Chapter 238
ter 238 Family Discussions
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“Grandfather!” Matthew began, a note of helplessness in his voice, but Robert cut him off firmly. “Don’t say another word. My
decision is final.”
Hearing the finality in his tone, Matthew knew it wasn’t the moment to press the issue further and chose to remain silent.
Even though Matthew didn’t argue, Robert knew his grandson hadn’t conceded. He softened his tone, attempting persuasion. “If you truly have no feelings for Naomi, you could consider getting to know Arabella instead.”
After all, the arrangement was with the Hamilton family–it wasn’t strictly tied to a specific individual. Now that the Hamiltons had two daughters, either could be considered.
The corner of Matthew’s mouth twitched almost imperceptibly. His grandfather truly never missed an opportunity, seizing every chance to play matchmaker.
He considered trying to dissuade Robert again, but seeing his stubborn resolve, Matthew stayed quiet. He would have to find another way, and slowly.
Noting Matthew’s slightly less resistant demeanor, Robert raised a thoughtful eyebrow. Perhaps his grandson wasn’t entirely opposed to Arabella… Could it be he actually viewed her differently?
The thought brightened Robert’s mood considerably, and a satisfied smile touched his lips.
Feeling somewhat exasperated, Matthew headed straight for his study upon arriving home.
Robert didn’t pay it much mind and proceeded to his own suite, his steps light with renewed hope.
That evening, the Hamilton family gathered for dinner in their formal dining room.
“Mom, Dad, why didn’t you come earlier for something this important?” Alfred asked, his confusion evident.
He had been genuinely anxious, but his parents hadn’t seemed particularly concerned.
“What’s there to rush about? This could be wonderful news. We should be supportive–why would we want to interfere?” Florence replied with a gentle smile.
“Supportive?!” Alfred was so shocked the piece of food he’d just speared with his fork clattered back onto his plate.
“Mom, Dad, how can you say that…” Arabella looked at them, equally perplexed. Even her own parents were taking this stance!
Ethan, not fully caught up, chimed in casually, “Support what? What’s everyone
talking about?”
“Grandfather and Robert are practically suggesting Arabella should fulfill the family arrangement with the Stewarts instead,” Alfred quickly filled him in.
“But I thought the engagement was between Matthew and Naomi?” Ethan asked, now confused. Why was Arabella being brought into this?
“Because Matthew wants to break off the engagement with Naomi,” Alfred added.
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12:37 pm
POE
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Chapter 238 Family Discussions
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“So they want Arabella to… take her place?” Ethan’s expression darkened. He turned to Jonathan and Florence. “Dad, Mom, why aren’t you trying to talk Grandfather out of this? How can you just agree?”
“Matthew is one of the most accomplished young men in our circles. Besides, a family like the Stewarts is a perfectly suitable match for our family. We think it’s a fine idea,” Florence explained patiently.
They had discussed it between themselves and believed it could be a positive path for Arabella as well.
Alfred let out a frustrated sigh. “Mom, Dad, it’s not about whether they’re suitable. It’s that we just got our sister back. Do you really want her tied down so soon? Shouldn’t she just enjoy being home with us for a few more years?”
“I already spoke to your grandfather. He simply wants them to spend some time together and see how things develop. Whatever happens later will depend entirely on Arabella’s own feelings,” Jonathan said, feeling his sons were overreacting.
“But…” Alfred started to argue further, but Florence had already turned her attention to Arabella. “Arabella, darling, don’t feel any pressure about this. Just give it some thought. There’s no harm in spending a little more time with Matthew normally–you might find you like him.”
Arabella’s lips twitched slightly. She awkwardly changed the subject. “Mom, let’s eat. This is the soup you like.”
As she spoke, Arabella ladled a bowl of the fragrant soup and placed it gently in front of Florence.
“Arabella, you should eat too,” Florence said, motioning for her daughter to focus on her own meal.
“Okay,” Arabella smiled and then turned to Ethan. “Ethan, did everything go smoothly at the construction site today?”
“Went off without a hitch,” Ethan replied, easily picking up on Arabella’s desire to steer the conversation away from the Stewart family. He engaged her in a discussion about the ongoing expansion of the pharmaceutical plant.
Alfred understood the tactic. Though his concern lingered, he quietly resumed his meal.
After dinner, Alfred couldn’t help but seek out Arabella. “You’re not actually… interested in Matthew, are you?” he asked bluntly.
Arabella looked at him, surprised. “Alfred, why would you think that?”
She hadn’t known Matthew for long, and their interactions had been few. They were hardly more than acquaintances, let alone romantically involved.
“Then why didn’t you just refuse outright downstairs? Make it clear you’re not interested?” Alfred pressed, puzzled.
“Do you think a direct refusal would work right now?” Arabella sighed, a touch of helplessness in her voice. The more they debated it at this moment, the more entrenched the elders might become. It was better to let the matter settle for a while.
“Arabella’s right. It’s better not to force the issue for now,” Ethan agreed, siding with her more measured approach.
Seeing both of them aligned, Alfred sighed in resignation. “I just…. can’t get used to the idea. It all feels so sudden.”
“Alfred, don’t worry too much. Mr. Stewart said he would speak to Robert when he got home,” Arabella reminded him. She believed that if either Matthew or her own grandfather could be persuaded to step back, the situation would resolve itself naturally.
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