a mask of concern, Naomi approached Arabella. “Arabella, what in the world happened? Why are you in a wheelchair?” she asked, layering her voice with feigned
worry.
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