Chapter 525 Naomi’s Apology Gift
“Of course, about your medical skills. You’re an amazing doctor! The Hamiltons have a real doctor in the family now!” Naomi said. beaming with what looked like genuine pride for Arabella.
“It’s really no big deal. Just a combination of good timing and putting in the work–luckily it paid off,” Arabella replied casually, as though it had all come easily.
Florence smiled warmly. “We all know you must’ve worked very hard to get to where you are.”
Arabella returned the smile. “It helped that it was something I loved doing, so it never really felt like a struggle.”
“Exactly,” Jonathan agreed, his expression approving. “Just focus on your goals. Whether it’s hard or not isn’t what matters.” He truly felt she represented the Hamilton family well.
“What’s everyone talking about? Who’s struggling?” Ethan walked in just then and glanced around curiously.
“Oh, nothing serious,” Arabella said lightly, not eager to keep the topic going.
“Are you alone?” Florence looked past him. “Isn’t Frank with you?”
“He was parking the car when I came in,” Ethan explained. “Should be here any minute.”
“Good, that’s almost everyone. Let’s get dinner started,” Florence suggested.
“Is Naomi staying for dinner tonight?” Ethan asked offhandedly.
Naomi’s face fell slightly. “Ethan, why would you ask that?”
Realizing how it sounded, Ethan quickly apologized. “Sorry, it’s just that you usually don’t stay for meals when you visit. I was surprised, that’s all.”
Naomi chuckled as if making a light joke. “For a second I thought you didn’t want me here.”
“Of course not. This is your home–you’re always welcome,” Ethan assured her.
Naomi nodded. “Okay, I’ll remember that.”
“Shall we move to the dining room?” Florence said, leading the way.
They all headed toward the dining area just as Frank came inside and joined them.
Once everyone was seated, dinner was served–an impressive spread with plenty of dishes.
“Wow, there’s so much great food today,” Ethan remarked. “We’re in for a treat.”
“Naomi brought everything,” Florence explained. “She mentioned she’s been away from home and missed family dinners, so she wanted to treat us all tonight.”
“If you miss home, you can always come back. You really don’t need to bring anything,” Jonathan told Naomi gently.
“It’s just my way of showing I care, Dad. You can’t tell me not to get something for the family,” Naomi replied in a playful,
affectionate tone.
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Chapter 525 Naomi’s Apology Gift
Jonathan laughed softly. “We have everything we need here. You should save your money for yourself.” “I’m still part of this family, and I want to contribute too,” Naomi said sweetly.
Watching Naomi’s behavior, Ethan shot Arabella a puzzled look and mouthed silently, “What’s going on?”
Arabella shrugged slightly and mouthed back, “No clue.”
Ever since she’d gotten home, Naomi had been acting oddly–almost like a completely different person. “Frank, Ethan, Arabella–please, help yourselves,” Naomi said warmly to the three of them.
“Alright, let’s eat,” Ethan said, though he felt a little tense throughout the meal.
Through dinner, Naomi kept Jonathan and Florence entertained, sharing stories and laughter.
The three siblings mostly stayed quiet, focusing on their plates like efficient eating machines.
“I’m full,” Ethan said finally, setting down his fork.
“Me too,” Arabella added.
Frank glanced at his plate. “I’ll have a little more.”
“Take your time, then. I’m going to head to my room,” Arabella said as she stood up.
“I just remembered I’ve got something to take care of. I’ll be in the study,” Ethan said, following her out.
“Ethan and Arabella didn’t seem to eat very much,” Naomi commented, sounding slightly disappointed.
Frank replied calmly, “They ate enough. You were just busy talking with Mom and Dad and didn’t notice.”
“Oh, I see,” Naomi smiled. “Well, Frank, have some more then.”
“Sure,” Frank said, though he ate more slowly now.
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He wasn’t really that hungry anymore–he just had a feeling something was off about Naomi’s behavior and wanted to see how the rest of the evening played out.
Naomi turned her attention back to charming Jonathan and Florence…
Upstairs, Ethan hadn’t gone to the study at all. Instead, he followed Arabella into her room.
“Arabella, what’s really going on? Why is Naomi acting so… weird?” Ethan asked in a hushed tone.
Arabella shook her head. “I don’t know exactly, but I’d guess it has something to do with what happened at the hospital.”
“If she really knows she was in the wrong, shouldn’t she apologize to you directly? Why is she trying so hard to win over Mom and Dad?” Ethan was genuinely confused. Shouldn’t the person you wronged be the one you make things right with?
“Maybe she doesn’t think she did anything wrong. Or maybe she just can’t bring herself to apologize to me directly.” Arabella reasoned. “She probably came back to smooth things over with Mom and Dad because she’s worried they might shut her out.”
“That makes sense.” Ethan nodded slowly. “No wonder she was laughing and chatting with them all through dinner.”
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Chapter 525 Naomi’s Apology Gift
“But… did Mom and Dad really forgive her that easily?” Ethan still didn’t get it. How could it be so simple?
Arabella shrugged. “Maybe whatever she told them sounded convincing enough.”
“What could she have even said?” Ethan wondered aloud. How did she manage to win them over so quickly?
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“She probably just came up with some excuses,” Arabella speculated. “And I don’t think Mom and Dad have fully forgiven her–not really. They’re probably just giving her more time, or another chance to make things right.”