Chapter 403

Gues Stays Over

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She tipped through the was, maneally forging the date

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By the time babetta wrapped so the office, night had already settled in

She drove back to Cloud Vex

As she walked through the front door, the could tex vices coming from the living room–sounded like they had company. Site

Stepping inside, she spotted Naomi and Ruby sitting on the couch with Florence, all chatting and laughing like old lands

What was Ruby doing here? Wasn’t she supposed to be resting at home after getting hurt?

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Arabella walked over, forcing a small smile. “Hey, Mom

“Perfect timing–dinner’s almost ready Florence said, then added. “How was work today? Long day?”

“Not really,” Arabella replied, glancing around casually. “Where’s Dad and the guys?

Why is it just Mom, Naomi, and Ruby?

“Ethan’s at some dinner for work, Alfred’s on shift, so they’ll both be late Frank and your dad are in the study,” Florence explained.

“Got it,” Arabella said.

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3:53 am P p pp.

Chapter 403 Guest Stays Over

She stood up. “I’ll go let them know dinner’s ready.”

Honestly, she just didn’t feel like sitting there while Ruby shot daggers at her from across the room.

“See? Arabella never forgets about us.” Jonathan’s cheerful voice came from the hallway.

“Dad, Frank.” Arabella greeted them as they walked in. “Perfect timing. Let’s head to the dining room.”

“Sounds good,” Jonathan said, following her without hesitation.

Florence glanced at Naomi and Ruby. “Shall we?”

“Of course, Aunt Florence,” Ruby answered sweetly.

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Naomi, meanwhile, watched the easy back–and–forth between Arabella, Jonathan, and Frank. Something about it made her stomach tighten.

Once everyone was seated, the staff began bringing out the food.

“Hey, Arabella–that batch of medicine you mentioned earlier, the one you were ordering. Did it ship yet?” Frank asked.

“Yeah, went out today,” Arabella confirmed.

“I like how you move fast on things,” Frank said approvingly.

“Couldn’t have done it without you, Frank. You opened up those overseas markets for me so quickly,” Arabella shot back with a grin. “Once the final payment comes through, I’m totally getting you something.”

“Guess I’ll be waiting by the mailbox, then,” Frank teased.

Arabella’s expression turned serious. “Actually, not just Frank. I’m getting something for everyone.”

“For real? You’re actually buying gifts?” Ruby’s voice dripped with skepticism. “For this many people? You sure you can afford it? Just don’t show up with a bunch of cheap dollar–store junk.”

“What’s it to you?” Arabella shot back flatly. “You’re not getting one anyway.”

“Excuse me.” Ruby bit back her anger, then quickly rearranged her face into something resembling a smile. “Arabella, I think you misunderstood. That’s not what I meant at all. I was just trying to help. I mean, the Hamiltons have pretty much everything, so your gifts can’t be too… basic, you know? They should show some real thought.”

And “thought“, of course, meant expensive.

Arabella, coming from some tiny town in the middle of nowhere, probably never spent real money on anything. This would definitely sting.

The thought made Ruby’s mood lift slightly.

“That’s actually a fresh take,” Arabella said, nodding slowly. “Not a bad suggestion. Looks like you’re finally using that brain of yours.”

“Are you saying I haven’t been using it before?” Ruby’s smile faltered.

Arabella blinked innocently. “I said you’re using it now”

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Chayer 402 Guest Staps Over

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heap to spend anything” Ruby shot back, her voice laced with contempt. “But guess that ing from some backwoods little town?