Chapter 218
Chapter 218 A Firm Rejection
Now, going to see his grandfather would only invite more questions.
Matthew was in a dark mood. “You’re dismissed,” he instructed curtly.
“Yes, Mr. Stewart.”
At that moment, Naomi and Ruby knocked and entered the office.
When Andy saw them, surprise flashed across his face–did they really have the nerve to come here now?
+30 Free Coins
Without a second thought, he walked briskly past them and out the door. He had no intention of being caught in the middle.
Unaware of the brewing storm, Naomi approached Matthew’s desk with a practiced smile. “Matthew, Robert suggested I stop by to see you. Are you very busy?”
Hearing her voice, Matthew looked up, his eyes instantly clouded with displeasure. His tone turned cold. “You seem to be making quite a habit of visiting my grandpa lately.”
“Robert was discharged, and I’ve had some time off from my flight lessons, so I thought I’d keep him company.
“He misses you, you know. Since you haven’t been by the house, he asked me to check on you today. I hope I’m not disturbing you?” As she spoke, Naomi noticed Matthew’s expression hardening and added the last part cautiously.
“Naomi, I distinctly recall advising you not to bother my grandfather. Did you forget?” Matthew’s question was stern, devoid of any warmth.
Hearing the ice in his voice, Naomi knew he was angry and hurried to explain. “I wasn’t bothering him! I just called to see how he was after his discharge. He said he was feeling a bit lonely and asked if I could visit, so I did.
“I truly remembered what you said. If Robert hadn’t invited me, I would never have gone to the house on my own.” Naomi’s explanation was earnest, her expression solemn.
“So you’re saying my grandfather specifically requested your company for conversation?” Matthew replied, his tone laced with exasperation.
It was clearly just an excuse.
“Yes! If you don’t believe me, ask Ruby She was with me–she knows exactly what happened.” Naomi wanted Ruby to corroborate her story.
But Matthew only glanced at Ruby. They were cousins, of course Ruby would back her up. What was the point?
“Naomi, I know what you’re after I also know it was you who told my grandfather I called off the engagement with the Hamilton family. If you’re so desperate to have my grandfather champion your cause, by all means, keep visiting him. But understand this my decisions are not something you can manipulate by whispering in his ear.
“You’ve already made your choice. Now you’ll have to live with the outcome.
“Get out. Don’t come to see me again, and I won’t be seeing you either.” Matthew’s words were final and frosty. He turned his chair away, refusing to look at her.
1/2
9:48 am DMM.
Chapter 218 A Firm Rejection
+30 Free Coins
Hearing this, Naomi felt as if her heart had plunged into an icy chasm.
She never imagined that coming to see Matthew at his office today would be her gravest mistake.
Her plan had been progressing so well–she’d even managed to endear herself to Robert. But today, a single miscalculation had shattered everything, turning her clever strategy into a disaster.
In that moment, she wished she had never crossed the threshold of his office.
She had been so hopeful earlier, thinking today might bridge the distance between them.
Instead, it had pushed him further away than ever.
Now, Matthew didn’t even want her visiting him at the company. He didn’t want to see her at all.
Tears welled in Naomi’s eyes, her voice trembling with hurt. “Matthew, everything I did… I did because I wanted to be close to you. I never meant any harm.
“I don’t know what it is about me that you dislike so much. Please, just tell me.
“I swear I can change. I can become exactly the kind of person you want. Just please… don’t refuse to see me.” Naomi’s plea was filled with a palpable sense of grievance.
Watching Naomi humble herself like this, even Ruby felt a pang of sympathy.
While she wasn’t Naomi’s biggest fan, among the daughters of the prominent families in the city, Naomi and Matthew were widely considered the most compatible match. Ruby couldn’t fathom why Matthew seemed to hold such aversion toward Naomi.
Perhaps it was a sudden rush of courage, but Ruby found herself speaking up indignantly on Naomi’s behalf. “Mr. Stewart, I know it’s not my place… but I honestly don’t understand. Naomi is exceptional. Among all the young women from the notable families, she’s one of the most accomplished. What is it that makes you so unwilling to be with her?”
Naomi looked at Ruby in shock. Ruby, who was usually so timid around Matthew–where had she found the nerve to confront him directly like this?
Looking at Ruby’s determined face, Naomi felt an unexpected surge of gratitude. Who would have thought this cousin she’d never been particularly close to would stand up for her now?
Matthew, too, was mildly surprised as he regarded Ruby, who usually avoided his gaze. Where had she found this sudden boldness?
Since they both seemed to need clarity, he might as well end this today.
He cast a cold glance at both of them. “How exceptional you are is your concern, not mine. I don’t care, and you don’t need to change for me. Because no matter how perfectly you mold yourself, you’re simply not what I’m looking for.
“Is that clear enough?” Matthew stated flatly, his expression unreadable.
2/2