Chapter 271 Setting the Trap
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Now Arabella understood–no wonder the address had seemed familiar. She recalled hearing her mother mention her uncle’s neighborhood in passing.
“Is someone in my uncle’s household seriously ill with such a rare condition?” Arabella frowned, considering the possibility.
It seemed unlikely. If that were the case, her family would surely have heard about it.
Besides, Ruby hadn’t shown the slightest hint of worry.
As a particular suspicion formed in her mind, Arabella’s eyes narrowed slightly. She instructed Colton, “Get in touch with them. Tell them I accept the consultation.”
“Alright,” Colton agreed without hesitation.
After logging out of the secure system, Arabella shut down the computer.
“Let’s go eat.” If her hunch was right, there wasn’t much prep needed.
“Finally!” Colton was visibly relieved.
After treating Colton to a hearty dinner, Arabella returned to Cloudrise Manor.
“Mom, I’m back,” she announced as she walked in.
“Oh, Arabella, welcome home.” Florence’s face brightened with a warm smile upon seeing her.
“Mom, has everything been okay with Uncle’s family lately?” Arabella got straight to the point.
Florence thought for a moment. “No, nothing unusual. Your uncle has been focused on a new business project recently, and it seems to be going well.”
“And everyone else? All healthy?” Arabella pressed.
“Yes, everyone’s fine.” Florence looked at her curiously. “Why the sudden interest in your uncle’s family?”
Arabella shook her head. “No reason, just wondering.”
So it wasn’t a genuine health crisis. That only reinforced her suspicions.
“I see,” Florence said, not dwelling on it.
“Mom, I’m going upstairs.” Arabella wanted to check if Colton had any updates
Immediately concerned, Florence asked, “Are you tired? Hot feeling well?”
“No, I’m fine. I just have some project notes to review,” Arabella offered as an excuse.
“Oh, alright then.” Florence relaxed. “Go ahead. I won’t bother you”
“Mm–hmm.” With a nod, Arabella headed upstairs.
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Chapter 271 Setting the Trap
As expected, Colton’s call came through shortly after.
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“I’ve made contact and finalized the consultation details,” Colton reported, though he sounded slightly puzzled. “It’s just… the location they chose is a bit odd.”
“Where did they pick?” So it wasn’t Peterson Villa?
“Stewart Manor,” Colton replied.
Arabella was taken aback. “Stewart Manor?!”
What did that mean? Why choose the Stewart home?
“Yeah, I found it strange too. But since we previously accepted a case linked to the Stewarts, I’m certain about the address,” Colton confirmed.
“Well, that’s interesting,” Arabella said, a knowing smile touching her lips.
“What’s your plan for tomorrow? Need me to do anything?” Colton asked.
“Don’t worry. I can handle it myself,” Arabella assured him.
She was curious to see what this person was plotting, inviting her to the Stewart family home.
“Alright. Call me if anything comes up,” Colton reminded her.
“Okay.”
After hanging up, Arabella’s expression grew contemplative…
The next day dawned bright and clear.
Arabella came downstairs after getting ready.
“Arabella, come have breakfast,” Florence called to her warmly.
Entering the dining room, Arabella greeted everyone politely. “Mom, Dad.”
“Sit down, dear. Let’s eat.” Florence gently guided Arabella to a chair.
Once seated, Arabella acknowledged her brothers. “Frank, Ethan, Alfred.”
“You’ve been pretty busy lately. Nothing on today?” Ethan asked.
“Mm, not really,” Arabella replied.
“Then make sure to get some rest at home,” Alfred advised.
Arabella offered a small smile. “I’m not that tired.”
Frank raised an eyebrow. “So you’re planning to go out?”
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Chapter 271 Setting the Trap
Picking up on her tone, Frank couldn’t help his curiosity.
“Yeah, Arabella, are you heading out today?” Naomi’s voice chimed in.
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Looking up at Naomi, Arabella’s eyes narrowed slightly. It was rare for Naomi to show interest in her plans–was she connected to today’s strange appointment?
With that thought, Arabella shook her head. “No.”
Naomi’s expression dimmed almost imperceptibly. So she really wasn’t going out. And she seemed completely unaware of anything amiss.
After breakfast, everyone else left to attend to their work or commitments–except Naomi, who lingered.
“Naomi, aren’t you going to the office today?” Florence asked, a little puzzled.
“I’ve got a personal errand to run. I’ll head in a bit later,” Naomi explained.
As she spoke, her gaze flickered toward Arabella.
Florence didn’t press further and simply nodded. “Oh, alright.”
Arabella paid her no mind, leisurely picking grapes from the fruit bowl on the table, looking completely at ease.
“Mom, try a grape.” Arabella offered one to Florence.
Florence beamed. “Alright, thank you, dear.”
After tasting it, Florence smiled appreciatively. “These are very sweet.”
“Then have some more.” Arabella pushed the bowl closer to her mother.
“You’re so thoughtful, Arabella. You have some too,” Florence insisted, making sure her daughter wasn’t left out.
Watching the easy, affectionate exchange between mother and daughter, Naomi found it difficult to stomach. She used to be the one sharing these small moments, but now it felt like her mother didn’t need her in the same way.
“Mom, I should get going.” Naomi couldn’t bear to stick around any longer. She didn’t want to feel any worse than she already did.