Chapter 429
Questioning the Waiter
“Grandma, not you too.” Arabella sighed, exasperated.
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Lena patted her hand gently. “I know you’re still young, and marriage isn’t something you need to figure out anytime soon. But if the right person comes along, there’s no harm in dating first. You don’t want to let a good one slip through your fingers. And Matthew–he really is something special.”
“Grandma.” Arabella was almost at a loss for words.
She knew everyone meant well. They all cared about her. But she was nowhere near the point where she needed to worry about settling down.
Lena chuckled at her expression. “Oh, are you getting shy? Fine, fine. I’ll stop.”
“Grandma, I think I should probably head out now.” Arabella decided it was time to make her exit.
“Alright, go ahead, sweetheart.” Lena didn’t try to stop her.
After saying her goodbyes, Arabella turned and walked toward the exit.
But just as she reached the door, she spotted Matthew coming from the direction of the restrooms. She blinked, surprised. “Mr. Stewart? What are you still doing here?”
Matthew’s brow furrowed slightly. “Problem with that?”
The way she looked at him–like he wasn’t supposed to be here—was strange.
Arabella studied him. He’d changed clothes, looked completely unbothered, like nothing had happened. Her mind stalled for a second. So maybe it wasn’t what she’d thought?
“You went to change in the guest area, right?” She tilted her head. “Then why are you coming from over there?”
“I only needed to change my jacket. Didn’t require a whole room.” His tone was flat.
“So you didn’t actually go to the guest rooms?” She pressed.
Matthew’s eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly. “Why do you keep asking? Did something happen over there?”
Something about her expression told him he’d missed something.
“It’s… nothing, really.” Arabella shrugged, suddenly curious about what had actually happened with Naomi.
Matthew looked down at her. “What are you doing?”
“Leaving.” She stated it like it was obvious.
“Leaving without Alfred?” A hint of amusement flickered in his gaze.
“Naomi’s having some kind of situation. He went to check it out. I was bored, so I figured I’d head home,” she explained casually.
Just then, Florence stepped forward to address the remaining guests. Her composure was flawless, but there was a tightness around her eyes. “I’m sorry to announce that due to Naomi suddenly feeling unwell, we’ll need to end the party early. On behalf of
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Chapter 429 Questioning the Waiter
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the Hamilton family, thank you all for coming tonight. We truly appreciate your presence. We’ll be sending gift baskets to each of your homes tomorrow as a small thank you, and we hope you’ll accept our apologies.”
A ripple of understanding went through the crowd.
“These things happen. No one could have predicted it.” An older woman waved off the apology. “Don’t worry about gifts. Just take care of your daughter.”
“Yes, we’re honored you invited us. No need for anything else.”
“Exactly. Ms. Hamilton’s health comes first.”
Florence smiled gratefully. “Thank you all for your kindness. The gifts are our way of saying sorry for the abrupt ending. Please forgive the rush tonight.”
Jonathan, Frank, and Ethan began ushering guests out, offering polite farewells. Florence caught Arabella’s eye and waved her over before heading back toward the guest wing.
Matthew raised an eyebrow at Arabella. “Looks like your escape plan just got delayed.”
Arabella shrugged. “If you say so, Mr. Stewart.”
She couldn’t leave now anyway. Might as well see what was going on.
“Matthew, we’re staying a while longer.” Robert appeared beside his grandson, stopping him mid–step toward the door.
Matthew frowned. “Grandpa, whatever’s going on with Naomi, I don’t think we should get involved.”
The Hamiltons had cleared the room. That meant they didn’t want outsiders knowing what happened.
Robert ignored him and stayed put.
Seeing that, Matthew had no choice but to stay too.
“Robert, have a seat.” Ryan gestured to a nearby chair.
Robert settled in across from him.
Matthew sat as well, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that both old men kept glancing at him. The looks they exchanged were…. odd. He frowned. “Grandpa, something on your mind?”
“You went to change earlier.” Robert’s tone was casual, but his eyes were sharp. “Nothing happened?”
Matthew’s brow furrowed. “Should something have happened?”
“Something apparently happened with Naomi.” Robert studied him. “We thought you might know something about it. But if you don’t, forget it.”
He still had his doubts, but he didn’t push. Truth be told, he was relieved.
Matthew had no interest in Naomi’s business, so he didn’t ask. But something about Arabella’s reaction earlier lingered in his mind. That look on her face when she saw him…
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Chapter 429 Questioning the Waiter
Arabella followed Florence down the corridor to the dressing room.
It was the private room reserved for Naomi to use during the party.
Alfred stood guard outside the door. In front of him, a staff member stood frozen, pale as a ghost, clearly shaken.
From inside the room, muffled sobbing drifted out.
Arabella’s brow furrowed. “What happened?”
Alfred’s jaw tightened. “Why don’t you go in and see for yourself?”
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Florence sighed, rubbing her temples. “She won’t stop crying, but she won’t tell us what happened either. Maybe she’ll talk to you.‘