Chapter 384
Seating Arrangements
Arabella’s lips curved into a warm smile. “Thank you, Frank.”
“No need to thank me. If you want anything else, just order more,” Frank replied gently.
“This is more than enough.” Feeling her brother’s care, Arabella was deeply touched.
“Mind if this old guy adds a couple of dishes too?” A cheerful voice interrupted as Robert walked in.
Everyone stood up, surprised. “Robert! What brings you here?”
“Just crashing your party. Hope that’s alright,” Robert said with a grin.
“Don’t be silly, Robert. Running into you is a pleasure,” Frank said, gesturing warmly. “Here, take the head of the table.”
“Come on, everyone, sit.” Robert waved them down before taking his seat.
Frank settled in beside Robert. “Did you come here to eat, or is there something else going on?”
He couldn’t help but feel it was a little too coincidental–not just running into Robert, but him asking to join them.
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“We were here to eat too. Since we bumped into each other, figured we might as well share the table,” Robert said with a chuckle.
‘We?” Frank and Ethan exchanged a look.
‘Oh right–my stubborn son. He’s parking the car, should be up any minute,” Robert explained.
Just then, Matthew and Naomi walked in together.
‘You two?” Ethan raised an eyebrow.
‘We ran into each other downstairs and came up together,” Naomi explained softly, smiling.
I thought you said you were stuck in traffic and running late?” Alfred’s expression turned serious.
Something had felt off earlier–now it made sense. Naomi must have seen Matthew and purposely waited for him.
‘Naomi, you’re here too,” Robert said kindly.
‘Mr. Stewart,” Naomi greeted politely. “Frank invited everyone today, so here we are.”
Robert nodded. “Good, good. I’m just joining the fun.”
Naomi smiled sweetly. “You’re not just joining–you’re making the party livelier.”
“Haha, you always know what to say, Naomi,” Robert laughed heartily.
“Naomi, isn’t Ruby coming?” Frank asked.
“She said she wasn’t feeling too well, so she won’t make it,” Naomi explained.
“Wasn’t she fine last night?” Ethan asked.
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Chapter 384 Seating Arrangements
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Naomi shook her head. “I’m not sure exactly. She just mentioned she didn’t sleep well and decided to sit this one out.”
Frank nodded. “Alright then. Everyone, let’s get started. Dig in.”
“Matthew, why don’t you sit here next to Dr. Hamilton,” Robert suggested casually.
Arabella smiled awkwardly. “Really, Robert, any seat is fine.”
But to her surprise, Matthew took the seat right beside her.
“Mr. Stewart?” Arabella glanced at him, caught off guard.
This guy–he knew exactly what Robert was hinting at. Why wasn’t he keeping some space?
“Something wrong?” Matthew asked calmly, his gaze steady.
Arabella shot him a faintly annoyed look. “No.”
“Then I’ll sit here,” Naomi said, slipping into the seat on Matthew’s other side. She glanced at Arabella. “You don’t mind, do you, Arabella?”
Arabella replied coolly, “You should ask Mr. Stewart. It’s not like you’re sitting next to me.”
She’d noticed–Naomi’s makeup was touched up since this morning. She must have freshened up spot before “bumping into” Matthew downstairs.
But that was none of her business.
Naomi’s smile tightened slightly. “As long as Arabella doesn’t mind.”
Arabella turned to look at her. What was with this self–centered chatter? Some kind of bad habit?
Frowning, Arabella replied in a low, even tone, “Actually, I do mind. Maybe you could switch seats.”
“Huh?” Naomi was taken aback, not sure how to respond.
“Pfft,” Alfred stified a laugh. “Naomi, why not come sit by me?”
Naomi replied awkwardly, “Oh, that’s alright, Alfred.”
She hadn’t expected Arabella to be so direct. But this was a rare chance–she really wanted to sit next to Matthew.
“If you’re not going to move, then maybe keep it down,” Arabella said flatly.
She used to be the city’s golden giri–what was with this suddenly sweet and innocent act?
Naomi paled at Arabella’s bluntness Gritting her teeth, she tried to keep her composure and whispered gently, “I’ll be more careful in the future, Arabella Please don’t be upset.”
Arabella replied indifferently, “I m not upset just don’t want you to ruin the mood for everyone.
“–“Naomi hadn’t expected Arabella to leave her no room to save face.
Just then, a server knocked lightly and began bringing in the dishes.
10:43 am P POM.
Chapter 384 Seating Arrangements
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Soon, the large table was filled with an array of gourmet plates.
“Robert, shall we begin?” Frank asked respectfully.
“Yes, let’s eat,” Robert said warmly. “And don’t hold back just ‘cause I’m here.”
“Of course not, Robert. You’ve known us since we were kids–we won’t stand on ceremony,” Frank said with an easy smile.
“Haha, that’s right,” Robert laughed heartily. “Besides, we’re all going to be family one way or another someday.”
As he spoke, his eyes flickered briefly toward Arabella and Matthew.