Chapter 136
Chapter 136 Brotherly Counsel
She was eager to know what Ethan really thought.
4.413
+20 Free Coins
Ethan had little patience for her probing and replied curtly, “There is no ‘problem‘. I don’t see any issue at all.
“Stop making unfounded assumptions. In the future, try to avoid putting someone on the spot like that in front of Mom and Dad.” With that, Ethan turned and headed upstairs to his
room.
Although he was privately a little curious himself about whether Arabella’s late return was linked to a romantic interest, as Naomi had implied, he couldn’t stand the way Naomi had publicly cornered her.
Naomi was fuming after being reprimanded. Watching Ethan walk away, she muttered under her breath, “Always taking her side. You all want to know the truth just as much as I do.
“Fine. I’ll play the villain, and you can all be the understanding heroes.”
Then she, too, stalked upstairs in a foul mood.
Back in her room, Naomi lay in bed, unable to sleep, her mind replaying the unfair scolding from Ethan.
“It was Arabella who caused all the worry by coming home so late. Why didn’t you lecture her, Ethan?!”
Now her standing in Ethan’s eyes seemed to be sipping away, too.
The next day, after breakfast, Florence asked Arabella, “Are you heading to your flight lesson today?”
“Yes, but I’ll probably be a bit late getting there. Did you need something. Mom?” Arabella picked up her bag and looked at Florence.
“Nothing specific. If you’re going to be late again today, please remember to call or text.” Florence reminded her gently.
“Okay, I probably won’t be out as late today”
I’m heading out now.” After bidding everyone fewell, Arabella left with her bag.
“Mom, Dad, I’m off as well Ethan said his goodbyes and followed Arabella outside.
1/3
14.47 Mon, Feb 2 GG D
Chapter 136 Brotherly Counsel
Seeing them both leave, Naomi also stood up. “Mom, Dad, I’m off to my lesson.”
“Alright.”
41%
+20 Free Coins
Ethan caught up with Arabella outside. Seeing they were alone, he turned to her. “So, where are you headed first?”
“I was thinking of stopping by the hospital to check on Edward,” Arabella replied.
“Mind if I catch a ride with you part of the way?” Ethan asked with a smile.
“Not at all. Hop in.” Arabella opened the car door and slid into the driver’s seat.
She had originally planned to go straight to her studio, but it looked like the hospital would be her first stop now.
The car pulled smoothly away from the estate.
Sitting in the passenger seat, Ethan turned to Arabella. “So, about last night… what were you really up until so late?”
Arabella glanced at him sideways. “I already told you. Dinner with a friend.”
“You can use that line with them, but don’t try it on me.”
“It wasn’t the right time to press last night, but its just the two of us now. Aren’t you going to tell me the truth?” Ethan looked at her with a knowing expression.
Seeing he wasn’t buying the simple explanation. Arabella conceded. “Looks like I can’t slip anything past you.”
“It’s true I was having dinner, but not with a ‘friend‘ from the old studio.
“It was with a few senior physicians I know. I took the opportunity to pick their brains and discuss some cases,” Arabella said, spinning a plausible story on the spot.
“Senior physicians? Then I don’t get it. Why not ust say that?” Ethan looked genuinely puzzled.
“It’s not that I couldn’t. I just wanted to avoid unecessary drama,” Arabella explained.
“What do you mean? I’m still not following.” Ethn’s eyebrow quirked slightly.
“Ever since I took over the pharmaceutical company, Naomi has been watching me with a bit of a side–eye. I don’t enjoy feeling envied. If I’d nounced in front of her that I was networking with top doctors, the jealousy would have been palpable. I’d rather avoid that,” Arabella fabricated casually.
2/3
1447 Mon Feb 2 GGD
Chapter 136 Brotherly Counsel
“Ah, so it’s because of Naomi, Ethan said, finally understanding her reluctance
“I never ligured you to be burdened by that kind of concern.
41%8
“But honestly, you shouldn’t worry about her opinion. The simple fact is, she isn’t on your level.
You should own your success. Being envied mens you’re doing something right everyone gets that privilege, Ethan advised.
Arabella didn’t reply, merely offering a knowing mile.
not
“But after Naomi’s little performance last night,veryone probably thinks you’re secretly dating someone.
“Mom didn’t press this morning, but I guarantee she won’t hold back when you get home tonight.” Ethan warned.
“Ugh, I know. All thanks to Naomi stirring the p. Honestly, I’m not even sure I want to go home tonight, Arabella said with a helpless sigh
Even though she’d just lied to Ethan, the seed of suspicion Naomi had planted would definitely make Florence overthink. If she went home, an interrogation was inevitable.
What plausible excuse could she possibly give then…?
She didn’t relish the idea of having to spin mortales like she just had for Ethan.
Suddenly, an idea seemed to strike Ethan. “If you want to avoid the inquisition tonight, I know a place you could stay.”
Arabella’s eyes brightened as she looked at him. You mean I could crash at your place?”
“Not ‘crash–strategically avoid unnecessary familial cross–examination.” Ethan stated
matter–of–factly.
Arabella nodded slightly. “That’s actually a solid plan. Send me the address.”
J