Chapter 422
Lingering Attention
Naomi gave a slight nod, a flicker of determination flashing through her eyes.
Ruby hid a smirk, her gaze turning sly.
“Who just pulled up?”
“That car is insane!”
At someone’s shout, all eyes turned toward the entrance.
Two cars rolled in one after the other and came to a stop.
A few figures stepped out.
Ryan, Lena, Frank, Robert, and Matthew.
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The moment this group appeared, several guests immediately moved forward to greet them.
“Ryan, Lena, Robert!” A few familiar faces exchanged pleasantries.
Meanwhile, the young socialites and heiresses of Doranor City stood off to the side, their eyes locked on Matthew.
“Oh my God, Mr. Stewart actually showed!”
“Of course he did. The Hamiltons and the Stewarts have that arrangement. I heard they’re just waiting for Ms. Hamilton to graduate college before they announce the engagement.”
“Wait, seriously? So it’s happening soon?”
“Ms. Hamilton is so lucky.”
The whispers floated through the air as Matthew made his way over to Arabella.
He took in the girl in front of him–the soft pink dress, the subtle makeup, her hair pinned up elegantly, a pearl clip holding it in place that matched the strand of pearls around her neck. His gaze lingered for a moment, something unreadable flickering in his eyes.
“Mr. Stewart, this is my friend.” Alfred stepped in, not sure if Matthew knew the situation.
Matthew raised an eyebrow, catching on immediately.
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Chapter 422 Lingering Attention
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“Nice to meet you.” He gave a brief nod of acknowledgment before continuing on his way.
But that image–the graceful figure, the delicate features–stayed with him, lingering at the edge of his thoughts.
“Matthew, you made it.” Naomi stepped forward, putting on a shy smile as she greeted him softly.
Matthew nodded once, barely glancing at her, and walked over to Jonathan.
“Jonathan.” He greeted him politely.
Jonathan smiled. “Glad you could make it, son. Where’s Robert?”
“He’s by the entrance with Ryan and Lena, catching up with some old friends,” Matthew explained.
“Got it. I’ll go say hello.” Jonathan headed off to greet them.
“Matthew, thank you for coming to my party.” Naomi tried her hardest to look graceful, hoping he’d finally notice her.
But Matthew stayed distant, indifferent, his gaze drifting toward Arabella more than once.
Naomi felt like someone was squeezing her heart–that familiar ache, tight and suffocating, creeping back in.
Guests kept arriving until the place was full. The Hamilton family gathered at the front, ready to kick things off.
“Good evening, everyone. First off, thank you all for coming to celebrate Naomi Hamilton’s birthday…” As the host’s voice filled the room, the chatter died down.
The lights dimmed until only one spotlight remained, aimed at a cart being wheeled in by a server. On it sat a massive birthday cake, candles flickering warmly.
Soft music played as the cart rolled toward Naomi. When it stopped, the “Happy Birthday” song started up.
“Happy birthday to you…” A few people in the crowd sang along.
“Happy birthday!”
“Make a wish, make a wish…”
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Surrounded by cheerful voices, Naomi pressed her hands together and closed her eyes over the cake.
“Blow out the candles!”
Naomi took a breath and blew. The flames vanished, and the lights came back up.
“Naomi, happy birthday! This is for you.” A group of young socialites gathered around, handing her gifts.
“Thank you all.” Naomi accepted them one by one, offering polite smiles.
A few familiar faces crowded closer, buzzing with curiosity. “So what did Mr. Stewart get you?”
“Probably something no one else in the world has.”
“Exactly, show us! Let us be jealous.”
Naomi’s smile faltered, but there was no way she’d admit in front of everyone that Matthew hadn’t given her anything. She played it off with a shy look. “Let’s just have some cake first.”
“Look at her, blushing. Haha…”
“Oh, Naomi gets embarrassed easily. Leave her alone,” Ruby said, playing the protective
cousin.
“Okay, okay, we know she’s shy.” More laughter followed.
“Naomi, who’s that girl over there? I don’t think I’ve ever seen her before,” someone asked, curious.
Naomi frowned slightly. She knew exactly who they were talking about.
“That’s Alfred’s friend. She’s from some small town, not exactly used to things like this. She begged Alfred to bring her along so she could see how the other half lives. Don’t worry about her.” Ruby’s tone dripped with disdain.
“Really? She doesn’t seem like it, though,” someone said skeptically.
Another girl nodded. “Yeah, she carries herself well. Very polished.”
“And that dress–she looks like actual royalty, like a real princess.”
“Ruby, are you just saying that because you’re jealous?”
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Ruby’s face tightened at the accusation. She shot back, annoyed, “Why would I make that up? You all said you’ve never seen her before. If she were from some family here in Doranor City, wouldn’t you have run into her by now?”