Chapter 163
Chapter 163 A Calculated Retribution
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“That could work. Your idea has merit–let’s find an opportunity to stir the pot and really ignite the conflict between the Macdonalds and the Clarks.”
A faint, calculated smile touched the corner of Arabella’s lips as she spoke in a low, deliberate
tone.
“No problem at all. Just sit back and watch the drama unfold,” Colton replied, a note of satisfaction in his voice.
“Alright, go handle your tasks. I need to focus on driving now.” With that, Arabella ended the call.
As she continued her drive, her thoughts lingered on the Clark family. Once just a minor clan leeching off the Macdonalds, they had somehow managed to reinvent themselves as established merchants in the Meridian District. It was, admittedly, a surprising turn of
events…
*****
The next day dawned clear, with a gentle breeze and bright sunshine.
In the CEO’s office at Horizon Corp, Andy delivered his report.
“Mr. Stewart, the investigation is complete.
“The individuals who posted those photos of you and Ms. Hamilton online were that bankrupt heiress from the Macdonald family and her boyfriend–the same pair we dealt with at the hospital.”
“Those two? They have quite the nerve,” Matthew said, a flicker of surprise in his otherwise cool demeanor. It hadn’t even occurred to him that it would be those insignificant figures. It seemed the lesson he’d administered last time hadn’t been severe enough.
“Judging by the nature of the photos this time, their motive appears to be retaliation against you and Ms. Hamilton for the hospital incident,
“Does that imply they’ve been secretly shadowing you and Ms. Hamilton ever since then?” Andy frowned slightly as he voiced the possibility.
“Shadowing us? Did you notice anyone following us on the way to the mall that day?” Matthew asked, looking directly at Andy.
“On the route to the mall, I did observe a vehicle trailing us for a stretch, but it vanished just before we arrived.
T
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Chapter 163 A Calculated Retribution
“Could that have been them?
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“But once we entered the mall, I didn’t notice any unfamiliar presence in the store…” Andy’s brow furrowed in concentration.
Suddenly, as if remembering a detail, Andy looked at Matthew. “Unless they knew our destination–the supplement store–and entered it before we did…”
“If that’s truly the case and revenge is their sole objective, then the sequence of events does align,” Matthew mused thoughtfully.
“Mr. Stewart, shall I have someone pay them another visit? To ensure the message is clear this time,” Andy inquired.
“Last time, we avoided breaking any bones, correct?” Matthew’s voice was icy.
“That’s correct. Harper pleaded with Ms. Hamilton, and you subsequently showed leniency,” Andy confirmed.
“Good. Then this time, ensure they discover precisely what a fracture feels like,” Matthew ordered, his tone leaving no room for debate. Let’s see if they would dare cause trouble after that.
“Understood. I’ll see to it immediately.” With a nod, Andy turned and left the office.
Once alone, Matthew picked up his coffee and took his customary sip before returning to the documents on his desk. A short while later, a familiar, dull discomfort began to stir in his stomach. It seemed the chronic issue was flaring up again.
Remembering Arabella’s earlier admonition, he glanced down at his coffee cup. “Do I really have to take her advice?” he muttered to himself
No sooner had the thought crossed his mind than another, sharper twinge seized his gut. Perhaps that was answer enough–no more coffee from now on?
After a moment’s consideration, and for the sake of his long–term well–being, he resolved to quit coffee starting that very day.
Even with the decision made, the persistent discomfort made it difficult to concentrate on his work.
Matthew took a bite of a pastry left on a side plage, hoping to settle his stomach, then picked up his phone. He scrolled to Arabella’s contact, hesitated briefly, and finally placed the call.
*****
Arabella was deeply immersed in a flight simulator training session when her phone’s persistent ringing broke her concentration. Reluctantly, she grabbed it with one hand.
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“Hello?”
“Where are you right now?” Matthew’s voice came through the receiver.
“What do you need?” Arabella replied, evading his question.
“Arabella, watch your altitude!” Lucas, who was observing her maneuvers from the instructor’s station, called out immediately as he noticed the virtual aircraft dipping.
“Got it,” Arabella responded, quickly correcting the controls with her free hand.
“Who was that with you?” Matthew asked, having clearly heard a male voice.
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“My flight instructor. What did you call about?” Arabella pressed, her tone slightly impatient as she multitasked.
“Flight instructor? I thought you already knew how to drive,” Matthew said, puzzled.
“I’m learning to fly, Matthew. A plane. Do you have a point or not?” Arabella was now having to manage the simulator single–handedly.
“You’re learning to fly?” Matthew couldn’t mask is surprise.
“Just finish your lesson. I’m feeling a bit unwell. Stop by and check on me when you have a moment later,” Matthew stated.
“From the sound of it, your stomach is acting up again, isn’t it? Didn’t I warn you? If you refuse to follow medical advice, then I suppose you’ll just have to endure it,” Arabella teased, a playful yet pointed smirk audible in her tone.
Hearing he was unwell, she was fairly certain he had ignored her previous instruction to eliminate coffee. Continuing his old habits would inevitably lead to this.
“Regardless, you’ve been informed. I’ll be in my office.” With that, Matthew ended the call abruptly.
“Hey! I never agreed to come!” Arabella exclaimed into the now–silent phone, but the line was already dead.
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