hapter 277 Jealousy in the Shadows
So what? Could she just storm in there?
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Feeling a growing irritation, Naomi did her best to keep her voice level. “It’s a business site visit. There’s nothing for us to see.”
“Naomi, you’re just too trusting. You don’t see how calculating some people can be,” Ruby said with a sigh of false sympathy. “That’s why you keep getting taken advantage of.”
Naomi’s knuckles turned white where she gripped the steering wheel.
Finally unable to contain herself, she slammed on the brakes.
Ruby, caught completely off guard, bumped her forehead against the side window.
“Naomi, what was that for?” Ruby complained, rubbing her head.
Forcing composure, Naomi said, “Ruby, I need to get to the office. I’m not going your way anymore. Please grab a cab.”
“Naomi, are you alright?” Ruby asked, feigning concern.
‘I’m fine. Please get out,” Naomi urged, her tone firm.
Ruby opened the door and stepped onto the curb. “Alright. I’ll get back on my own. You go ahead to your meeting.”
“I’ll pick you up tomorrow for the training session at the academy.”
“Bye, Naomi.”
Watching Naomi’s car speed away, Ruby finally allowed a smug smirk. “So you do have a breaking point. Just don’t lose your nerve -who else is going to help me handle Arabella?”
Naomi’s mind was in similar turmoil, unable to erase the image of Matthew and Arabella together–especially how Matthew had defended Arabella so decisively earlier…
“Mr. Stewart, this is the R&D wing. The team is currently developing a new cardiovascular medication. The expansion plans for this section are…” Arabella dutifully outlined the progress.
Matthew listened intently, thinking to himself that investing in this facility had undoubtedly been the correct decision.
“Arabella.” Ethan approached quickly after being notified of their arrival.
“Ethan,” Arabella greeted him with a warm smile.
Seeing her bright, relaxed expression–so different from the polite, detached demeanor she had shown him–Matthew felt an inexplicable twinge of displeasure,
“Mr. Stewart.” Ethan offered a polite nod before asking, “What are your impressions so far?”
“Satisfactory,” Matthew replied coolly.
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12:19 pm
Chapter 277 Jealousy in the Shadows
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“Let’s continue ahead,” Ethan suggested. He gestured for Matthew to proceed. “Further on, we’ve planned the expansion of the testing laboratories, along with procurement, production, and quality control…”
“Let Dr. Hamilton provide the briefing,” Matthew interjected coldly.
Ethan was taken aback. Arabella also looked puzzled. What difference did it make who explained?
“Is there a problem? Is Dr. Hamilton not fully briefed on the current status?” Matthew’s tone held a hint of sharpness.
“Of course I am,” Arabella replied, having no choice but to personally walk Matthew through the remaining details.
After finishing her overview, she asked, “If you have any concerns or areas of dissatisfaction, Mr. Stewart, please let us know. Adjustments can be made.”
“That won’t be necessary,” Matthew responded. The most optimal plan naturally yielded the best results.
“In that case, is there anything else you require?” she asked, subtly hinting that perhaps his visit could conclude.
Matthew understood perfectly. He raised an eyebrow, his gaze resting on her. “Aren’t you retrieving your car?”
“Your car?” Ethan glanced at Arabella, confused.
“My car is still at Stewart Manor,” Arabella explained.
Ethan nodded in understanding. “Arabella doesn’t need to go. I’ll have someone from the office pick it up.”
Matthew looked at Arabella, as if awaiting her decision.
Arabella nodded. “Then I won’t trouble you, Mr. Stewart. We’ll arrange for the pickup.”
“Hmm,” Matthew acknowledged before turning and walking away without another word.
“Arabella, did Matthew seem… somewhat off to you just now?” Ethan asked, a crease forming between his brows.
‘Not particularly,” Arabella said blankly. She hadn’t sensed anything unusual.
Ethan frowned. “Really?”
But he couldn’t shake the feeling. It was as if Matthew had been… annoyed.
“Did you notice something, Ethan?” Arabella blinked, curious.
Looking down at her for a moment, Ethan finally shook his head. “It’s nothing.”
Perhaps he was reading too much into it. Matthew was often cool and distant.
“Come on, Arabella. It’s almost noon. Let me buy you lunch,” Ethan said, his usual gentle demeanor returning.
Arabella patted her stomach lightly. “Alright. I am starting to get hungry.”
The two left the facility together for lunch.
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12:19 pm D
Chapter 277 Jealousy in the Shadows
The Rolls–Royce glided smoothly down the avenue.
Leaning back in the plush seat, Matthew’s expression was contemplative.
He suddenly felt the car interior was strangely empty.
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His gaze drifted unconsciously to the spot where Arabella had been sitting. The air still seemed to carry a faint trace of her scent, and his mind replayed the bright, unguarded smile she had given Ethan.
“Mr. Stewart, Andy confirmed all meeting attendees are present and awaiting your arrival.” The driver’s voice came from the front.
Matthew didn’t respond. Puzzled, the driver tried again. “Mr. Stewart?”
Snapping back to the present, Matthew asked, “What is it?”
“Sir, are you feeling unwell?” the driver ventured.
‘I’m fine,” Matthew replied, turning his gaze to look out the window.
The driver found this odd but didn’t press further. He simply increased the car’s speed slightly.