Chapter 288 An Unwanted Spotlight
“Alfred.” Arabella smiled as she opened the car door and slipped into the passenger seat.
“Were you waiting long?” Alfred asked, a note of concern in his voice.
“Not at all. Perfect timing–I just stepped out,” Arabella assured him.
“Let’s head home,” Alfred said, putting the car in drive.
“Earlier, you texted that your car was in the shop. What happened?” he inquired as they merged into traffic.
“Ran into a bit of bad luck this morning.” Arabella gave him a brief summary of the fender bender.
Alfred’s eyes widened with alarm. “You were in an accident!”
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“Alfred, it was just a minor rear–end collision. I’m completely fine, really. It’s just the bumper that needs work,” Arabella explained, feeling a touch helpless.
She knew her family would worry if they found out.
But there was no avoiding it now–she’d needed a ride home.
“Alfred, promise you won’t mention this to Mom and Dad, okay?” Arabella instructed. “Just tell them my car is in for scheduled service.”
“Understood,” Alfred said, catching her meaning. He’d keep it between them.
“Good.” Arabella relaxed into her seat. It was fine if Alfred knew, but she definitely wanted to spare her parents the worry.
A short while later, they arrived back at Cloudrise Manor.
“Arabella, you’re back.” Florence and Jonathan were in the sunroom, reviewing samples. Seeing her, Florence smiled warmly. “Come give us your opinion. How about this invitation design?”
Invitation?” Arabella walked over and picked up a sample. “For Naomi’s birthday gala?”
“Yes. I rather like this one. What do you think?” Florence held up an elegant, cream–colored card with embossed lettering.
Arabella gave it an appreciative glance. “It’s lovely. Very classy.”
“Perfect. Then this is the one. Arabella has excellent taste,” Florence said, her tone full of maternal pride.
“Mom, you were the one who picked it,” Arabella replied, both amused and touched.
At most, she had simply agreed with the choice.
“Well, if you approve, then it’s settled.” Florence handed the chosen design to the butler, James. “Please proceed with this one. Have the final proofs ready and begin the mailing list.”
“Right away,” James acknowledged, taking the sample to his office.
“Speaking of which, Naomi’s birthday is just under a month away. We really should start the preparations in earnest,” Florence
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Chapter 288 An Unwanted Spotlight
mused, ticking items off mentally.
“Absolutely. It’s always the event of the season. This year should be especially wonderful,” Jonathan remarked.
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“Yes, and with Arabella home this year, I thought it would be the perfect occasion to formally introduce her to our friends and colleagues,” Florence added, her eyes shining with the idea.
Hearing this, Arabella was taken aback. “Mom, I’d really rather not.”
“Why ever not?” Florence asked, puzzled.
They had found their biological daughter. This was a natural and joyful moment to share.
“Mom, since it’s Naomi’s celebration, the focus should be on her. Let’s keep it simple and just honor the occasion,” Arabella reasoned. More importantly, she genuinely wished to keep a low profile. She was quite content with her life as it was.
She had many commitments outside the family, and a public revelation of her identity could complicate things unnecessarily.
“Arabella, are you concerned about something?” Jonathan asked gently.
“Not exactly. I just don’t want to create any awkwardness or distractions,” Arabella offered, choosing her words carefully.
After a brief pause, she added, “Actually, perhaps it’s best if I don’t attend the party at all. It might prevent any potential confusion.”
With so many guests filling the house, she thought it simpler to just step aside for the evening.
“But that wouldn’t be fair to you,” Florence said, her heart aching at the thought of her daughter feeling excluded.
Arabella gave a warm, reassuring smile. “Mom, I don’t feel slighted at all. This is my choice.”
In fact, avoiding the large party seemed like the more peaceful option to her.
“But…” Jonathan frowned. A daughter of the Hamilton family shouldn’t have to hide.
“Dad, I think we should respect Arabella’s wishes,” Alfred interjected, coming to her support. “If we insist, she’ll only feel uncomfortable. If she says this is what she prefers, she must have her reasons.”
Everything else was secondary to what made Arabella feel at ease.
Jonathan and Florence exchanged a long look, a silent conversation passing between them. Finally, they nodded. “Alright, dear. We’ll do as you wish.”
“Thank you.” Arabella felt a wave of gratitude.
Seeing her sincere smile, Florence shook her head affectionately. “You’re something else. We can never win an argument with you”
“Arabella, where will you go during the party, then?” Alfred asked, thinking practically
Arabella considered it. “I’ll figure something out. It’s fine.”
She hadn’t made any specific plans yet.
“What if you attended as my guest?” Alfred suggested. “You could be introduced as a friend of mine. That way, your identity remains private, and you wouldn’t have to leave your own home. What do you think?”
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Chapter 288 An Unwanted Spotlight
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Arabella’s smile returned. “That could work.”
Her primary goal was simply to maintain her privacy.
“That’s a wonderful solution,” Florence agreed, visibly relieved. The idea of her daughter having to leave the house on that night had pained her.
“Then it’s decided,” Jonathan said, also pleased with the elegant compromise.
“Mom, Dad, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll head upstairs for a while,” Arabella said, rising from her seat.
Florence nodded. “Of course, sweetheart. Go rest. We’ll call you when dinner is ready.”
“Mom, I’ll head up too,” Alfred said.
“Alright, dear. Go ahead.”