Chapter 59
Chapter 59 The Engagement Is Revealed
Chapter 59 The Engagement Is Revealed
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Just then, a member of the household staff approached. “Mrs. Hamilton, dinner is served p>
“Your father and the others won’t be joining us tonight. Let’s go ahead,” Florence said to the
group.
Then she gently took Arabella’s hand and led the way to the dining room.
Watching Florence escort Arabella, Naomi turned to Frank. “Frank, shall we p>
At the table, Florence doted on Arabella, serving her portions of different dishes. Naomi had to help herself, no longer receiving the attentive treatment she once did. Ruby occasionally passed her a favorite side dish.
Frank observed it all. Well, there was little to be done–Arabella was naturally compelling, the kind of person people instinctively warmed to. Even he, sitting across from her, felt drawn to look out for her.
But mindful of Naomi’s fragile state, Frank didn’t want to make Arabella a focus of resentment. Instead, he turned to Naomi. “Naomi, how have things been with Matthew lately p>
He was unaware of Matthew’s visit to Hamilton Manor earlier that day.
The question made both Naomi and Ruby freeze, their forks pausing in midair.
Naomi lowered her head awkwardly and didn’t answer.
Frank looked at her, puzzled by her reaction. She usually brightened whenever someone mentioned Matthew.
Florence finally noticed the strained atmosphere. She glanced at Naomi, took a quiet breath, and said to Frank, “You don’t know yet. Matthew came to Hamilton Manor today to end the engagement p>
“End the engagement?” Frank’s eyes widened. Instantly, he understood Naomi’s unusual demeanor.
“What was his reason?” Frank asked directly.
When he’d left, things between Naomi and Matthew had seemed fine. She visited Robert often. How could things change so much in just a few days…
“Matthew has always regarded Naomi as a younger sister, so…” Florence sighed helplessly.
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Chapter 59 The Engagement Is Revealed
“Mom, please, that’s enough,” Naomi said quietly, her voice low.
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Her head bowed, Naomi felt utterly embarrassed in that moment. She didn’t dare meet Frank’s eyes and didn’t want to give Arabella another reason to look down on her. Her hands holding the dinner plate trembled faintly.
Each mention of the subject felt like a knife turning in her heart.
“Alright, I’ll say no more.” If Frank hadn’t been in the dark, Florence wouldn’t have brought it up either.
Frank felt a surge of irritation toward Matthew. He’d never realized Matthew saw Naomi only as a sister.
Why hadn’t he made that clear sooner, so Naomi wouldn’t have been hurt like this?
“Naomi, don’t take it too hard. Later, I’ll introduce you to someone far better than Matthew,” Frank said, his tone sympathetic.
Naomi shook her head gently, her voice slightly choked. “No. I only want Matthew. Please don’t worry–I can manage this myself p>
On one hand, she was steeling her own resolve; on the other, she was declaring to her family— and especially to Arabella–that she was determined to be with Matthew.
“I’m finished. I’ll go upstairs now,” Naomi said, rising and heading toward the staircase.
Ruby watched her leave after only a few bites. This time, she didn’t follow immediately–she was still hungry and needed to eat something first.
Seeing Naomi go, Frank regretted asking. If he’d known, he would have avoided the topic entirely.
Arabella continued eating calmly, as if the exchange hadn’t occurred.
Noticing the tension, Ruby decided to salvage some dignity for Naomi. She looked at Florence and Frank. “Aunt Florence, Frank, it’s not as bad as it seems. Matthew took Naomi out to eat afterward, and they talked things over.
“The engagement isn’t necessarily off the table,” Ruby added, glancing briefly toward Arabella.
She was also sending Arabella a message–Naomi and Matthew weren’t completely finished, so she shouldn’t think about stepping in.
Arabella still showed no reaction, simply continuing her meal.
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Chapter 59 The Engagement Is Revealed
Hearing Ruby’s words, both Florence and Frank turned to her.
“Is that true?” Florence asked, hardly daring to believe it.
“Yes. I was there,” Ruby stated firmly.
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Arabella had finished eating and didn’t want to listen to Ruby’s spin any longer. She set down her fork. “I’m done. I’ll head upstairs now p>
“Alright.” Florence nodded, watching her go.
The next day, the sun shone brightly in a clear, cloudless sky.
Matthew stood before the floor–to–ceiling window of his office, looking out over the city.
“Knock, knock p>
“Come in p>
Andy entered.
He approached Matthew and reported respectfully, “Mr. Stewart, I’ve gathered some preliminary information regarding your inquiry p>
“Go ahead p>
“Ms. Hamilton was raised in a modest household under the name Macdonald. Her adoptive father, Carter, was largely ineffectual. Under his management, the family’s manufacturing plant steadily declined. Then an investor named Marla appeared, injected capital into the operation, and essentially saved the business from collapse p>
Remembering Arabella’s words in the hospital corridor, Matthew looked at Andy with a knowing expression. “Marla. The emerging investor known for high–yield ventures p>
“Yes,” Andy replied, surprised Matthew was familiar with this relatively new but sharply successful figure in venture circles.
“Marla is highly selective with his investments. Why would he choose a factory like the Macdonald family’s p>
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Sara Lili
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.