Chapter 331 Uncle’s Interference
She understood Edward’s reasoning completely and respected his choice.
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Seeing Arabella agree so readily, Edward let out a quiet sigh of relief and smiled. “Then it’s settled. Come on, walk me through the final checklist first.”
“Alright,” Arabella agreed, staying to help Edward with the last–minute details.
When everything was nearly in place, Arabella smiled warmly. “You’ve done your homework, Edward. It’s clear you’ve put a lot of work into this over the past few weeks.”
“Not half as much as you have on your own projects,” Edward said with a light, appreciative sigh.
Arabella shook her head, her smile lingering. “Let’s finalize it, then. Soft opening in three days.”
“Okay,” Edward confirmed with a nod.
Glancing at his watch, Edward noted, “It’s almost lunchtime. Let’s grab a bite together.”
“Sounds perfect,” Arabella replied, a hint of amusement in her tone.
Just as they were about to leave, Edward’s phone buzzed.
Frowning slightly at the caller ID, he answered. “Uncle.”
“Where are you right now?” Calvin’s voice came through the line.
“At the office,” Edward replied.
“Are you really set on going through with this company idea?” Calvin’s tone was thick with disapproval.
Edward countered evenly, “And are you set on trying to stop me?”
“You-” Calvin was briefly at a loss for words before responding with exasperation. “I only want what’s best for you.”
“If that’s truly the case, then the best thing would be to respect my decision,” Edward stated firmly.
There was a brief silence on the other end before Calvin’s tone softened a fraction. “I’ve been back in the city for a bit and haven’t even seen you. I have some time now. Meet me at the North Shore Café.”
“I was just about to have lunch. Whatever you need to say, you can tell me over the phone,” Edward resisted.
Calvin insisted, “Then tell me where you’re eating. I’ll come to you.”
“Uncle…” Edward still wanted to refuse.
“What, can’t I even share a meal with my nephew anymore? I am famity,” Calvin pressed, using their relationship as leverage.
Edward reluctantly gave in. “Fine. I’ll text you the address.”
Hanging up, Edward’s expression darkened. “Arabella, I’m sorry; it seems-”
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Chapter 331 Uncle’s Interference
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“It’s fine, I overheard,” Arabella said calmly. “Since I’m already with you, let’s meet him together. I’ve never actually met this uncle. of yours, anyway.”
Over the years, Calvin hadn’t spent much time in the city, and on his rare visits, their paths had never crossed.
Seeing Arabella wasn’t perturbed, Edward relaxed a little. “Don’t worry. His opinion won’t change my mind.”
He assumed Calvin’s main goal for the meeting was to try and talk him out of his plans once more.
“Let’s go, then,” Arabella said, unfazed.
Well, it was time to meet the elusive uncle.
The two arrived at the restaurant and chose a table by the window.
“How about here?” Edward suggested.
“This is fine,” Arabella agreed.
After sitting down, they didn’t order immediately. Instead, they each asked for a glass of water and settled in to wait for Calvin.
When Calvin arrived, he spotted Edward and Arabella by the window immediately.
“That girl is here too,” Calvin muttered under his breath, annoyed. “No wonder Edward was being evasive.”
Just as he was about to push the restaurant door open, Calvin paused abruptly.
Hold on–I can’t go in there. The incident from before might have blown over, but if Arabella saw his face now, she might make the connection.
He cast one more reluctant, frustrated glance toward Edward through the glass. Just you wait, kid.
Today wasn’t going to work. He’d have to find another opportunity to corner Edward alone.
Back in his car, Calvin called Edward again.
“Edward, something urgent came up on my end. I won’t be able to make it. We’ll have to reschedule,” Calvin said.
“Oh, alright. No problem,” Edward replied promptly–secretly relieved.
Hearing Edward’s quick and easy agreement, Calvin felt a fresh wave of irritation. “Just think carefully about what I said.”
“Since you’re busy, Uncle, you should go take care of your things,” Edward sidestepped, refusing to engage
“Right,” Calvin grumbled before ending the call.
Shooting a final glare in the direction of the restaurant window, Calvin drove off, stewing in his annoyance.
Inside, Edward set his phone down. “Change of plans. He can’t make it after all. Something came up.”
“I gathered,” Arabella said, though a slight frown had appeared on her face, as it something was nagging at her.
Edward noticed. “What is it?”
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4:36 pm P & DC
Chapter 331 Uncle’s Interference
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Thinking she might be disappointed about missing the chance to meet Calvin, Edward offered, “Did you want to meet him? I can try to set something up another time.”
Arabella shook her head. “No, it’s not that. It’s just… his voice. It sounded oddly familiar.”
“Really?” Edward was surprised. “You’ve never met him all these years. How could it be familiar?”
“I’m not sure,” Arabella said, her tone uncertain. “It just… triggered a sense of recognition. Like I’ve heard it somewhere before.”
“Maybe it just sounds like someone else’s voice? Or maybe you overheard it once when he was on speakerphone with me before?” Edward guessed.
“Maybe that’s it,” Arabella conceded, deciding not to dwell on it.
It was just a fleeting feeling of familiarity, nothing of consequence.
“To be honest, I’m kind of glad he flaked,” Edward admitted.
He knew Calvin’s intentions. His own resolve was firm, but he also preferred to avoid a direct, awkward confrontation with family.
A small smile touched Arabella’s lips. “True enough. Well, now that he’s not joining, let’s go ahead and order.”