Chapter 224
Chapter 224 An Unexpected Encounter
“Arabella, just ignore them–order whatever you feel like,” Frank said, his gaze softening as he looked at her.
Arabella nodded slightly at Frank before turning her attention back to the menu.
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Across the dining room, Lucas was settling his bill when he happened to glance toward their table and spotted Arabella.
A faint smile touched his lips–he hadn’t expected to run into her here.
He made his way over and greeted her warmly. “Arabella, what a surprise seeing you here.”
Hearing the familiar voice, Arabella looked up, pleasantly surprised. “Lucas! What brings you here?”
“I was just finishing up dinner in the back. Saw you on my way out and thought I’d come say hello.” As he spoke, Lucas politely nodded toward Ethan and the others.
Frank and Alfred observed Lucas‘ easy manner with Arabella, their expressions tightening slightly. They didn’t recognize him, but it was clear he was someone she knew well.
“Are you here alone?” Arabella asked.
“Yeah, just wanted to try the new seasonal menu,” Lucas explained, sounding a touch sheepish.
“Since you’re by yourself, why don’t you join us?” Arabella offered kindly.
“Would that be alright?” Lucas glanced at the others, noticing their measured, watchful expressions.
“Of course. These are my brothers–you’ve already met Ethan,” Arabella said, gesturing around the table.
“Well then, I’ll join you for a bit,” Lucas said, moving to take the empty seat beside her.
Ethan, well aware of Lucas‘ interest in Arabella, watched him with a protective edge. He wasn’t thrilled about another man sitting so close to his sister,
“Lucas, that chair’s not the greatest–how about we swap?” Ethan suggested, already standing up.
Lucas offered a polite smile. “It’s really fine, I’m comfortable here. Don’t trouble yourself.”
“No trouble at all. You’re Arabella’s guest–we can’t have you in a bad seat,” Ethan insisted, his tone friendly but firm.
Frank, picking up on Ethan’s cue, added his support. “Ethan’s right. Please, make yourself comfortable.”
Lucas really didn’t want to move farther from Arabella, but with both brothers insisting, he had little choice. “Alright then, thank you,” he conceded.
With that, Ethan and Lucas switched places.
Now Lucas was seated diagonally across from Arabella, making casual conversation with her noticeably less convenient.
Ethan, Frank, and Alfred shared a subtle look of satisfaction, visibly relaxing into their seats.
After Arabella finished placing her order, she turned to Lucas. “Please order anything you’d like–Frank’s treating today.”
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9:49 am D MM
Chapter 224 An Unexpected Encounter
Frank glanced at Lucas, his expression neutral. “Order whatever you want. Don’t hold back.”
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Taking in Frank’s impassive look, Lucas replied, “I’m actually fine–I already ate. I’ll just have something to drink.” He signaled the server and asked for a glass of water.
“Arabella, did you go for your dressing change today? I didn’t see you at the clinic,” Lucas asked, turning the conversation back to her.
He had deliberately accompanied Kyle to his appointment earlier, hoping to run into Arabella, but she hadn’t been there–a fact that had left him a little disappointed.
Running into her now felt like a lucky chance he didn’t want to waste.
“I went a bit later in the afternoon. Were you with Kyle at the hospital today?” Arabella asked, curious.
“Yeah, I was,” Lucas confirmed.
“Arabella, how’s the steak?” Ethan cut in smoothly, noticing Lucas steering the conversation toward Arabella again.
“It’s excellent. The places Frank picks are always special,” Arabella said, smiling at Frank.
“Glad you like it. Want me to order another?” Frank asked, his eyes warm.
“No, I’m good–I’d like to try something else next. Don’t want to overdo it,” she replied with a light laugh.
“By the way, Lucas,” Arabella turned back to him, “how is Kyle’s recovery coming along?”
“He’s doing fairly well, but it’ll be a while before he’s back on duty. He’ll need rest for a few more weeks at least,” Lucas answered earnestly.
“I see,” Arabella said softly. It seemed even after she recovered, returning to training too soon might mean dealing with Naomi and Ruby again.
Reading her calm expression, Lucas guessed she probably wasn’t eager to train alongside the other two.
He leaned forward slightly. “If you’d prefer to train independently, I might have an idea–though I’m not sure if it would work for you.”
“Arabella, try this berry–it’s really fresh,” Alfred interjected, passing a small plate toward her, effectively pausing her exchange with Lucas,
Arabella glanced at Alfred, took a berry, and tasted it. “It’s delicious.”
She then turned her attention back to Lucas. “You were saying about an idea? Aside from getting around, I’m pretty much cleared for activity now.”
“My place has a full private gym–equipment more advanced than what’s at the academy. I used to train there myself. If you want to avoid certain people, it might be your best option for now,” Lucas explained, his tone sincere and his eyes steady on hers.
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