Chapter 246
Chapter 246 A Business Proposal
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Arabella held out a separate packet. “These are for you, Mr. Stewart,” she said, glancing toward Matthew. “Your supply should be getting low soon, right?”
“That’s correct,” Matthew confirmed. His medication was nearly finished, and he had been meaning to contact her regarding a refill.
A nod of quiet approval from Arabella indicated he had been adhering to the schedule.
“Matthew, are you feeling unwell?” Robert inquired, his tone instantly laced with grandfatherly concern.
“Some lingering gastrointestinal sensitivity,” Matthew explained smoothly. “It’s improved considerably since Dr. Hamilton prescribed this treatment.”
Robert’s expression softened with relief. “Well, that’s good.” Any remedy from Arabella came with his implicit trust.
“Robert, your progress is excellent, but continued rest is still paramount,” Arabella advised, gathering her things. “If there’s nothing else, I should be heading out.”
“Now, now, you’re already here,” Robert protested warmly. “Surely you can spare a moment for coffee with an old man?” He gestured to an elegant porcelain set and began to pour. “Try this. It’s the first flush of the season, just arrived.”
Finding it difficult to refuse such genuine hospitality, Arabella acquiesced. “Alright, thank you.”
“Matthew, join us,” Robert said, pouring a second cup.
They each accepted their coffee. Robert watched them over the rim of his own cup, his eyes holding a fond, contemplative warmth. Sitting together like this, they did present a picture of compatible poise.
“May I ask,” Robert began, his voice gentle with curiosity, “where did you live before coming to the Hamiltons?”
“With a… fairly ordinary family,” Arabella replied, offering no details about the Macdonalds.
“I see,” Robert said, a hint of sympathy coloring his words. “That must have been quite a transition.”
Touched by his empathy, Arabella felt a small warmth in her chest. “It was manageable.” Despite the chill that family had left in her, Edward had been a constant solace,
“You are a remarkably resilient young woman,” Robert observed with clear admiration. She spoke so little of it, yet the gulf between an ordinary upbringing and the Hamilton world was vast, and he detected no trace of self–pity in her.
“So…” Robert ventured, his tone deliberately casual, “Is there a special young man in the picture?”
The question took Arabella slightly aback. “No, there isn’t,” she answered, almost reflexively.
Robert’s smile deepened, and his gaze flickered almost imperceptibly toward his grandson.
Matthew’s brow furrowed a fraction. “Grandfather, that’s Dr. Hamilton’s private affair.”
Arabella suddenly understood the subtext. She clarified, her tone polite but firm, “I’m not really focused on dating at the moment. My priority is proving myself with the company my father has entrusted to me.”
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Chapter 246 A Business Proposal
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“A company?” Robert expressed genuine surprise. “Such drive at your age is impressive.” Given Ryan’s diverse portfolio, he wondered which sector had been chosen. “What field is it in?”
“Pharmaceuticals,” Arabella answered. It was public knowledge, after all.
Robert nodded thoughtfully. “A natural fit, given your talents.”
“Yes, my grandfather and father thought so as well,” she confirmed.
“Your grandfather too!” Robert’s astonjshment grew. So Ryan was directly involved in her venture!
Arabella elaborated, “My grandfather placed one of the formulation and production facilities under my management. So, my energy is entirely directed toward meeting those responsibilities and not disappointing them. Other matters simply aren’t on my mind.”
She phrased it carefully, hoping Robert would take the hint and abandon any matchmaking notions.
Robert took a slow sip of coffee, seeming to consider this. Then he turned to Matthew. “Didn’t you mention the firm was evaluating strategic investments in the biopharma sector? This seems a rather timely opportunity. Perhaps it’s worth a look.”
“The possibility had been noted,” Matthew stated, his tone neutral.
“I really don’t think that’s necessary,” Arabella interjected politely but quickly. “My company and the facility are in their early stages. Mr. Stewart’s investments typically target established industry leaders.” Her instinct was to decline what felt like a pretext for further entanglement.
“But that’s the ideal time–at the inception,” Robert countered with a knowing smile. “Once you’re fully established, you won’t need the capital. Besides, our families go back generations. Why invest in strangers when we can support someone within our own circle?” He looked pointedly at Matthew. “What’s your view, Matthew?”
“I agree,” Matthew replied, straightforward and decisive.
“Mr. Stewart!” Arabella was startled by his immediate assent.
“Well, that seems settled,” Robert said, looking thoroughly pleased, as if he wished for a contract to sign on the spot.
Arabella’s composure wavered for a second. “Mr. Stewart, are you certain? Wouldn’t you prefer to conduct due diligence or give it more thought?”
“No further thought is required,” Matthew stated. “Capital has been allocated for a move into this sector. The funds- approximately two hundred million–have been ready. We were awaiting the right partner. Dr. Hamilton’s venture appears to be a compelling candidate.”
Hearing the specific, substantial figure, Arabella’s reflexive refusal stalled. If she could secure that level of investment, it would dramatically accelerate the development roadmap for both her company and the production facility.
“You’re certain about this, Mr. Stewart?” Arabella asked, seeking one final confirmation.
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