Chapter 421
The Birthday Party
Naomi curved her lips into a practiced smile. “We’re sisters, after all.”
+30 Free Coins
Ruby snuck a few glances toward the entrance and muttered, “Looks like a bunch of guests are already here. I don’t see Mr. Stewart yet, though.”
“He’s probably on his way. If he said he’d come, he will.” Naomi’s gaze flickered with something darker. Tonight, she was going to settle things between her and Matthew once and for all.
“Hey, who are those guys over there? Kind of easy on the eyes, aren’t they?” Ruby giggled, sounding genuinely curious.
Naomi followed her gaze and spotted a small group of young men. Judging by how they were dressed, they definitely weren’t from just any family, and their looks and presence weren’t bad either.
“No idea. Never seen them before.” Naomi shook her head.
Ruby shrugged. “Probably here for your party. Seems like there are some new faces this year.”
“Probably just some of Dad’s business associates‘ kids.” Naomi barely gave them a second thought, her attention drifting back toward the front door.
She knew Matthew would show, but part of her wouldn’t relax until she actually saw him.
“Naomi, there you are!” Florence walked over, giving her daughter a thorough once–over. “Good. You look beautiful, sweetheart.”
“Aunt Florence, who do you think is prettier–Naomi or Arabella?” Ruby asked, putting on her best innocent face.
Florence shot Ruby a look. “Don’t go around comparing things like that. And remember, tonight Arabella’s just here as Alfred’s friend. Got it?”
“Got it.” Ruby nodded obediently, even though it clearly bothered her.
Florence glanced back at Naomi. “The party’s about to start. Do you need anything else before
it kicks off?”
“No, Mom. I’m all set,” Naomi answered.
Florence gave a satisfied nod. “Good.”
1/3
15:32 Thu, Apr 2
Chapter 421 The Birthday Party
(༦)
+30 Free Coins
“How come the others aren’t here yet? They didn’t forget, did they?” Ruby scanned the room.
“No way.
Frank and the guys said at breakfast they’d be on time.” Naomi shook her head.
Ruby suddenly pointed toward the entrance. “Oh, there they are.”
By the main doors, two strikingly handsome men walked in, laughing and talking alongside a girl in a princess–style dress–someone unfamiliar.
“Who’s that?”
“No clue, never seen her before!”
“She’s gorgeous. Even standing next to the Hamilton brothers, she totally holds her own.”
Whispers rippled through the crowd. Naomi and Ruby’s expressions tensed.
“Arabella, you’re finally here.” Florence lit up and walked over to greet her.
“Mom.” The group made their way over.
Florence looked Arabella over, her eyes warm with affection. “Arabella is absolutely stunning!”
“Arabella’s hands–down the prettiest!”
“Prettiest in all of Doranor City!”
“Prettiest on the entire planet!”
Listening to her two older brothers lay it on thick, Arabella couldn’t help but smile, both amused and a little embarrassed. “You’re being way too dramatic.”
“Not even close.” Ethan grinned. “Calling you an angel who dropped down from heaven wouldn’t even cover it.”
Naomi and Ruby, who had trailed behind Florence, exchanged glances, their expressions less than pleased.
“Aunt Florence, didn’t you just say she’s just Alfred’s friend and we shouldn’t make a big deal about it?” Ruby’s tone carried a hint of jealousy.
“Ruby, what’s with that attitude?” Alfred cut in, irritated.
“That’s what Aunt Florence said. Why are you coming at me again?” Ruby whined, clearly
upset.
2/3
15:32 Thu, Apr 2
Chapter 421 The Birthday Party
Alfred shot her a warning look. “You’d better watch your mouth, or just head home.”
Ruby’s face fell, but she only dared to pout silently, fuming.
85
+30 Free Coins
“Alfred, Mom was just respecting Arabella’s wishes to keep things low–key. She reminded us all to be careful. Ruby was only saying something because she noticed Mom got a little excited when she saw Arabella.” Naomi jumped in to defend her.
“Yeah, that’s exactly it.” Ruby nodded, playing up the wounded act.
Arabella raised an eyebrow, casting a calm glance between Naomi and Ruby. “Mom, let’s head inside.”
“Oh, right.” Florence turned to Ethan. “Your dad’s out there entertaining guests. Go help him
out.”
“Sure thing.” Ethan nodded.
Alfred smiled at Arabella. “You can stick with me tonight.”
“Okay.” Arabella agreed easily. She didn’t have much planned anyway. Say hi to her grandparents, make an appearance, and then she’d probably slip out.
“Ugh, so obvious,” Ruby muttered under her breath. “Alfred’s always like that. All he ever does is yell at me.”
“Keep your voice down unless you actually want to get thrown out. If Alfred really loses his temper, I can’t protect you,” Naomi warned quietly.
Ruby shrank back, the frustration still bubbling under the surface.
Dropping her voice even lower, Ruby added, “Aunt Florence said you looked beautiful earlier, but the second Arabella walked in, she only had eyes for her.”
Naomi let out a cold, humorless laugh. “Shouldn’t we be used to that by now?”
At the end of the day, she wasn’t their real daughter. In their eyes, she’d never measure up to
Arabella.
Ruby sighed sympathetically. “Guess you finally see it now. But hey, better late than never From now on, you’ve gotta look out for yourself.”