Chapter 154
Chapter 154 Planting Seeds of Discord
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If he didn’t nudge things along, their progress was painfully slow… even an old man like him. was growing impatient watching them.
“Yeah, we should,” Naomi replied softly, her eyes darting toward Matthew.
“So, how are the two of you getting along these days?” Robert inquired with gentle concern, genuinely curious about the state of their relationship.
Matthew had a strong suspicion about where his grandfather’s questions were headed. He had no desire to hear them, much less answer.
He stood up abruptly. “You should get some rest Grandpa. I’ve got matters to attend to at the office. I’ll head out now.”
“Naomi just arrived. Can’t you stay a little longer” Robert frowned, his tone tinged with disapproval.
“It’s alright, Robert. If Matthew has work to do, he should go. I’ll stay and keep you company for a while,” Naomi said quickly, her tone understanding as she covered for him.
Truthfully, with Matthew present, she felt on edge and constrained. At that moment, she’d rather not have him around. Her goal was to spend quality time with Robert and strengthen
that bond.
“There’s no need to speak for me. Just don’t overstay and disturb Grandpa’s rest,” Matthew reminded her coolly before turning and leaving the room.
Hearing his curt words, the polite smile slowly vanished from Naomi’s face, replaced by a dull ache of sadness. Why did he have to be so cold toward her? What had she ever done to make him dislike her so much?
Witnessing Matthew’s blunt dismissal of Naomi feelings, Robert called after his retreating figure, “Mind your tone with Naomi! How long she stays is my concern, not yours!”
He then turned back to Naomi, his expression softening. “Naomi, you stay right here with me. Pay no mind to him. He just fusses over me oo much.
“Look at me–I’m perfectly fine, full of energy. Your visit won’t affect my rest in the slightest.
“To be honest, I’ve been rather bored these last few days with no one interesting to talk to. Having you show up today has really cheered me up.” he said warmly.
Naomi knew he was trying to make her feel better. “I’m okay,” she managed, forcing a small, tight smile.
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Chapter 154 Planting Seeds of Discord
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“Well then, how about you take me for a little walk out to the garden? Some fresh air would do us both good,” Robert suggested, hoping a change of scenery might lift her spirits.
“Of course,” Naomi agreed.
She helped Robert to his feet and carefully accompanied him toward the hospital’s private garden.
*****
Meanwhile, after Arabella had left Cloudrise Manor, Florence immediately placed a call to Frank.
“What is it, Mom?” Frank answered.
“Some photos of Arabella and Matthew out shopping together were posted online. Naomi saw them, got terribly upset, and came over. She ended up causing a scene with Arabella right in the middle of breakfast.”
“Naomi can be so childish! Throwing a tantrum at the table,” Frank said, his voice laced with irritation. Then, puzzled, he asked, “But what was in these photos to get her that worked up?”
“Some opportunistic paparazzo must have taken them. In the pictures, the two of them looked… rather close. That’s what set Naomi off. She ended up running out without even finishing her meal,” Florence explained, rubbing her temples at the memory. “You need to help get this sorted out quickly. We can’t let it spiral into some public scandal,” she added in a hushed, urgent tone.
“So that’s what happened. Don’t worry. I’ll take care of it,” Frank stated calmly.
“How is Arabella? Did Naomi upset her?” he aske, his concern shifting.
At that moment, he was more worried about Arabella’s state of mind.
“Arabella acted as if nothing was wrong, but I doubt she’s feeling great on the inside. She’s probably just putting on a brave face so we don’t worry.
“Still, those photos did look like they were taken from very deliberate angles. I firmly believe Arabella was set up,” Florence asserted.
“I agree. There’s no way Arabella would ever intentionally do anything to hurt Naomi. That’s a certainty.
“Besides, I don’t even think she’s particularly interested in Matthew,” Frank added.
“Not that interested? Did Arabella tell you that herself?” Florence sounded surprised.
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Chapter 154 Planting Seeds of Discord
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“Not in so many words. Just a feeling I get. Anyway, let me go and deal with this mess,” Frank said before ending the call.
He immediately pulled up his assistant’s contact and dialed.
“I want you to look into those photos of Arabella and Matthew shopping immediately. Find out who had the audacity to take them and post them online. I want them to regret it— ensure they can’t operate a camera or a keyboard for a very long time.
“Also, scrub every trace of those photos from the web. Take down any site, blog, or social media post that features them,” Frank ordered, his voice dropping to an icy command.
Who did these people think they were, daring to target his sister?
*****
Back in the hospital garden, Robert sat comfortably on a bench, making casual conversation. with Naomi. “Naomi, even though you and Matthew don’t see each other constantly, after all these years, you two must know each other quite well by now.
“Have the two of you ever discussed… a timeline for getting engaged?” Robert asked gently, broaching the subject.
Naomi hadn’t expected Robert to bring up engagement at all. She was both shocked and secretly thrilled, a flutter of excitement rising within her.
“Robert, what brings this on all of a sudden?” Naomi asked, allowing a touch of shyness to color her voice.
“Well, you’re not children anymore. I’d say it’s perfectly reasonable to start thinking about taking that next step.”
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