Chapter 298 Quiet Resolve
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Anyway, she had left Naomi downstairs. She figured Naomi would be more than happy to keep Matthew company.
‘Ah, that girl…” Florence sighed with a touch of fond exasperation, then turned her warm smile to Matthew. “Please, have a seat, Matthew.”
‘Matthew, now that you’re here, you must stay for dinner,” Naomi urged, eager to keep him there.
She needed to seize every opportunity to spend more time with him.
‘Thank you, but no. My task was to see her home safely. I won’t impose further,” Matthew said, making to leave.
‘Matthew,” Jonathan began, his tone paternal and earnest, “Arabella is new to running the company. She’s sharp, but she lacks experience. Since you’re an investor now, we’re hoping you can offer her some guidance.”
‘You needn’t worry, Mr. Hamilton. She’s more than capable,” Matthew replied, his words carrying a subtle weight.
Jonathan took it as polite reassurance and nodded. “She has a good head on her shoulders, but she doesn’t have your level of experience in the business world.”
‘We’re entrusting her to your care, then, Matthew. Knowing you’re there to help puts our minds at ease,” Florence added, seizing he chance to reinforce the connection.
Matthew glanced at Florence. “I’ll provide whatever support is necessary for our business collaboration.”
I sense of relief washed over Naomi, who had been listening tensely.
She could tell her mother still harbored hopes for a closer connection between Matthew and Arabella.
But Matthew’s response made it clear his focus was strictly professional. That settled her nerves somewhat.
Let me walk you to your car, Matthew,” Naomi offered with a bright smile.
Though she longed for more time with him, pressing him to stay under the current circumstances would only backfire. With the amaly’s atous favor leaning toward Arabella, she had to play her cards carefully
“That won’t be necessary” Matthew said before turning to Jonathan and Florence. “Goodbye.”
“Take care, Matthew,” they repbed in unison, not wanting to pressure tum when he was clearly ready to go
“Matthew Naomi called out, hurrying after him as he strode away
Matthew gut into his car without a backward glance
Naomi could only stand and watch as the luxury sedan pulled smoothly out of the divendy and disappeared down the tree net
street
Just then, her phone buzzed. Seeing Huby’s name, she answered
“Naomi? How did it go?” Ruby’s voice came through, tinged with curiosity
“Matthew drove Arabella back to Cloudrise Manor himself He just lett, Haomi summarized, unable to
keep 4light shain hum nor
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Chapter 298 Quiet Resolve
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voice.
Ruby sounded shocked. “He drove her home personally?”
“Yes,” Naomi confirmed, the familiar ache returning to her chest.
Not only that, but Matthew’s demeanor toward Arabella was distinctly different–softer, more attentive–compared to his polite but
distant manner with her.
“Naomi, you really have to be careful. She’s calculating. Don’t let her innocent act fool you,” Ruby warned.
“But… she doesn’t really seem to be pursuing him,” Naomi said, trying to convince herself as much as Ruby.
“Maybe she’s just playing it cool in front of you!” Ruby insisted, her tone growing anxious. “She’s clever.”
“Well…” Naomi bit her lip, her thoughts in turmoil.
“Just promise me you’ll stay alert, okay? She’s not as simple as she looks,” Ruby sighed. “I wish I could come over and help, but you know it’s a bit awkward for me to visit Cloudrise Manor right now.”
“I know. I’ll handle it,” Naomi said before ending the call.
She understood Ruby wouldn’t be visiting for a while, which meant she was largely on her own.
Slipping her phone back into her pocket, Naomi returned to the spacious living room.
“Dad, Mom,” she greeted politely.
“Matthew’s gone, then?” Florence asked with a gentle smile.
Naomi nodded. “Yes, he left.”
“Come, sit down and relax for a moment,” Florence invited, patting the sofa cushion beside her.
Settling onto the plush sofa, Naomi asked, “How have you both been? Everything good?”
“We’re just fine, dear,” Florence replied warmly.
“Naomi, you’ve been leaving early and coming back late so often lately. It’s rare to see you home at this hour. Is your project at the design firm wrapped up?” Jonathan inquired.
“Yes, I just finished the final revisions on a project I took on last month,” Naomi answered.
Jonathan nodded approvingly. “Good work. Now that it’s done, make sure you get some proper rest. You’ve been looking quite tired these past few weeks.”
Naomi offered a grateful smile. “I will, Dad. Thank you.”
“You’ve always been such a low–maintenance child–bright, well mannered, and so sensible,” Florence praised, her eyes fond.
“Mom.” Naomi’s eyes grew slightly misty. “Being welcomed into the Hamilton family, receiving all your love and care… it’s been the greatest blessing of my life. I just sometimes worry about what the future holds…” Her voice trailed off.
Florence reached over and patted her hand comfortingly. “Don’t be silly, sweetheart. This is your home. You will always have a 2/3
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Chapter 298 Quiet Resolve
place here with us.”
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After so many years of raising her, the bond they shared wasn’t something that could be undone by the discovery of a lack of blood relation. Their affection for Naomi remained unchanged.
“You’re both too kind to me,” Naomi said, her voice thick with emotion as she leaned slightly against Florence’s shoulder.
Florence gently rubbed her back.
“Let the girl go upstairs and get some rest. She must be exhausted,” Jonathan suggested kindly.
“You’re right,” Florence agreed. “Naomi, go on up to your room and relax. We’ll call you when dinner is ready.”
“Okay,” Naomi replied softly. “I’ll head up now.”
As Naomi ascended the grand staircase, Florence let out a soft sigh. “Such a lovely girl. It’s a shame things didn’t progress with Matthew. I do wonder if there might be something between Arabella and him…”
“Whether there is or isn’t, what matters most is their own happiness,” Jonathan said wisely. While they might wish for a certain outcome, ultimately, their children’s choices were their own to make.