Chapter 262 A Brother’s Promise
+10 Free Coins
Arabella raised an eyebrow, glancing at Ruby. “Frank said he’s already got a gift. Since it doesn’t sound like you’ve prepared one, why don’t you give her the plane?”
“Why should I give it?!” Ruby bristled instantly.
“Don’t want to?” Arabella’s tone was coolly dismissive. “You seemed so invested in Naomi’s birthday present, I assumed you thought it was a big deal. But I guess she’s not that important to you after all.”
“I-” Ruby’s face flushed, caught off guard by Arabella’s directness. She hurried to explain to Naomi, “Naomi, that’s not it! I just… I
mean…”
“Can’t afford it?” Arabella cut in bluntly, exposing Ruby’s underlying embarrassment.
Ruby shot back defiantly, “Oh, and you can?”
“Easily,” Arabella replied, her voice calm and matter–of–fact. Buying a plane was nowhere near a stretch for her.
“You’re just bluffing. Saying you can doesn’t make it true,” Ruby retorted in a mocking tone.
Ethan chimed in, “She actually can.”
Given Arabella’s current resources, a private aircraft wouldn’t be a problem.
Ruby scowled. “Ethan, you’re always taking her side!”
“Just stating facts,” Ethan shrugged.
“Then go ahead and buy one. Prove it,” Ruby challenged, convinced Arabella was all talk.
“If I buy it, you’ll believe me?” Arabella arched a brow.
“Only if I see it with my own eyes,” Ruby insisted through clenched teeth.
Arabella paused, pretending to consider it, then shrugged lightly. “On second thought, I won’t bother. I already have one, anyway.”
“You’re just messing with me!” Ruby’s face flushed with anger.
Arabella gave a short, humorless laugh. “You’re the one acting foolish.”
Did they think she couldn’t see their game? Ruby and Naomi were pressuring Frank precisely because they’d been stung by her earlier comment and couldn’t let it go. Now they were trying to goad her into buying a plane–did they really think she was that naive?
Ruby was shaking with anger, but a last shred of self–preservation warned her not to blow up. She’d only get lectured again.
“Arabella, Ruby was just joking around. Don’t read too much into it,” Naomi interjected, trying to smooth things over.
Arabella’s eyebrow lifted again. So now she was being overly sensitive?
“I’m not reading into anything. I’m not the one looking ridiculous here,” she replied coolly..
1/2
11:42 am DDDB
Chapter 262 A Brother’s Promise
+10 Free Coins
“She’s right, Naomi. Arabella didn’t say much–you’re overthinking it,” Alfred said, gesturing for Naomi to relax.
Naomi’s face paled slightly. “You’re right, Alfred. I’ll be more careful.”
Seeing her subdued expression, Alfred softened his tone. “Don’t stress. We’re all family. Let’s just keep things pleasant.”
“Exactly, Naomi,” Florence added, placing a grilled shrimp on Naomi’s plate. “Tell me, what kind of theme are you thinking for your birthday party? It’s coming up soon, so we should start planning.”
“Right, I haven’t gotten your gift yet. Need to think of something,” Ethan said.
Hearing this, Ruby’s eyes lit up as she looked at him. “Ethan, maybe you could-”
But Ethan cut her off. “Enough, Ruby. If you’re finished eating, you should head home. Don’t be out too late, or your dad will have my head.”
Not only was she silenced, but she was also dismissed. The already–stung Ruby felt the wound saltier.
“I’m not done,” Ruby muttered, resentment simmering, though she didn’t dare speak up again.
Alfred turned to Naomi. “Naomi, tell me what you’d like. I’ll get it for you.”
He hadn’t prepared anything either, so he figured he’d ask directly.
Given how the conversation had gone, Naomi didn’t dare mention a plane. She offered a gentle smile instead. “Anything is fine, Alfred. I’ll love whatever you choose.”
‘Really?” Alfred looked slightly stumped–he was terrible at picking gifts.
‘Why don’t we go shopping together sometime?” Ethan suggested, seeing his brother’s dilemma.
‘Good idea,” Alfred agreed, then glanced at Arabella. “Arabella, you should come too. Help us out.”
“Alright,” Arabella agreed. She couldn’t really say no to Alfred.
t seemed he was genuinely clueless. Besides, since it was Naomi’s birthday, she ought to get her something as well.
Hearing Alfred’s invitation, Naomi’s expression tightened almost imperceptibly. Why did Arabella have to be involved in choosing ner gift?
Suddenly, the excitement for her upcoming party and gifts dimmed a little.
After dinner, Florence and Jonathan stayed in the living room, discussing ideas for Naomi’s birthday. Arabella, uninterested, headed upstairs alone.
Frank, Ethan, and Alfred also retreated to their rooms.
Naomi glanced around and stood up. “Come on, Ruby, I’ll walk you out.”
“Thanks, Naomi,” Ruby said, relieved. She had been wondering about getting home.
“Aunt Florence, Uncle Jonathan, I’m heading out now,” Ruby called out.
“Alright, get home safe,” Florence replied, then said to Naomi. “Be careful, dear. Don’t be out too long.”
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1:42 am