Chapter 453

Well, this just took the awkwardness to a whole new level.

What on earth was she even going on about?

Matthew’s movements stalled, and a flicker of discomfort passed over his face.

He withdrew his hand and was already turning to stride off. “It’s way too hot out here. Let’s head back to the office.”

“Yeah… it really is,” Arabella agreed, nervously brushing her forehead again even though there wasn’t a trace of sweat left.

“Andy, go grab a watermelon,” Matthew called over his shoulder.

“On it, Mr. Stewart.” Andy hurried away.

A short while later, they were back inside the air–conditioned office.

With the cool air flowing, some of that sticky tension seemed to lift along with the heat.

Matthew had already regained his usual composure. He glanced at Arabella and said, “What Andy dug up might come as a bit of a surprise to you.”

Arabella made an effort to keep her expression neutral. “I doubt anything could really catch me off guard at this point.”

Matthew raised a brow. “Is that why you haven’t exactly been treating this investigation seriously?”

“I am taking it seriously,” she protested.

He just looked at her. You expect me to buy that?

Arabella shrugged. Believe what you want.

For some reason, Matthew felt a spark of irritation flare in his chest. Was she really that unconcerned about her own safety?

“Watermelon’s here,” Andy announced, carrying in a cardboard box filled with pre–sliced wedges.

“Set it down,” Matthew said. “Now fill us in.”

“Right.” Andy put the box on the table and began. “Turns out it was someone connected to the Clarks.”

Since Arabella had already suspected as much, she didn’t look shocked–just nodded slowly. “Did you pick up that older woman and the guy she called ‘Johnny‘?”

“Yeah, they’re already down at the precinct,” Andy confirmed.

“They won’t give up Freya,” Arabella said, her eyes darkening slightly.

Andy let out a sigh. “You called it. They’re only admitting they wanted to stage an accident and scam some money out of it.”

A faint, sarcastic smile touched Arabella’s lips. “Pretty much what I figured.”

Matthew tilted his head. “You knew?”

“I had my suspicions before. Now it’s just confirmed,” she explained. “Freya went to Edward earlier, and he turned her down. Harper told her it was all my fault–that I’d ‘bewitched‘ Edward, or whatever.”

So when Freya couldn’t get help from him, it made sense she’d come straight for Arabella instead.

“From what I’ve pieced together,” Andy added, “she probably planned to snatch you and use you as leverage to force Edward’s hand.”

Arabella gave another shrug. “Sounds about right for her.”

“What’s your next move?” Matthew asked, his voice low.

“Nothing yet,” she replied, lifting her chin slightly. “Right now, Freya’s the one who should be losing sleep, not me.”

“How so?” A glint of amusement showed in Matthew’s eyes.

This girl clearly wasn’t the type to just take a hit without swinging back.

Arabella allowed herself a smug little smile. “If she comes after me, I’ll go after Calvin. Hit her where it really hurts.”

Andy couldn’t help but grin and give her a thumbs–up. “Dr. Hamilton, that’s playing smart.”

Matthew’s gaze held a trace of approval. “Looks like I jumped in where I wasn’t needed.”

“Don’t say that, Mr. Stewart. I really do appreciate you stepping in,” Arabella said, her tone sincere.

“Doesn’t feel like I did all that much,” Matthew remarked softly.

“You did. Everything I had was just personal insight. The intel you pulled together actually fills in a lot of gaps for me.” She didn’t want to downplay his effort–she genuinely valued his concern and his willingness to help.

“Well, in that case…” Matthew deliberately let the pause hang. “How do you plan to thank me?”

“Huh?” Arabella’s jaw went slack for a second, completely thrown.

What was that supposed to mean?

One minute he seemed all stern and annoyed, and now suddenly he was asking for gratitude?

Good grief–even a quick–change magician couldn’t switch gears that fast.

“You just said you appreciated my help,” Matthew repeated slowly.

Arabella managed a thin smile. “Alright, fine. I do owe you a thank–you.”

“So?” he pressed.

“Can I… think about the best way?” she ventured.

“Honestly, it was no trouble. You don’t have to make a big production out of it,” Matthew said, playing modest now that he’d gotten his way.

Watching him act all humble after putting her on the spot, Arabella fought the urge to roll her eyes.

“Since you can’t decide, let me make a suggestion…” He paused again for effect. “Have lunch with me.”

“That’s all?” Arabella asked, wanting to be sure,

Matthew raised an eyebrow. “Did you have something else in mind?”

“No, no–lunch is perfect.” She was about to agree when she suddenly remembered her noon plans with Colton.

Her smile turned awkward. “I can’t do today, though. How about tomorrow?”

“Why not?” Matthew’s eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly.

She’d been ready to say yes–what changed?

“I already made plans with a friend. Can’t just bail on them,” she explained.-

“A friend?” Matthew’s brow furrowed. Was it Lucas?

Irritation, sudden and sour, tightened in his chest. His mood cooled visibly.

“Yeah, someone I used to work with at my old job,” she said, trying to negotiate. “How about tomorrow? Lunch is on me then, Mr. Stewart.”