Chapter 233
Chapter 233 Tensions Rise
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“Also, I’ll adjust your meal plan after I get back. Stick to it, and you should recover fully soon,” Arabella added, reminding him.
“Alright.” Matthew nodded, his gaze dropping to her feet. “Your foot is all better now.”
“It’s fine,” Arabella said, rotating it slightly to show it really was okay.
“Since you’re better, why not come check on my grandfather tomorrow?” He wasn’t sure how his grandfather’s recovery was progressing since being discharged from the hospital.
Arabella agreed. “Sure, though it might have to be in the afternoon.”
“Busy in the morning?” Matthew asked casually.
“Yeah, I’m going to Lucas‘ for training,” Arabella replied without thinking.
Matthew’s brow furrowed slightly. “The instructor from the flight school?”
“Right, but not at the school–at his place.”
Matthew’s expression tightened a bit more. “His place?”
Why did the training have to move to his home?
“Mhm, he has a simulator setup at home that’s more advanced than the school’s. It’ll help me learn faster.” She didn’t feel the need to explain about wanting to avoid running into Naomi and Ruby.
“But you’ll still have to take the final exams at the school.” For some reason, the idea of Arabella going to Lucas‘ house didn’t sit right with him.
“I know, but I need to get the fundamentals down first.” Once she mastered those, getting her pilot’s license should be straightforward.
Matthew didn’t understand–was it really necessary to do this at his house?
“Matthew! Is that really you?” Naomi’s voice suddenly rang out across the garden.
“Arabella, what are you and Mr. Stewart doing out here?” Ruby eyed Arabella with suspicion
Arabella’s expression cooled. “Do we need your permission?”
Ruby took a slight step back. “No, of course not. I was just wondering why you’d be with Mr. Stewart.”
“Is there a reason I can’t be?” Arabella shot back.
“Well, Mr. Stewart is a very busy person. If someone weren’t bothering him, he probably wouldn’t be wasting time out here in the garden,” Ruby sneered, convinced Arabella was the one imposing on Matthew’s time.
Arabella raised an eyebrow, glancing at Matthew. “Are you busy?”
“Not at all,” Matthew replied evenly.
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Chapter 233 Tensions Rise.
Arabella looked back at Ruby, a hint of challenge in her eyes. “You hear that?”
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Ruby hadn’t expected Matthew to defend Arabella so directly–he usually couldn’t be bothered to engage in such petty exchanges.
Frustrated, she gritted her teeth and whispered to Naomi, “See, Naomi? Look at how Arabella acts. Even Mr. Stewart is different around her. Do you still think she’s harmless?”
Naomi’s face paled. She watched them, a painful knot tightening in her chest. Could Ruby actually be right?
Seeing them whispering, Arabella lost all interest in the conversation. She looked up at Matthew. “Mr. Stewart, I’m heading back inside.”
“Hey, don’t just walk away! Feeling guilty?” Ruby snapped.
Arabella stopped and turned slowly. “Guilty? Would you like to repeat exactly what you just said inside the house, in front of everyone?”
“I…” Ruby’s words caught in her throat. There was no way she’d say those things in front of Ryan–she’d only spoken out of sheer irritation.
“If you don’t dare, then keep your comments to yourself.” With that, Arabella turned and walked briskly back toward the house.
Ruby was left seething, her face flushed with anger, but she knew she couldn’t escalate things–this was Hamilton Manor, after all.
Seeing Arabella leave, Matthew also turned to go.
“Matthew,” Naomi called out instinctively, taking a step to follow him.
Without looking back, Matthew said calmly, “Remember what we discussed before.”
Naomi froze, her face turning ashen. She murmured quietly, “Matthew, are you really that cold?”
“Naomi, if you ask me, it’s all because of Arabella. Before she showed up, Mr. Stewart wasn’t like this,” Ruby grumbled, watching their retreating figures.
Naomi clenched her jaw. “He does act differently when she’s around.”
“See? I told you,” Ruby sighed dramatically. “When I heard Mr. Stewart and Robert were at the house, I told you we should come back. You were worried about annoying him, and now Arabella got here first.”
“You’re right. If I’d listened to you, I would’ve been here before Arabella.” Naomi now regretted not taking Ruby’s advice sooner. “Exactly! Then you would’ve been the one walking with Mr. Stewart in the garden just now, not her,” Ruby said with confidence.
“What a missed opportunity,” Naomi lamented.
Ruby tugged at her arm. “It’s okay. Robert’s inside, right? Robert adores you. Mr. Stewart will be more considerate for his grandfather’s sake–this is your chance to make a good impression.”
Naomi seemed to snap out of her regret. “You’re right. This is my chance.”
She had rushed back to the family house precisely because she’d heard Robert and Matthew were visiting. She’d already missed her timing once; she couldn’t afford to waste this opportunity.
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Chapter 233 Tensions Rise.
Gritting her teeth with renewed determination, Naomi said, “Let’s go inside.”
“Okay.” Ruby lifted her chin smugly. With Robert present, she’d see how long Arabella could keep up her superior act.
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