Chapter 394

Intervention Exposed

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“Also, Calvin has been in frequent contact with the Johnston family lately. The two families are in talks about a potential joint

venture.”

After hearing Colton’s report, Arabella let out a dismissive snort. “Freya certainly is resourceful. She actually managed to get the Johnston family to back Calvin.”

“True,” Colton agreed. “Last time, Calvin took a significant financial hit. If the Johnston family hadn’t stepped in to shore things up, his company’s cash flow would likely be in serious trouble. If this partnership goes through with their investment, Calvin might actually manage to turn things around.”

“Turn things around? As if I’d give him the chance.” Arabella’s gaze turned icy as she instructed Colton, “Make things difficult for the Johnston family. Tie up their resources.”

“Understood,” Colton replied without hesitation.

If the Johnston family had their own fires to put out, they wouldn’t have the bandwidth to rescue the Clark family.

“Alright, that’s all for now.” Arabella ended the call.

“I’ll give Freya credit for being clever–finding a way to pull the Johnston family into this.” But Arabella had no intention of giving the Clark family an opening. If they regained their strength, their next target would undoubtedly be her and Edward.

A short while later, Arabella arrived at the flight academy.

Seeing a crowd gathered in the central courtyard, she wondered to herself, “What’s going on? Why is everyone out here?”

As she got closer, she recognized a group of student pilots. Naomi and Ruby were among them, positioned conspicuously near the front.

Weren’t they supposed to be in class? And hadn’t Ruby been feeling unwell last night?

But she really couldn’t be bothered with their drama, so she continued on her way.

Unexpectedly, someone stepped directly into her path. Arabella frowned and looked up.

“Mr. Stewart!” she exclaimed, genuinely surprised, What was he doing here?

Suddenly, the reason for the crowd clicked into place.

Seeming to notice her confusion, Andy leaned in and explained quietly, “Dr. Hamilton, Mr. Stewart is here for an inspection tour of the new aircraft models.”

Hank greeted Matthew eagerly. “Mr. Stewart, everything is prepared. Right this way, please.”

Matthew’s eyes lingered on Arabella. “Come along.”

“Huh?” Arabella was confused. Go where?

“Don’t you want to see them?” Matthew asked.

She was curious, but her scheduled simulator session was about to start. “I have a lesson soon, so I’ll have to pass.”

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Chapter 394 Intervention Exposed

“Matthew, I’d love to see them. May I join you?” Naomi’s sugary voice held a note of hopeful expectation.

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Frowning slightly, Matthew replied coolly, without looking at her, “Hank, are student pilots permitted on these inspection tours?”

“Well…” Hank hesitated, unsure of Matthew’s intent.

He had just invited Arabella, and now another student was asking. Was that a yes or a no?

“Of course they are. Mr. Stewart just invited Arabella, after all,” Ruby chimed in quickly.

“Exactly. Students should absolutely be encouraged to familiarize themselves with new flight equipment,” Lucas added, stepping through the crowd to stand by Arabella’s side.

“Oh, you’re here too. Let’s get to our training session, then.” Arabella was focused on completing her required hours as efficiently as possible.

Hearing her eagerness to leave with Lucas, Matthew’s expression darkened imperceptibly.

Did she enjoy being alone with him that much?

“Then organize a group tour for everyone,” Matthew said, his tone turning cold. He added pointedly, “Including those who have training scheduled.”

“Understood, a tour for all student pilots,” Hank confirmed, feeling a wave of relief.

He truly hadn’t grasped Matthew’s earlier meaning, but now it seemed clear enough.

Hank shot a discreet, appraising glance at Arabella. This particular student must be someone special.

“I don’t think that’s necessary.” A voice of protest rang out.

Seeing it was Lucas, Hank swatted a hand toward him. Lucas dodged instinctively and grumbled, “Uncle, what was that for?”

“Quiet. You’re an instructor here now. You follow the academy’s arrangements,” Hank scolded, slightly flustered. “Now hurry up and help get everyone organized into groups.”

Lucas was fuming internally. “As the dean, you’re setting a terrible example by arbitrarily canceling student sessions. Shouldn’t you be ashamed?”

“Why would I be? It’s a valuable educational activity for the entire student body to tour new aircraft and technology,” Hank shot back, glaring at his nephew. “You don’t have to lead a group if you don’t want to, but attendance is mandatory for all students.”

Then, turning his attention to Arabella, he said in a more formal tone, “You there, please help lead one of the groups.”

Arabella frowned and shot Matthew a sharp, resentful look, muttering under her breath, “Are you deliberately trying to mess up my

schedule?”

Matthew replied with infuriating calmness, “It’s an official academy activity.”

“What does that have to do with my lesson plan?” She wasn’t a staff member, and her current training wasn’t on these specific

models.

“You’re a student here. You should participate in organized group activities,” Matthew stated, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

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Chapter 394 Intervention Exposed

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Arabella couldn’t help but roll her eyes. “If someone wants to keep you company, let them. Why drag the whole academy into it?”

“I don’t need or want anyone else with me,” Matthew said flatly before turning and striding off toward the hangars.

Arabella let out an exasperated huff. “And I suppose I’m not ‘anyone else‘? Honestly.”

Then she paused, looking up at Matthew’s retreating back in sudden surprise. So, did he mean…? No, that couldn’t be it. She must be misinterpreting.

“That’s impossible.” Arabella shook her head, convincing herself she was reading way too much into it.