Chapter 450

Quiet Exit

Naomi hesitated for a moment, then glanced at Ethan. “Ethan…” She trailed off, then turned to Arabella and gave her a small nod- acknowledgment, nothing more.

Arabella raised an eyebrow. “Drive safe.”

“Be careful on the road,” Ethan added.

Florence walked Naomi out. “Don’t push yourself too hard. If anything comes up, call me. We’ll figure it out together.”

“I know, Mom. Don’t worry. I’ll be fine.”

A moment later, the sound of an engine turning over drifted in from the driveway.

Florence came back inside a few minutes later.

“She’s gone,” Florence said quietly.

“It’s tate. We should all get some rest.” Jonathan rubbed his temples.

Florence gave him a look. “Your head’s bothering you again, isn’t it? You shouldn’t have had so much.”

Jonathan shrugged, sheepish. “It’s not every day I get to drink with Liam. I got carried away. Next time I’ll pace myself.”

“I’ll make you something for the headache,” Arabella said, already heading toward the kitchen. “Mom, why don’t you take Dad upstairs first?”

“I’ll help.” Ethan followed her.

Florence helped Jonathan up. “You’re lucky you have a daughter who looks after you. Otherwise, you’d just have to tough it out.”

Jonathan chuckled. “You say that, but if Arabella hadn’t offered, you’d be in that kitchen making it yourself.”

“In your dreams.” Florence rolled her eyes.

Jonathan laughed, the sound warm and full.

In the kitchen, Arabella glanced back when she noticed Ethan lingering. “You didn’t have to come. I made some for you too.”

Ethan shook his head, leaning against the doorframe. “I’m fine. If you don’t need help, I’ll just hang out here.”

Arabella studied him for a second, then smiled. “If you’ve got something on your mind, just say it.”

Ethan didn’t bother pretending otherwise. “Nothing major. Just checking in.”

“On me?” Arabella looked genuinely puzzled. “About what?”

“The herb cultivation area. Trouble with the raw materials?” he asked.

Arabella’s expression cleared. “Ah. That’s what this is about.” She smiled. “You think I was lying?”

Ethan hesitated. “I don’t think you’d lie. But the way you handled Ruby tonight? That felt… different.”

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0:15 am P

Chapter 450 Quiet Exit

“Different how? Seemed fine to me.”

Ethan shook his head slowly. “It felt like you let her off easy.”

Normally, after what Ruby had pulled, Arabella would have made sure she regretted it. Tonight, she’d barely engaged.

Arabella shrugged. “If you want someone to fall, you let them get comfortable first. Let her have a few good days.”

Ethan’s eyebrow lifted. “So when you said she’d come begging, that wasn’t just a threat.”

“Why would I threaten her?”

“True.” Ethan nodded slowly. “You’re the one who trained under Aletta, after all.”

Arabella smiled but didn’t respond.

The soup was ready. She ladled it into two bowls, handing one to Ethan. “Here. Yours.”

She placed the other on a small tray. “I’ll take this up to Dad.”

Ethan took the bowl, his expression warm. “Thanks, Arabella.”

She grinned. “Drink up and get some sleep.”

“You too.” He watched her carry the tray upstairs, the smile lingering on his face.

Upstairs, Arabella knocked softly on her parents‘ door.

“Brought the soup.”

Florence took the tray and set it on the nightstand. “You didn’t have to do all this.”

“It’s just soup, Mom.” Arabella’s eyes softened. “Make sure Dad drinks it while it’s warm. Then you both should rest.”

Florence handed Jonathan the bowl. He took a sip and sighed. “They say daughters are a comfort. They’re not wrong.”

Florence nodded. “Our Arabella is kind, capable, wonderful. We’re lucky.”

Arabella felt her chest tighten–in a good way. “Mom. Dad. Having you and my brothers? I’m the lucky one.”

Jonathan’s expression flickered. “You went through so much out there, on your own.” He set the empty bowl down. “I can’t imagine what it took for you to become who you are.”

Arabella shook her head gently. “Dad. Let’s not look back. I’m home now. From here on out, it’s all good.”

Florence reached out, smoothing a hand over Arabella’s hair. “You’re one of the most blessed children I know.”

Loved. Safe. Happy.

Arabella hugged her. “I am. Because of you. Because of my brothers.”

Florence smiled, teasing and tender all at once. “Oh, you.” That wasn’t quite what she’d meant, but if Arabella wasn’t ready to go there, she wouldn’t push.