Chapter 510

Riding Together

“What do you mean?” Matthew’s pupils contracted slightly, his gaze darkening.

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“Nothing, really. It’s just that you’ve seemed a bit… at ease lately, Mr. Stewart. I was only asking,” Arabella replied casually.

“I’m fine,” Matthew said shortly. Then he glanced at her. “But it looks like your own quiet days are about to end, Dr. Hamilton.”

“What do you mean?” Arabella looked puzzled.

“The bidding project–we won it,” Matthew explained.

Now that the contract was secured, the real work would naturally begin.

A pleased smile touched Arabella’s lips. “That’s great news.”

If anything, she’d rather be busy than idle.

“We have you to thank for that, Dr. Hamilton,” Matthew remarked. “Since we’re both free for lunch, why don’t we grab something to celebrate?”

“Thanks, but I’ll pass,” Arabella declined, shaking her head. “I’ve got a session scheduled at the academy this afternoon, so i need to head over soon. I’ll just grab a bite in the flight academy’s cafeteria.”

“You’re going to the academy?” Matthew’s interest seemed piqued. “Actually, I need to stop by there as well. Why don’t we ride together?”

Arabella was taken aback. “You’re going to the academy?”

“Yes. There’s something I need to check on,” Matthew said calmly.

‘Oh, alright then. I’ll see you there,” Arabella said.

Matthew’s brow furrowed slightly. “You’re driving yourself?”

“Yeah,” Arabella replied, her large eyes blinking. How else would she get there?

Feeling a faint twinge of frustration, Matthew suggested, “We’re heading the same way–just ride with me.”

Only then did Arabella catch his meaning. She shook her head again. “No, thank you. Driving myself is easier. That way I won’t have to trouble you for a ride back later, Mr. Stewart.”

She truly thought driving separately was more convenient.

Matthew’s expression cooled almost imperceptibly, a tightness settling in his chest.

“In that case, I won’t keep you any longer.” Matthew rose from his seat.

Arabella glanced up at him. “Heading out, Mr. Stewart?”

“There’s no reason to stay,” Matthew replied, his tone even but carrying a faint, unspoken displeasure.

Arabella didn’t dwell on it. She simply nodded to Chloe. “Please see Mr. Stewart out.”

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Chapter 510 Riding Together

Matthew felt as if something were twisting inside him. “That won’t be necessary,” he said quietly.

With that, he turned and walked away, his steps brisk.

“Why does he seem off all of a sudden?” Arabella watched his retreating figure, feeling genuinely confused.

Unable to make sense of it, she murmured to herself, “He’s been acting kind of strange lately, hasn’t he?”

“Ms. Hamilton, Mr. Stewart didn’t seem too pleased,” Chloe mentioned softly.

‘He’s always been somewhat reserved. It’s hard to tell his mood.” Besides, what reason would he have to be upset?

Hearing that, Chloe fell silent.

Arabella checked the time and stood up. “Well, I should get going too.”

Chloe collected the coffee set and tray before exiting.

The herb garden returned to its usual tranquility, with only a small wildflower swaying gently in the breeze.

By the time Arabella arrived at the flight academy, the lunch break was nearly underway.

Lucas had been waiting for her for a while. As soon as she entered, he made his way over.

‘You made it,” Lucas said, a warm smile spreading across his face at the sight of her.

Arabella nodded. “Came straight after wrapping things up.”

‘You haven’t eaten yet, have you? Let’s head to the cafeteria,” Lucas suggested.

‘You haven’t eaten either?” Arabella asked.

‘No, not yet,” he replied.

‘Alright, let’s go then,” Arabella agreed.

She’d planned to eat at the cafeteria anyway. Since he hadn’t eaten, it made sense to go together.

The two walked side by side toward the dining hall.

A mild breeze drifted past, carrying a faint scent with it.

Lucas caught a whiff and instinctively glanced around.

Arabella noticed his distraction. “What are you looking for?”

“There’s a familiar smell. Did you notice it?” Lucas asked.

“What smell?” Arabella was puzzled. She hadn’t noticed anything unusual.

And what scent would even be out here? They were still some distance from the cafeteria.

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Chapter 500 Riding Together

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aly familiae miffed the air candfully again and finally realized the scent grow stronger when he stood closer to kela parcel at her thoughtfuly

did you change your perfume or something” he asked.

Was dortly wear peftume Aabela said, shaking her head.

“Went Then whats that scent know ve smelled it before.” But he couldn’t place it right away–only that it was distinctly familiar

wearing that Arabella took a deliberate breath too, then remarked, “Now that you mention it, it does smell like fabric scent–the Wind abes for dry cleaning or laundry freshener

“Ok net

arst, Lucas said, the memory dicking But he still couldn’t immediately recall who he knew that regularly carried

that particular clean, ono scent on their doches

They picked up their meals and found a spot to sit.

No serbestry seed than a fiqure appeared beside their table.

They born looked up, surpriced. “Mc Stewart

“What are you doing here? Lucas asked, his brow furrowing slightly as he looked at Matthew.

Matthern cared an eyebrow “Is there a rule against it?”

That’s

what I meant. It’s just… I’ve never seen you eat here before. And honestly, this place doesn’t really seem like your scen Mc Servant, Luces said, his tone measured but his expression already shifting

Wasn’t that scent exactly what Matthew always carried?

it came back to him now.

He’d been around Matthew a handful of times–that was definitely the same subtle, clean fragrance. No doubt about it.

But why did Arabella have the exact same scent on her clothes as Matthew?

“I thought you’d left already?” Arabella asked, recalling his somewhat annoyed demeanor earlier. She hadn’t expected him to actually show up at the academy.