Chapter 285 Words as Weapons
“Oh, I see,” Arabella said, her tone carrying a hint of skepticism.
But since she couldn’t think of a reason for Lucas to lie to her, she decided not to press the matter.
“Since everything’s handled, let me drive you to the academy,” Lucas said, smoothly changing the subject.
“Alright.” In this situation, there was no sense in calling for a separate ride.
As Arabella got into the passenger seat, Lucas quietly let out a breath of relief.
“Your car will probably be in the shop for a few days, right?” Lucas asked as he started the engine.
“Yeah, most likely. The repair shop will call when it’s ready.” She wasn’t sure of the exact timeline.
“How about I give you a lift to and from the academy for the next few days?” Lucas suggested, trying to sound offhand.
“Huh? You really don’t have to do that,” Arabella replied, surprised by the offer.
“It’s honestly on my way. It’s no trouble at all,” Lucas insisted, hoping to persuade her.
Arabella hesitated, feeling it would be an imposition.
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“Even with ride–shares, they’re not always available right when you need them. And the academy is pretty far out. If you ever finished late or had an issue, getting stranded wouldn’t be ideal.”
After a moment’s thought, Arabella had to admit he had a point. “You don’t need to go out of your way for me. But if I do run into a problem, I’ll let you know.”
“Alright, it’s a plan,” Lucas said, not pushing further since she hadn’t outright refused.
The car pulled into traffic. Shortly after, it passed a Rolls–Royce heading in the opposite direction, the two vehicles moving further apart.
“Was that Dr. Hamilton just now?” Andy muttered, squinting slightly as he caught a glimpse of the familiar figure.
“Hmm?” Matthew’s brow furrowed.
Snapping back to attention, Andy clarified, “I just saw Dr. Hamilton getting into Lucas‘ car over there. I wonder what they’re doing in this area.”
“Are you certain?” Matthew’s eyes darkened imperceptibly.
“Pretty sure,” Andy added. “But they’ve already driven off. Looked like they were headed toward the flight academy.”
Matthew’s frown deepened. She should be going there for her training session, but why was she in Lucas‘ car here? What had happened to her own vehicle?
“Find out what occurred,” Matthew instructed, his tone even.
“Right away, sir,” Andy replied promptly, pulling out his phone to make a call.
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Chapter 285 Words as Weapons
A short while later, his phone rang with an update.
“Go ahead… Okay, understood.”
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After hanging up, Andy reported, “Mr. Stewart, it appears Dr. Hamilton was involved in a minor rear–end collision at that location. Lucas likely came to provide her with transportation.”
An unaccountable weight settled in Matthew’s chest.
When something happened, did her first thought turn to Lucas?
“Mr. Stewart, the initial report indicates Dr. Hamilton is perfectly fine. There’s no cause for concern,” Andy offered, trying to be reassuring.
Matthew’s eyebrow lifted slightly, his voice cool. “In the future, there’s no need to report the personal affairs of others to me.”
Andy stiffened, answering with a respectful, “Understood.”
Matthew fell silent, but the atmosphere in the luxurious car seemed to grow heavier.
Andy sighed inwardly. I just mentioned it in passing. Why the rebuke?
And judging by Matthew’s reaction, it didn’t exactly seem like he was indifferent.
Despite his private frustration, Andy kept his expression neutral. Steeling himself, he began reviewing the day’s upcoming schedule.
At the flight academy…
“Would you like to take a moment in the lounge before we start the session?” Lucas asked, still concerned about the morning’s
stress.
“It’s fine. Let’s just head to the tarmac–we’re running behind as it is.” Even with Lucas‘ help, they were behind schedule.
“Alright. We’ll train first, and you can rest afterward,” Lucas agreed.
After parking, the two made their way toward the training aircraft on the field.
Arabella noticed that Naomi and Ruby were already conducting their pre–flight checks. Her brow lifted almost imperceptibly.
At breakfast, her mother had said Naomi had urgent business at the office. It seemed that hadn’t been the truth.
Why lie about coming to train?
“Is something wrong?” Lucas noticed her pensive expression.
“It’s nothing. Let’s begin,” Arabella replied without elaboration, walking toward her assigned training plane.
She settled into the cockpit and started the engine, her movements practiced and smooth as the plane taxied and then lifted into
the air.
“Excellent. Just like that. You have a real natural feel for this–you grasp the concepts immediately.” Lucas praised sincerely from the co–pilot’s seat.
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Chapter 285 Words as Weapons
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“Straight–and–level flight and climb procedures are solid. Today, we’ll focus on the descent phase,” Lucas said, moving the lesson
forward.
After carefully explaining the control inputs and safety protocols, he said, “Okay, try it yourself now.”
“Got it,” Arabella acknowledged, her focus intensifying as she followed the procedures.
“Huh, is Naomi already practicing turning maneuvers?” Lucas remarked, his gaze drifting unintentionally toward another plane in the pattern, sounding surprised.
Arabella heard him but didn’t dwell on it, maintaining her concentration on her own controls.
Lucas quickly redirected his attention, closely monitoring Arabella’s performance.
“That’s a good stopping point. Let’s take a break,” Lucas suggested after a while.
“Alright,” Arabella agreed, gradually reducing altitude and bringing the plane in for a smooth landing.
Walking toward the pilot lounge, Arabella glanced up. Naomi’s plane was still in the air, while Ruby’s was already on its final approach.
A flicker of understanding passed through Arabella’s eyes. Naomi was pushing herself, training with clear urgency.
The intense dedication probably stemmed from a desire to earn her pilot’s license as quickly as possible.
“You’re supposedly so skilled–why did you stop training? Was all that earlier diligence just for show?” Ruby approached, her tone laced with hostility as she addressed Arabella.
“I don’t need to push that hard. After all, ‘practice makes perfect‘ is a motto for people like you,” Arabella replied coolly, without looking at her.