Chapter 374 Matthew Demands Arabella’s Exclusive Company
In any case, she just wanted to get Matthew to move on–the really didn’t want to be around
him
She couldn’t shake the feeling that he wasn’t here for the art at all, but rather to comer her and expose her secrets.
“If that’s how you feel… Matthew paused, feigning thoughtfulness. “Then, does the promise Dr. Hamilton made to me earlier still hold?”
“What promise?” Arabella looked puzzled. What was he referring to?
“You owe me a favor. You said you’d repay it, Matthew reminded her.
Arabella nodded. “Of course. I keep my word.”
Even as she said it, she still didn’t understand what he was driving at.
Matthew continued, “Accompanying me through the rest of the exhibition could count as repaying that favor.”
“Why should she go with you?” Lucas snapped instantly, his anger flaring
Ignoring Lucas, Matthew asked Arabella, “Are you unwilling?”
Taking a deep breath, Arabella forced a slight smile. “Of course I’m willing. A promise is a promise.
The more she wanted to avoid him, the more he seemed to cling!
Was this guy deliberately trying to get under her skin?
“Arabella, why go with him? It’ll just spoil the mood, Lucas complained.
Matthew glanced at Lucas. “Having an extra person does tend to spoil the mood.”
Then he added, “Dr. Hamilton, my specific request is for you to accompany me alone.”
“Matthew, don’t go too far!” Lucas fumed, practically hopping with indignation.
“Is that beyond your capability, Dr. Hamilton? If so, perhaps this favor…” Matthew deliberately let his sentence trail off, adopting a troubled expression.
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Chapter 874 Matthew Demands Arabella’s Exclusive Company
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Arabella felt torn and tried to reason with him. “Mr. Stewart, this is a public space. You can’t ask other visitors to leave
“That’s your concern. My only condition is that you accompany me. That will settle the debt,” Matthew stated calmly,
Arabella frowned, resentment simmering inside. He was clearly putting her in an impossible position!
After all, she had brought Lucas along–she couldn’t just dismiss him now. But she had indeed promised Matthew she would fulfill his request.
Seeing Arabella’s dilemma, Lucas gritted his teeth. “Fine, don’t put her on the spot. I’ll leave, okay?”
“Lucas!” Arabella was surprised. She hadn’t expected him to offer that.
“It’s fine. I’ll go look at the other works. I just won’t be in your immediate vicinity. We can leave together when you’re done,” Lucas reassured Arabella.
Arabella sighed. “Alright then. Go explore the other galleries.”
“I won’t go far. I’ll just wait for you near Stella’s section.” If he couldn’t buy a piece, he could at least look at them a few more times.
Arabella nodded. “I’ll come find you when I’m finished.”
“Okay, I’ll be waiting,” Lucas agreed, trying to sound cheerful.
Watching the two of them seem so reluctant to part, Matthew felt a flicker of irritation.
Was all that really necessary?
Was Lucas truly that impressive in her eyes?
Let’s go, Matthew said, a hint of chill in his tone.
“Mm, Arabella agreed and followed Matthew as he moved toward the other galleries.
Sensing her following, Matthew subtly adjusted his pace so they were walking side by side.
He glanced down at Arabella and, seeing she didn’t appear overly upset, felt his irritation ease slightly.
They walked in silence for a while.
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Chapter 374 Matthew Demands Arabella’s Exclusive Company
“You and he have gotten quite close,” Matthew remarked offhandedly,
“What?” Distracted, Arabella didn’t catch his words and looked at him blankly.
Matthew’s brow furrowed slightly. “You and Lucas
“What about us?” Arabella blinked innocently,
Thinking she was being evasive, Matthew’s tone cooled. “You’re very protective of him.”
Arabella looked genuinely confused. “Mr. Stewart, what exactly are you trying to say?”
She truly couldn’t follow his logic.
Matthew’s expression darkened a fraction.
“How strange,” Arabella muttered under her breath before continuing forward.
零四
Her attention was captured by a vibrant abstract painting, and she quickened her steps. this is really compelling. The technique is precise, the color palette is bold, and most importantly, the atmosphere it creates is truly immersive…”
‘Oh,
Speaking about the painting, Arabella forgot her earlier annoyance and turned to Matthew. “What do you think, Mr. Stewart?”
Her smile was bright, like a child who had discovered a treasure, eager to share it…
Unconsciously, the corner of Matthew’s mouth lifted slightly. “It is quite good.”
Arabella rested her chin on her hand, studying the painting with serious appreciation. “This would look wonderful in my brother’s office. It suits his style.”
After a moment’s thought, Matthew ventured, “Edward?”
Aside from him, Matthew couldn’t think of anyone else in the Hamilton family Arabella would gift such a painting to.
“Hmm, I’m surprised you remember him, Mr. Stewart,” Arabella said, looking slightly astonished. Given Edward’s current standing, he probably wasn’t on Matthew’s social radar.
“We met at the hospital previously,” Matthew replied casually.
Arabella shrugged. He had met plenty of people at the hospital–it wasn’t remarkable for
Matthew to remember one of them.
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Chapter 374 Matthew Demands Arabella’s Exclusive Company
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But Arabella didn’t feel like pursuing the topic. After another moment of consideration, she decided, “I’m going to purchase this one.”
“Wouldn’t it be better if you painted one for him yourself?” A hint of playful suggestion flashed in Matthew’s eyes.