Chapter 264 An Unwelcome Invitation
So they had progressed to taking care of each other–this was excellent.
Arabella replied, a touch awkwardly, “He’s my patient. It’s my responsibility.”
“I was a patient, too, and I never got any special tonics from you,” Robert teased, deliberately egging her on.
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‘Robert, you’re completely recovered,” Arabella said, both amused and exasperated. Was Robert really competing with his own grandson?
Noticing her expression, Matthew asked, “You made this yourself?”
‘Yes.” Arabella regained her composure. “Consider it a thank you for lunch yesterday.”
‘You two had lunch together yesterday?” Robert immediately latched onto the key detail.
‘It was a coincidence,” Matthew answered lightly.
Robert smiled, his eyes twinkling. “Coincidences are good. You should have more of them.”
Any interaction between the two was an opportunity, as far as he was concerned.
‘So where did this coincidence happen?” Robert couldn’t help pressing further.
Arabella sighed inwardly. It was just a random meeting–was an inquisition really necessary?
Matthew looked similarly resigned. He simply picked up the insulated carrier and said, “I’m heading to the office. I can give Dr. Hamilton a lift on the way.”
‘I drove myself, so there’s no need to trouble you, Mr. Stewart,” Arabella said. At this point, maintaining a little distance seemed wise.
‘Then you can give me a ride,” Matthew stated, leaving no room for refusal.
‘Huh?” Arabella was momentarily stunned. Was he trying to make the situation even more ambiguous?
Robert, however, was instantly delighted and shooed them along. “That works too. You youngsters go on about your day.”
Now that his stubborn grandson was finally showing some initiative, he wasn’t about to stand in the way.
“Grandfather, we’ll be going,” Matthew said, already striding toward the door.
“Robert, I’ll visit again soon,” Arabella said helplessly, following Matthew out.
Watching them leave, Robert smiled with deep contentment.
“Charles,” he said to the butler, “doesn’t it seem our perennial bachelor might finally be blooming?”
“You seem very pleased,” Charles replied with a smile as he refreshed Robert’s water.
“Of course I am.” Robert’s laughter boomed through the room.
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Chapter 264 An Unwelcome Invitation
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Once they were out of earshot, Arabella turned to Matthew with mild displeasure. “You know perfectly well Robert has the wrong idea. Why insist on leaving together like that?”
Wouldn’t that only deepen the misunderstanding?
Matthew could only explain plainly, “If you had stayed, my grandfather would have kept you there until he was satisfied with his interrogation.”
“Really? That seems a bit much,” Arabella said, skeptical.
“You’re welcome to go back and test the theory,” Matthew replied, his expression suggesting she was free to try.
Seeing his look, Arabella conceded. “I’ll take your word for it.”
“Where are you headed?” Matthew asked. The request for a ride had, after all, just been an excuse.
“I’m going to see my brother,” Arabella said. Edward had been out of the hospital for a while, and she wanted to check on him.
“Alright. I’ll be on my way, then,” Matthew said, getting into his car.
“Goodbye, Mr. Stewart,” Arabella said before getting into her own vehicle.
The two cars drove away from Stewart Manor one after the other.
Glancing at the insulated container on the passenger seat, a flicker of warmth passed through Matthew’s eyes. She had made the broth herself. She really was something else.
Neither of them noticed that as they left, another car was turning into the Stewart driveway.
Naomi stepped out, carrying a tastefully wrapped gift box as she entered the living room.
“Mr. Stewart,” she greeted politely.
“Naomi, what a pleasant surprise,” Robert said with a genial smile.
“I had some free time today and thought I’d visit,” Naomi said, setting the gift down. “These are some high–quality vitamin supplements. I thought they might be good for your overall wellness.”
“How thoughtful of you to remember me, Naomi,” Robert said warmly.
“Mr. Stewart, you’re not old at all,” Naomi said with a hint of playful coaxing. “In fact, you look more vibrant than ever.”
“Hahaha, I have Dr. Hamilton to thank for that,” Robert couldn’t help but praise Arabella.
Naomi’s smile tightened almost imperceptibly, but she kept her tone light. “Arabella mentioned she was coming to see you today Has she not arrived yet?”
“Oh, she was already here. She just left,” Robert replied
“She left?” Naomi couldn’t hide her surprise.
“Yes, she left with Matthew,” Robert clarified.
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Hearing this, Naomi’s pleasant composure nearly cracked. Arabella had left with Matthew?
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Had she used the pretext of visiting Robert just to get close to Matthew? But she’d said she wasn’t interested in him. So why was this happening?
A storm of confusion and jealousy churned inside her.
She had known Arabella was coming, which was precisely why she’d timed her own visit to arrive later, to avoid seeming too obvious. But she had still missed them.
“Naomi, is everything alright?” Robert asked, noticing her troubled expression.
Snapping back to the present, Naomi forced a steady smile. “It’s nothing.”
“Since you’re here, you must stay for lunch. I’ll have the chef prepare your favorites,” Robert offered.
“I wouldn’t want to impose, Mr. Stewart,” Naomi hesitated.
“Nonsense. What else do I have to do but enjoy company?” Robert said cheerfully.
Naomi could only accept. “Thank you, then. I appreciate your hospitality.”
“It’s my pleasure to have you,” Robert said before turning to the butler. “Charles, let the kitchen know to prepare a proper lunch today, including Naomi’s preferred dishes.”
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