Chapter 441
An Awkward Moment
She could admit it, and she could smile about it too.
Matthew shot Arabella a sidelong glance, clearly annoyed, his eyes carrying a hint of warning.
“Excuse me, your food is here,” a waiter interrupted, setting down their orders.
After arranging everything on the table, the waiter glanced between the two of them before stepping away with the tray, looking slightly puzzled.
Hadn’t the vibe been tense just a moment ago? Maybe she’d imagined it.
Facing two identical plates, Arabella gestured lightly. “Let’s eat, Mr. Stewart.”
“Yeah,” he replied.
“Honestly though, I think that girl wasn’t bad. You should think about it. If things worked out between you two, the engagement situation would pretty much solve itself.” She said it casually, like she was discussing the weather.
Matthew looked up. “Is this what’s holding you back with Lucas?”
“What?” Arabella blinked, confused. “What does that have to do with me and Lucas?”
He dropped his gaze, his voice quieter. “If you think this approach works, maybe try it first.”
“Try what? I’m not interested in anyone.” She shot it down flat.
“Same here,” Matthew replied, his tone almost lighter.
Arabella shrugged. “Then I guess we’re stuck.”
She’d only meant it as a suggestion. If he wasn’t into it, fine by him.
Matthew studied her for a moment, something unreadable in his eyes.
“Why are you staring at me?” she asked, genuinely puzzled. “I’m serious.”
He looked down briefly. “There’s a dinner next week. I need someone to go
“Okay… wait, don’t tell me you’re asking me.”
“I am,” he said simply.
with.”
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Chapter 441 An Awkward Moment
“What? Seriously? Why me?”
Matthew answered like it was obvious. “Just came to mind. And you’re here.”
Arabella opened her mouth, then closed it. She had to be hearing things.
“So I should feel lucky?” She shot him a look.
“If that’s how you want to see it.”
“How I want to-” She cut herself off, exasperated. “No way. Ask someone else.”
Matthew didn’t respond, just kept eating.
Arabella figured that meant he’d dropped it, and quietly relaxed.
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Why would she want to go to some dinner with him anyway? She’d rather stay home and sketch.
After lunch, they left the restaurant.
Back in the car, Matthew asked, “Going back to the office?”
“Yeah.”
“Head to the pharmaceutical company,” he told the driver.
“Got it.”
Arabella leaned back in her seat, scrolling through her phone. Her thumbs moved quickly, probably texting.
“Work stuff?” Matthew asked.
“Oh, the pharma facility. The herb cultivation area’s ready.”
“When do you start planting?”
“Tomorrow, probably.”
“Anything else you need?”
“Nope. Already told them to prep everything.”
“Good.”
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Chapter 441 An Awkward Moment
She stopped typing, eyeing him. “Good“? That’s it?”
Matthew’s expression stayed calm. “That’s it.”
Arabella narrowed her eyes. “Seriously?”
Something felt off. But what?
She frowned, hesitating, then shook her head.
She couldn’t put her finger on it—she just sensed something wasn’t right.
Before she could figure it out, the car jerked hard.
“Ah-!” She pitched forward, landing square in Matthew’s lap.
Her cheek hit his chest–solid, warm, vaguely uncomfortable.
u okay?” His voice was low, close.
h, thanks.” She lifted her head–and immediately knocked into his chin.
er lips grazed his jaw, catching faintly on stubble.
Arabella’s breath caught. Her heart stumbled.
“Sorry–some guy cut me off. Had to brake hard,” the driver apologized.
She scrambled upright like she’d been burned, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “It’s… It’s fine.”
She grabbed her phone again, suddenly very interested in the screen.
From the corner of his eye, Matthew caught her thumbs hovering–typing, deleting, typing again. His mouth curved, barely.
“If you’re stuck, you can answer later,” he said quietly.
Arabella’s face went warm. The whole “pretend to be busy when you’re flustered” thing? Yeah, getting called out kind of ruined it.
She cleared her throat, forcing herself to focus.
Her screen blurred. Her thoughts blurred.