Chapter 265 Plans for a New Beginning
“Right away,” Charles replied before taking his leave.
Though inwardly displeased, Naomi had already accepted the invitation. She had no choice but to stay.
“Mr. Stewart, would you like me to keep you company with a game of chess?” Naomi offered.
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Since she hadn’t managed to see Matthew, she wasn’t about to let the visit be a total loss. Cultivating Robert’s favor was crucial- Robert could be a valuable ally down the line.
Robert was pleased and agreed immediately. “A game sounds perfect.”
“I must warn you, I’m not very skilled. You’ll have to go easy on me.”
“Hahaha…”
As Arabella pulled up to Edward’s villa, she spotted Edward relaxing in a lounge chair on the patio.
“Arabella!” Edward exclaimed as soon as he recognized her car. He got to his feet, his face lighting up, and began walking toward the driveway.
After parking and stepping out, Arabella smiled. “Hey, Edward.”
“What brings you by today? Don’t you have work?” Edward asked.
“Just wrapped up a project, so my boss let me take the afternoon off,” Arabella said casually, offering a plausible excuse on the spot.
Edward didn’t question it, his concern shifting. “You must be tired.”
“Not at all.” Arabella studied his complexion. “You look like you’ve been doing really well lately.”
“Yeah, with the home health nurse checking in regularly and everything… I genuinely feel much better,” Edward confirmed.
Arabella nodded, satisfied. “That’s great to see.”
It seemed letting him have his own space was indeed good for his recovery.
“Come on, let’s go inside. The sun’s getting a little strong out here,” Edward suggested.
“Sure, let’s head in,” Arabella agreed.
The two soon settled in the living room. Someone brought them iced water.
“Arabella, there’s something I’ve been wanting to talk to you about,” Edward began, his tone turning more serious.
“What’s on your mind?” Arabella straightened up, giving him her full attention.
“I have a follow–up appointment at the hospital next week. If the results are good… I’ve been thinking about looking for a job,” Edward said, watching her reaction carefully.
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Chapter 265 Plans for a New Beginning
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He’d been mulling over the idea for a while. Before, his health wouldn’t allow it, but now that he was stronger, he hated feeling like a burden on Arabella. He wanted to stand on his own feet as soon as possible–to become someone who could actually support
her.
Seeing the hopeful look in his eyes, Arabella thought for a moment. “Have you thought about what kind of work you’d like to do?”
“Well… I haven’t gotten that far yet,” Edward admitted hesitantly. After all, his health was still the primary uncertainty.
“But I really don’t want to hold you back anymore. I’m your older brother. I should be the one looking out for you, not the other way around.” The frustration and guilt were sincere.
A soft smile touched Arabella’s lips. “You’re not holding me back. You’re my anchor. My motivation.”
In the entire Macdonald family, Edward was the only one who had ever made her feel a sense of warmth and family.
“But I am your brother,” he insisted quietly. He wanted to fill that role properly.
“Edward, I get it. I really do,” Arabella said. “If working is what you truly want… my suggestion is, why not start your own business? What do you think?” She decided to support his initiative.
His health had improved significantly. With reasonable hours, he could certainly manage some responsibilities.
“Start a business?” Edward frowned. “The startup capital… I don’t have that kind of money.”
“Don’t worry about the money. I can help figure that out,” Arabella encouraged him.
“You?” Edward sounded doubtful. “Even with a good salary, it wouldn’t be enough to launch a company, would it?”
Especially since she hadn’t been working all that long–and she was already paying for this villa.
“We could look into a small business loan,” Arabella offered, giving him a plausible explanation.
But Edward looked discouraged. “With the family’s reputation now… and no real assets for collateral, no bank is going to lend to US.”
He’d actually considered that route before and hit the same wall.
“Leave it to me. I’ll find a way,” Arabella promised, her voice firm.
Seeing the determined glint in her clear eyes, Edward began to reconsider. Maybe it really was possible?
“As long as you’re okay with us starting very small at first,” Arabella added with a gentle smile.
It wasn’t that she couldn’t provide more–it was that a sudden, large investment would raise too many questions. She believed it wouldn’t be long before Edward proved himself and grew the business on his own merits.
“A small start is more than enough,” Edward said earnestly. He’d been prepared to take an entry–level job somewhere, how could he possibly complain about starting his own venture, however modest?
“Then it’s settled,” Arabella said. Then she added a condition, “But we agree this is all pending a clean bill of health from your check–up.”
“Deal,” Edward replied, a happy grin spreading across his face.
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Chapter 265 Plans for a New Beginning
Just then, Edward’s phone buzzed on the coffee table.
“Mom?” Edward’s brow furrowed as he saw the caller ID.
Freya? A coldness settled over Arabella’s expression.
The phone rang several more times before Edward finally answered. “Hi, Mom.”
“What took you so long to pick up?” Freya’s voice came through, sharp with irritation.
“What do you need?” Edward asked, his own tone turning flat.
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“Where have you been?” Freya demanded. “You didn’t even tell me you were discharged from the hospital, and you haven’t come home. Do I even cross your mind anymore?”
“You just found out I was discharged? It’s been over a week. It doesn’t seem like you were too concerned either,” Edward replied, his voice weary.
He had thought about contacting them, but every time he remembered their attitudes, a profound exhaustion washed over him.
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