Chapter 249
Chapter 249 Hidden Motives
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“Not just that,” Harper continued bitterly, rubbing her side. “She’s putting on such a show, acting like she’s some big shot now. I think she’s actually started to believe her own act–she’s completely lost touch with reality. Calvin, you have to make her pay for
this.”
“Mhm. Don’t worry about it,” Calvin replied, a cold smirk playing on his lips. He definitely had no intention of letting that little nuisance off the hook.
“Thank you, Calvin.” Wincing as she touched her sore back, Harper made a silent vow.
Just you wait, Arabella. My uncle will handle you.
“Go upstairs and lie down. I’ll have a doctor come take a look at you.”
“Okay, I’m going up then.” Harper agreed and carefully made her way up the stairs.
Calvin turned to the housekeeper, his expression grim. “Call a physician to come examine her.”
“Right away.” The housekeeper went to make the call.
Clenching his jaw, Calvin pulled out his phone, a deep–seated resentment hardening his features. He dialed his assistant. “I need you to track someone’s movements for me. Get me a detailed schedule…”
As evening settled over the city, the lights of Cloudrise Manor glowed warmly.
“Knock, knock, knock.”
After a brief rap, Ethan peeked into the room. “Arabella, dinner’s ready.”
“I’ll be right there, Ethan,” Arabella replied, but her fingers didn’t pause, flying across the keyboard, her eyes fixed on the computer
screen.
“You don’t have to finish revising the proposal this very second. Food first,” Ethan reminded her gently.
“Mhm, just wrapping up this section.” Arabella wanted to complete the part she was fine–tuning before stopping.
Hearing her determination, Ethan pushed the door open fully and walked in. “You’ve been working on this since you got back. It
really doesn’t need to be finished tonight,” he said, feeling a pang of sympathy seeing her work so intently.
Arabella looked up with a quick smile. “It’s fine. Once I get into planning for the company’s next phase, it’s hard to stop” She typed for another minute, then finally sat back. “Alright, done for now.”
“Let’s go eat.” Ethan led her out of the room.
Downstairs, Jonathan, Florence, and Alfred were already seated at the dining table.
“Arabella, what kept you?” Alfred asked curiously.
“Just finalizing some work,” Arabella answered, taking her seat.
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Chapter 249 Hidden Motives
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“Is it about the expansion plans for the lab? Do you need me to help with anything?” Alfred asked, his tone turning more earnest.
Arabella shook her head. “Not exactly. It’s because of the new investment coming in, so I had to adjust the business plan.”
“New investment!” Alfred looked at Ethan in surprise. “Ethan, I know you’re bullish on Arabella’s venture, but pouring more money in right after launch?”
“Wasn’t me,” Ethan clarified, shaking his head.
Alfred’s eyes widened. “Then who?”
“It’s Matthew,” Ethan stated.
“Matthew?” Jonathan, Florence, and Alfred all turned their stunned gazes toward Arabella and Ethan, a perfect chorus of astonishment.
Arabella had no choice but to explain. “Well, when I was at the Stewarts‘ today checking on Robert…”
“I see,” Jonathan nodded thoughtfully after hearing the story. “Matthew has an excellent eye for strategic investments.” Since he was already looking at the biopharma sector, it made perfect sense he’d be interested in Arabella’s project. In their view, it was a highly promising opportunity.
Jonathan approached it from a business angle, but Florence’s perspective was different.
She looked at Arabella with a pleased, knowing smile. “Well, that’s lovely. It means you’ll have more opportunities to work with Matthew and get to know him better.”
More time together could naturally lead to something, she thought. They were both such exceptional young people; it would be a perfect match.
Arabella couldn’t help but press her fingers to her temple. How did we circle back to this?
“Mom, I was very clear with Robert today. I’m not looking to date anyone right now. I just want to focus entirely on building the company and getting the lab running smoothly,” Arabella stated firmly, wanting to set the record straight.
Seeing her serious expression, Florence softened. “Alright, alright. You focus on your career with our full support.” Since they’d have reasons to interact anyway, there was no need to push now.
“Arabella, with that kind of drive, if you ever need any help, you just say the word,” Jonathan said, his voice filled with paternal pride. That’s my girl.
“Thanks, Dad.” Arabella smiled, appreciating his unwavering support.
“Come on, Arabella, we got all your favorites. Dig in,” Alfred said happily, passing her a dish, secretly thrilled the pressure about dating seemed to be off for now.
“Mom, Dad, I’m home.” Naomi’s voice sounded from the foyer.
“Naomi’s back!” Florence’s face lit up as she turned. “You haven’t eaten, have you? Come join us.”
Walking to the dining room, Naomi wore a contrite expression. “Mom, Dad… I know I was immature before and said things that hurt you. I’m truly sorry.”
“Don’t be silly, sweetheart. We’re just happy you’re here and okay,” Florence said, gesturing for Naomi to sit down beside her,
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Chapter 249 Hidden Motives
Ethan studied Naomi for a moment. “Are you planning to move back in?”
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“Yes.” Naomi nodded, her eyes growing shiny with unshed tears as she looked at Florence. “I missed you and Dad so much. I realize now how wrong I was. Mom, I hope you can forgive me.”
“Oh, honey, don’t cry,” Florence comforted her, patting her hand. “We’re delighted to have you home.”
“Really?” Naomi asked, a hopeful, grateful smile breaking through.