Chapter 456

Lunch With Colton

“Alright,” Arabella replied as she neatly organized the materials and placed them aside.

She glanced up at Colton. “Go ahead and order–we can talk over lunch.”

“I already did. Got one of every signature dish they serve here,” Colton said, looking rather proud of himself

Arabella shot him an annoyed look. “Total foodie.

“Well, the boss is treating, so why hold back?” Colton grinned playfully, “Besides, it suits your image–go big or go hor

Arabella rolled her eyes. “Foodie and a moocher.”

“Thanks, boss!” Colton accepted the remark cheerfully. “You know what they say–good food and good money, can’t s either, am I right?”

“That’s ‘good food and good love,” Arabella corrected dryly.

Colton turned a bit more serious, though his tone stayed light. “Money is my love!”

Won’t be ridiculous,” Arabella said, unable to hold back a laugh.

use me–coming through with your order,” a server interrupted politely, approaching with several plates in hand.

once the dishes were laid out, the server left quietly.

Arabella eyed the crowded table and raised a brow. “Better finish it all Don’t let a single leaf of spinach go to waste. Would to disappoint the chef.”

“You got it, boss!” Colton answered enthusiastically. Cleaning his plate was never a problem for him.

“Dig in, then,” Arabella said, her eyes holding a hint of amusement.

They picked up their forks and knives, continuing their conversation between bites.

“Looks like we dug up pretty much the same info Mr. Stewart did,” Colton said, his tone turning more focused. “So what’s our ! move?”

“Calvin’s already scrambling for cash like a chicken with its head cut off. Let’s pour some gasoline on that fire,” Arabella replied meaningfully.

“And then?” Colton’s eyes lit up with anticipation. Sounded like things were about to get interesting

“Here’s what we do…“.

“Oh, okay–got it, yeah, that makes sense…”

After walking him through the plan, Arabella added, “Also keep an eye on the Johnston family. They showed up and caused some trouble earlier today.”

Colton looked surprised. “Seriously? How’d they know you were there? They don’t… know everything, do they?”

“No.” Arabella shook her head. “They’re probably just desperate. Must’ve followed Matthew there.”

“Ah, that explains it,” Colton said, visibly relieved. “Alright, I’ll have someone keep tabs on them.”

“Good,” Arabella nodded.

Colton stuffed a piece of steak into his mouth and closed his eyes briefly, savoring it.

Watching him eat, Arabella just shook her head with a faint smile.

“Oh, by the way,” Colton began curiously, “what’s going on with you and Mr. Stewart lately?”

Arabella gave him a puzzled look. “Going on? What do you mean?”

“I mean, you two have been running into each other a lot recently. Anything I should know about?” As far as he was aware, there weren’t any new joint projects in the works.

“It’s just… coincidence, I guess,” Arabella said, her expression shifting slightly.

Colton’s eyes widened a little as if he’d spotted something. “That look on your face… not so convincing.”

“What look? I’m perfectly normal,” Arabella retorted, rolling her eyes.

But Colton wasn’t buying it. “Seriously though, you two aren’t actually… you know?”

Arabella reached over and flicked his forehead lightly. “Stop reading into things. There’s nothing going on.”

Even as she said it, though, she couldn’t help recalling the little moments she and Matthew had shared recently.

For some reason, her cheeks felt a bit warm, and her thoughts started to scatter.

Seeing her deny it, Colton decided to push gently. “You know, Mr. Stewart is pretty much the most eligible guy in this city. And given who you are now, he might be one of the few people actually on your level.”

Arabella arched a brow, then let out a confident, slight smile, “Who I am doesn’t define me–I’m just Arabella. And who he is doesn’t matter either. What matters is…”

“Is what?” Colton pressed, curious.

“Marriage isn’t on my radar right now. I’ve got way too much on my plate. I’m busy.” Who had time for romance? Focusing on her own goals seemed way more fulfilling.

Colton chuckled. “Fair enough. But love doesn’t exactly check your schedule. When it shows up, it kinda does its own thing–plans or no plans.”

“So honestly, a guy like Mr. Stewart… you’re really not interested?” Colton asked again, probing lightly.

“Interested in what?” Arabella gave him a pointed stare. “Enough with the gossip. Just eat.”

“I’m being real here. If you let this one pass you by, you might regret it later,” Colton said, more earnestly this time.

Arabella met his gaze steadily. “If it passes me by, then it was never mine to begin with.”

Colton burst out laughing. Arabella realized how that sounded and shot him a sharp look.

ingene up or something ach the said pretending to threaten him.

Cater mmefatey tacked off playfully “No, no–wouldn’t dream of t

“You paying for your own lunch? Arabella said, trying to sound stern

The comes- sorry, mally Coton replied, putting on an exaggerated pleading face.

Damph” Abella nunted her head away with pretend indignation.

Cotton slid one of her favorite dishes closer with a charming grin. “Here, cool off, boss. This one’s your favorite, right?”