Chapter 68
Chapter 68 A Welcoming and Wary Home
Chapter 68 A Welcoming and Wary Home
10%
+10 Free Coins
“No need for that. She’s still my cousin, after all, and she hasn’t crossed any major lines yet,” Arabella said. She didn’t see the point in getting worked up over a hanger–on. As long as Ruby didn’t do anything truly offensive, ignoring her was the simplest approach.
“Alright. Just say the word if you ever need me,” Colton offered generously.
“You know,” he went on, “I originally thought once you were back with your wealthy family, everything would be smooth sailing. But it sounds like your daily life isn’t much simpler than it was with the Macdonalds…” He let out a sigh.
“It’s not so bad. At least the Hamiltons are kind to me. I don’t have to worry about those ungrateful people from the Macdonald household anymore. Life is fairly comfortable now,” Arabella replied.
No one was waking her up at dawn these days. She could sleep in naturally every morning. Compared to her old life, it was much more relaxed.
“As long as you’re content. But if the Hamiltons ever give you a hard time, you have to tell me. I’ll make sure they get the message,” Colton said. Even though he knew he was no match. for a family like the Hamiltons, his protective instinct toward Arabella was completely genuine.
Arabella smiled at him. “Don’t worry about me. Just focus on taking care of yourself.” She then gave him a once–over. “Look how thin you are. Can’t you eat a bit more p>
“You don’t understand. I have the metabolism everyone wishes they had. I can eat whatever I want and never put on weight!” Colton declared proudly.
Arabella just shook her head with a soft laugh.
“Okay, stop here. Your car can’t go any further up the drive, and I can’t risk the Hamiltons seeing you,” she said.
“Alright. Are you going to walk the rest of the way?” Colton asked.
“Do I look like you? Helpless without a car? Of course, I’ll have someone come get me. Honestly,” Arabella said, shooting him another mildly exasperated look.
“Fine, fine. You’re the clever one,” Colton conceded, bringing the car to a smooth stop.
Arabella gathered her things and got out, watching as Colton drove off. After waiting a few moments, one of the family cars came down the long driveway. She
got in.
Meanwhile, Florence was standing by the main entrance, gazing down the drive.
1/3
18:50 Thu, Jan 15 u
Chapter 68 A Welcoming and Wary Home
Naomi and Ruby happened to come outside and noticed her.
“Mom, what are you doing out here?” Naomi walked over, looking puzzled.
+10 Free Coins
Seeing them, Florence offered a gentle smile. “I’m waiting for Arabella. She just got back from an auction. She should be here any minute
Hearing this, Naomi was momentarily taken aback. “An auction? So that’s where Arabella was all morning when I didn’t see her p>
“Yes p>
Naomi assumed Arabella must have gone to some minor, low–profile auction. Otherwise, how could she not have heard about it?
“Mom, can Arabella even tell what’s authentic at an auction? And she just got back–does she really have that kind of money to spend p>
“Yeah, Aunt Florence,” Ruby chimed in, her voice tinged with mockery. “Arabella just came from… well, a simpler background. Isn’t she worried about getting swindled at an auction p>
Some bumpkin girl trying to blend in at an auction–she probably didn’t even know how they worked. And with her means, she likely couldn’t afford the entry fee. Trying to act like old money was just pathetic.
Hearing Ruby’s remarks, Florence shot her an unhappy glance. “Even though Arabella comes from a smaller town, she is far from incapable. She skipped grades in school, she has medical knowledge, and she was even able to treat Robert. There aren’t many people in all of Doranor City qualified to treat Robert. Do you honestly think he would underpay her for her services? ”
Florence continued, her tone firm, “She’s the one who helped Ryan quit smoking after decades. I believe she is far more capable than you seem to think. Even if others might be easily fooled, I have full confidence Arabella wouldn’t be p>
Besides, she and Jonathan had given Arabella a very generous allowance. Did she need to account for every dime?
Lately, Ruby’s manner of speaking was becoming more and more disagreeable!
She used to let it slide, thinking Ruby was just in mature, but today’s comments were truly grating.
Noticing Florence’s displeasure, Naomi quickly signaled Ruby with her eyes to drop it.
Then Naomi smiled, trying to smooth things over. “You’re right, Mom. We’ve all seen how capable Arabella is. Ruby was just expressing concern, that’s all. She meant well p>
2/3
18:50 Thu, Jan 15 DG.
Chapter 68 A Welcoming and Wary Home
Florence simply ignored them, her attention fixed on the distant driveway.
+10 Free Coins
After a short while, the family car appeared. Seeing Arabella had returned, Florence’s face finally brightened with a smile.
From inside the car, Arabella saw Florence, Naomi, and Ruby gathered by the entrance. She couldn’t help but frown slightly.
What were they all doing out here? It looked like they were waiting for someone.
As she stepped out of the car, Arabella looked at Florence. “Mom, what’s going on? Why is everyone here p>
Florence immediately walked toward her, beaming. “We were waiting for you, dear p>
“Waiting for me?” Arabella was completely confused. She’d only been to an auction.
Her eyes then flickered to Naomi and Ruby standing behind Florence. They didn’t look particularly pleased. Their expressions hardly seemed like those of people eagerly awaiting her return…
“Yes, Arabella,” Florence said, her voice warm and tender. “What treasures did you find at the auction today p>
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.