Chapter 296 Pointed Questions
She really thought it would be simpler to just skip the meal.
“You don’t want to have lunch with me?” Matthew asked, his gaze sharpening slightly.
He hadn’t heard her refuse Lucas‘ company earlier.
Arabella looked at Matthew, feeling a little puzzled. He was acting strange today.
“Mr. Stewart, is it your usual style to mix business with lunch?” Arabella ventured cautiously.
It wasn’t about willingness–it just seemed more efficient to talk now.
Matthew paused before replying, “I simply prefer not to conduct business in the car.”
Arabella’s eyes drifted to the stack of files on the pull–down table between them, and the corner of her mouth twitched.
Alright then. The investor calls the shots.
Matthew remained composed, as if he hadn’t noticed her reaction.
“Andy, head to The Riverfront,” Matthew instructed.
“Yes, sir,” Andy responded, already making a call to secure a reservation.
Soon, they arrived at The Riverfront.
Taking in the upscale, modern décor with its clean lines and subtle elegance, Arabella remarked, “This is a nice spot.”
Noticing the appreciation in her eyes, Matthew’s expression softened slightly.
Once seated in the reserved private booth, the server laid the menus on the table. “Whenever you’re ready to order.”
“See what you’d like. Everything here is excellent,” Matthew said, gesturing for Arabella to choose.
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Arabella didn’t hesitate. She picked up the menu, scanned it quickly, and selected a few dishes she liked Almost without thinking, she added a couple of milder, stomach–friendly options, keeping Matthew’s condition in mind.
After finishing, she looked at Matthew. “Would you like to add anything, Mr. Stewart?”
“No,” Matthew replied, a flicker of curiosity in his eyes. “You remembered my dietary preferences, Dr. Hamilton?”
Arabella answered smoothly, “Just a professional habit, I suppose”
She hadn’t overthought it–she just knew his stomach was sensitive.
“A professional habit,” Matthew repeated thoughtfully. “Your investment analysis earlier sounded quite professional, too”
Arabella’s pulse quickened for a second. Was he always this observant?
“I’m a doctor. What would I know about Investing?” she said, maintaining a calm smile.
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Chapter 296 Pointed Questions
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Matthew’s eyes narrowed slightly. Medicine and finance were different worlds, but her tone and confidence at the time had been unmistakable.
“Speaking of which, Mr. Stewart, what made you decide to invest in the flight school?” Arabella asked, putting on a politely curious expression.
Matthew glanced at her. “I liked the potential.”
Arabella offered a professional smile and nodded. “A perfectly valid reason.”
The wealthy really could follow their whims.
“During your time there, what’s your take on its operations?” Matthew asked casually.
Arabella straightened slightly, looking thoughtful. “That’s really not my area. I’m sure you had your own strategy for investing.”
Trying to draw her out again? She wasn’t biting.
Matthew held her gaze for a moment but didn’t press.
“Mr. Stewart, about the bid proposal–do you have any specific feedback?” Arabella smoothly changed the subject.
“What are your thoughts?” Matthew turned the question back to her.
Arabella considered for a moment. “I believe the focus should be on innovation. Since it’s a new product, the presentation needs to highlight its unique advantages, key features, and the tangible benefits it brings…”
As she spoke, detailing her points with clear logic, Matthew’s attention intensified.
Her competence was genuinely impressive.
“It seems a waste for you to just practice medicine. Your family must have seen your potential, putting you in charge of a pharmaceutical company and a factory,” Matthew remarked.
Arabella shot him a quick, internal glance of annoyance. Did he have to test her at every turn?
From now on, she decided, she’d keep any non–medical insights to herself around him. He was too sharp.
She’d worked hard to maintain her low profile – she couldn’t let him see through it.
“I have Ethan handling the business side. That probably puts their minds at ease,” Arabella said lightly.
Matthew didn’t comment. Ethan managed investments, not day to day strategy or planning.
“Here you go,” the server announced, entering with their dishes.
“Matthew, it is you!” A surprised, delighted voice sounded from the entrance.
Naomi walked in, her face bright with excitement. “I thought I recognized your voice I was right.
“Arabella, you’re here too,” Naomi said, turning to her with a practiced, friendly smile.
“I’m just discussing some business with Mr. Stewart,” Arabella replied simply before turning her attention to the food,
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Lunch had arrived. Time to eat.
“Matthew, I didn’t expect to run into you here. Do you mind if I join you?” Naomi asked hopefully.
“That wouldn’t be appropriate,” Matthew replied coolly.
Naomi’s expression fell. “Oh… am I interrupting something important?”
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