Chapter 323 A Needle Exchange
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Naomi’s smile stiffened for a moment. Adopting a conciliatory tone, she said, “Arabella, you really shouldn’t compare yourself to me. After all, everything I’ve had here was meant to be yours from the beginning.”
A flicker of mockery touched Arabella’s lips. What was this? Having failed to one–up her, was she now trying to play the pity card?
“You’re right.” Arabella shrugged. If it weren’t for the mix–up all those years ago, Naomi wouldn’t even be part of this picture.
Naomi hadn’t expected Arabella to agree so bluntly, and her face paled slightly.
It felt like the cold water she’d tried to throw had splashed right back on her.
“Arabella, don’t misunderstand. I just meant you’ve been through a lot all these years away, and everyone feels for you,” Naomi explained, looking flustered.
“I’m not misunderstanding,” Arabella replied. “Besides, I was actually doing just fine.”
Even if the Macdonalds weren’t ideal, Edward was there. Edward had been good to her, so she had known kindness.
Naomi bit the inside of her cheek softly. “That’s good then.”
The little sense of superiority she’d mustered had once again been crushed by Arabella.
Though seething inside, she didn’t dare let it show.
‘Arabella, let’s eat. Since you’re going to see your friend, and you put effort into making that broth, you should take it over soon,” Florence interjected.
Arabella nodded and returned to her meal.
After breakfast, Arabella said her goodbyes and left Cloudrise Manor.
‘Mom, Dad, I’m heading out too,” Ethan said.
‘I’m finished as well.” Alfred stood up.
Watching them leave one after another, Florence turned her gentle gaze to Naomi. “No rush, Naomi. Take your time”
“Mom, the invitations for my birthday party are ready, right?” Naomi inquired.
She remembered seeing them being prepared a few days prior.
“Yes, they’re all set. We were planning to send them out in the next couple of days.” Florence replied.
“Then… could I deliver the invitation to the Stewarts myself?” Haomi asked, a hint of hope in her voice
Florence frowned slightly and looked at Jonathan.
They had already discussed finding another suitable match for Naomi, given Matthew’s clear lack of interest
“Naomi, actually we-”
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Chapter 323 A Needle Exchange
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Seeing Jonathan about to refuse, Naomi quickly interrupted, “Dad, Mom, I just want to visit Robert. I can bring the invitation since I’ll be there. He’s always been so kind to me, and I did promise to visit him more often.”
“Well, in that case…” Jonathan relented, “you can deliver their invitation.”
“Thank you, Dad,” Naomi said happily.
Florence looked to Paul. “Paul, please bring the invitation for Naomi.”
“Yes, Mrs. Hamilton,” Paul replied.
“Thank you, Mom.” With that, Naomi happily went to get the invitation.
Thinking about possibly seeing Matthew, she could hardly wait to be at Stewart Manor.
Arabella entered the hospital carrying an insulated food container.
Running straight into Matthew, she couldn’t hide her surprise. “Mr. Stewart!”
Matthew glanced down at her. “Why are you at the hospital? Are you unwell?”
“No, I’m not,” Arabella said, studying him. “Why are you here? Is something wrong?”
His health had largely recovered. Had he not been watching his diet again?
“I came to collect my grandfather’s test results,” Matthew explained, his gaze lingering on her.
“Oh, right. After his discharge, he needs follow–ups,” Arabella said, shaking the container in her hand. “I’m here to visit a friend.” Matthew’s eyes narrowed slightly. That container… It held something she had made herself.
“Is it medicinal broth again?” Matthew asked casually.
Arabella nodded. “Yes, made fresh this morning.”
His expression darkened slightly, and an inexplicable irritation stirred within him.
Just a friend, not even a patient–did she really need to make it personally?
“Let’s go,” Matthew said, turning.
“Huh?” Arabella looked puzzled. Go where?
Matthew glanced back. “Aren’t you going to see your
friend?”
He wanted to see exactly what kind of friend warranted such effort.
“Yes, but… why are you coming, Mr. Stewart?” Arabella asked curiously.
“I’m visiting a friend as well,” Matthew stated, already walking ahead.
Arabella murmured to herself, “He has a friend in the hospital too?”
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Chapter 323 A Needle Exchange
Andy awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck and said quietly, “Dr. Hamilton, shall we go together?”
Baffled but not wanting to delay, Arabella followed Matthew into the elevator.
After exiting the elevator, Matthew continued walking beside Arabella.
“Is your friend on this floor too, Mr. Stewart?” Arabella asked, observing him.
He didn’t seem like he was here for a friendly visit–his demeanor was cool and detached.
Matthew stopped and looked down at her. “Is this it?”
“Huh?” Arabella instinctively looked up and realized she had passed Lucas‘ room. “Oh, yes, this is it.”
“Then I’ll leave you to it, Mr. Stewart. I’m going in,” Arabella said, turning back and entering Lucas‘ room.
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