Chapter 260 Celebration
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“It’s just the second–phase evaluation–I haven’t even gotten my license yet.” She was touched but found it amusing he was giving a gift for this milestone.
“Consider this the warm–up gift. I’ll get you another one when you get the actual license,” Alfred said with a grin. “And this isn’t just a regular brooch. It has an integrated locator and an emergency alert. If you’re ever in a tight spot and I’m not there, just press it. I’ll get the signal and come find you immediately.” He explained its functions and even demonstrated the discreet activation button.
“This little thing can do all that?” Arabella carefully put the brooch back in its box. “Thank you, Alfred. I’ll keep it safe and carry it
with me.”
“Good.” Alfred felt a measure of relief–it was one more safeguard for her.
A short while later, they pulled into the driveway of Cloudrise Manor.
“Arabella’s back!” Florence waved cheerfully from the doorway. “Come in, darling! Tell me everything–did you pass the evaluation?”
“Yes, I passed,” Arabella replied with a smile.
“I knew you would! You are so talented, of course you’d pass with flying colors,” Florence beamed, overjoyed. “I’ve already asked the chef to prepare all your favorites for dinner. You must have pushed yourself so hard these last few days–you need to replenish.”
“She really did,” Alfred confirmed, joining them in the foyer. “Practiced relentlessly. She earned it.”
“I have to call your father right now!” Florence was eager to share the good news.
Arabella smiled fondly but didn’t stop her. She knew her mother’s delight was genuine.
“What’s all the happy chatter about?” Frank’s voice sounded from the hall.
“Frank!” Arabella’s face lit up. “You’re home?”
“Wrapped up my project early, so I thought I’d surprise everyone,” Frank said, giving her a quick hug. “I heard something about a celebration. What’s the occasion?”
“It’s Arabella. She aced her second–phase flight evaluation–a perfect score. Alfred says in the entire history of the flight academy, only she and her instructor Lucas have ever done that,” Florence explained, pride evident in her voice.
Hearing this, Frank nodded, visibly impressed. “That’s our Arabella. Absolutely incredible.”
“You’re back just in time for the feast, Frank,” Arabella said, her spirits high. Frank’s visits were rare and always a treat.
“Perfect timing indeed,” Frank said with an affectionate smile. “You must be tired from the test. Why don’t you go freshen up and rest for a bit? We’ll all have dinner together later.”
“He’s right, sweetheart. Go relax. Leave everything to me,” Florence chimed in happily.
As evening settled and the house lights glowed, Naomi and Ruby returned to Cloudrise Manor.
“Naomi, the house is all lit up and lively. Is there a party?” Ruby asked, curiosity piqued.
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Chapter 260 Celebration
Naomi shook her head. “I don’t know.”
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There had been no mention of any special plans when they left that morning. Had something happened?
Entering the grand foyer, they could see the family gathered around the large dining table in the adjacent room.
“Mom, Dad, I’m back,” Naomi called out.
“Naomi! You’re just in time–come join us!” Florence waved them over warmly.
“Aunt Florence, Uncle Jonathan,” Ruby greeted politely.
Florence nodded. “Come, have a seat.”
“Frank, Ethan, Alfred,” Naomi added, acknowledging her brothers.
“So Frank’s back–no wonder there’s a festive mood,” Ruby remarked.
“You two have perfect timing,” Florence explained, her smile bright. “We’re having a celebratory dinner for Arabella passing her assessment. We can all celebrate together–you must have passed yours too, right?”
At Florence’s words, Naomi’s face paled instantly. She didn’t know how to respond.
She hadn’t passed. Admitting it in front of everyone felt utterly humiliating.
Ruby also stayed quiet. Having to concede that Arabella had outperformed them felt like a direct insult.
Seeing their silence, Jonathan’s brow furrowed slightly. “Did you… not pass?”
Otherwise, with Ruby’s usual outspokenness, she would surely have spoken up by now.
“No, I didn’t,” Naomi admitted softly, her eyes beginning to glisten. “Dad… have I let you down?”
“Oh, honey, don’t be silly. We could never be disappointed in you,” Florence reassured her, her tone gentle. “If you didn’t pass this time, there’s always next time. It’s really alright.”
“That’s right. Just put in a bit more practice for the next one,” Jonathan encouraged,
Naomi dabbed at the corner of her eye, looking hopeful. “Really?”
“Of course it’s true, Naomi. Don’t be so hard on yourself–you’re already an accomplished girl,” Florence said, giving her shoulder a comforting pat.
“Okay. I’ll keep trying.” Naomi nodded, though inwardly she knew that in Florence’s eyes, her “accomplishments” likely paled next to Arabella’s.
“Aunt Florence, Naomi really did work extremely hard,” Ruby interjected, as if seeking some recognition. “We went straight back to the academy simulators after the test and practiced for hours–that’s why we’re so late.”
“Naomi, if it’s not working yet, just take your time. You can’t run yourself into the ground non–stop; your health comes first,” Ethan said, his concern evident.
“He’s right. There’s no need to rush. You’ll get there,” Frank added supportively.
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10:45 am
Chapter 260 Celebration
“Besides,” Alfred chimed in, “getting a pilot’s license is no easy feat. It’s a rigorous process.”
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