Chapter 381

A vague sense of unease had settled in Naomi’s chest upon seeing Arabella looking so particularly put–together this morning.

Thinking of Frank’s dinner invitation for that evening, she frowned. Did Arabella dress up like this specifically for that?

“Naomi, is everything alright? You haven’t touched your food,” Florence observed, looking at her with concern.

Naomi then realized she had been holding her fork poised over her plate without taking a bite.

“Oh, right. Sorry,” she said hurriedly, taking a few quick mouthfuls. “I just remembered I have an early conference call. I should probably head out.”

“Are you sure you’re finished? Even with work, there’s no need to rush off without eating properly,” Florence pressed gently.

Naomi forced a polite smile. “I’m full, really. Thank you.”

“Alright then, drive safely,” Florence conceded, not wishing to push.

After watching Naomi leave, Florence sighed quietly. “Does it seem to you like she’s been carrying the weight of the world lately?

“Does she?” Alfred frowned slightly. “I hadn’t noticed.”

“I just sense a distance that wasn’t there before,” Florence said, her voice tinged with maternal worry.

Ethan offered reassurance. “Mom, Naomi has always been the responsible, independent type. Try not to worry. She’s probably ju under a lot of pressure at the office this quarter.”

“He’s right, Mom,” Frank agreed. “It’s likely just work stress.”

Florence nodded but still felt compelled to add, “Well, if any of you notice she’s struggling, please reach out. Don’t let her shoulde everything alone.”

“We will,” came the collective agreement from her sons.

Arabella, for her part, had little interest in dwelling on Naomi’s fluctuating moods and focused on finishing her breakfast.

After the meal, the siblings gradually departed Cloudrise Manor for their respective days.

Watching the cars pull away, Florence sighed again. “I can’t shake this feeling of unease.”

Jonathan placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Try not to overanalyze, dear. They’re all adults now. It’s natural for them to have their own private concerns,”

“I know Naomi isn’t our biological daughter, but we raised her. I just want her to be happy,” Florence said, her expression troubled.

Jonathan gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze. “You know the woman you raised better than anyone. And Frank and Ethan have always watched out for her. She’s not alone.”

“For some reason, though, I just have this anxious feeling,” Florence admitted, knowing she might be overthinking but unable to dismiss the sentiment.

Jonathan took her hand. “Let’s not dwell on it here. How about a drive down to the coastline? The sea air will do us good.”

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Chapter 381 Matthew’s Summons

Florence looked up at him, a fond smile finally reaching her eyes. “That sounds perfect.”

“Paul, please have the car brought around.”

“Right away, sir.”

The couple soon left the manor grounds.

*****

45 Fr

On the freeway, the morning commute was in full swing.

Arabella kept her focus on the traffic ahead. As she approached an intersection, the light turned amber, then red. She eased h foot onto the brake and came to a smooth stop.

Her car’s Bluetooth system chimed, signaling an incoming call. She tapped the answer button on the steering wheel. “Hello?”

“Come to my office at Horizon.” Matthew’s voice filled the cabin, characteristically direct.

“Mr. Stewart?” Arabella was taken aback. “What is this regarding?”

“The investigation into your car incident. We have findings.” He got straight to the point. Arabella understood. “In that case, you could simply brief me over the phone, Mr. Stewart.” After all, it was just a matter of relaying information. A call seemed perfectly efficient. Matthew, however, sounded unamused. “You’re refusing to come to my office?”

“Huh?” Arabella was confused. “Is the situation that complex?”

Why else would a face–to–face meeting be necessary?

“Mm.” The monosyllabic confirmation was followed by the decisive click of the call ending.

“Hello?” Hearing the dial tone, Arabella clenched her jaw in mild frustration, “Unbelievable.”

“I should have just looked into it myself,” she muttered with a sigh. Resigned, she changed lanes, her route now set for the downtown headquarters of Horizon Corp.

Soon, she was walking into the sleek, modern lobby of Horizon and taking the elevator to the executive floor.

She approached the familiar door and knocked.

“Enter.”

Hearing the command, Arabella opened the door and stepped inside.

Andy was present, standing near Matthew’s desk. Arabella nodded to him and cut to the chase. “Go ahead, Andy.”

For some reason, Andy sensed a distinct chill in her demeanor. He glanced subtly toward Matthew, seeking silent guidance. Arabella’s brow furrowed. “Does Mr. Stewart need to deliver this update personally?”

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Chapter 381 Matthew’s Summons

“Oh, no. Not at all,” Andy replied, slightly flustered.

+5 Free Co

He had merely been checking his boss‘ disposition. He had, after all, been privy to the earlier phone call. The matter could have been resolved over the phone.

Seeing Matthew’s composed and inscrutable expression, however, Andy regained his professional poise.

His own expression turned serious. “The incident was orchestrated by Dylan and Harper.”

“Dylan.” The pieces clicked into place for Arabella, and a cold, humorless smirk touched her lips. “I’d almost forgotten about tho two.”

Their angry exit after the last confrontation evidently hadn’t been the end of it.

“They bribed the truck driver,” Andy continued. “The driver is now claiming full responsibility, stating he fell asleep at the wheel due to fatigue and ran the light. Any digital trail or physical evidence linking the payment to Dylan has been scrubbed clean.*

With no witnesses and the driver adamantly sticking to his story, the legal path forward was obstructed.

“Alright. I understand the situation,” Arabella responded, her tone unsettlingly calm.

Matthew watched her, his gaze sharp and assessing.

Andy was puzzled. “Dr. Hamilton, that’s… it? You understand?”

She was reacting as if she’d just been told the weather forecast.

Arabella raised an eyebrow slightly. “Yes. I now comprehend the facts of the case. Was there something else?”

What more was she supposed to say?