Chapter 407
Proposal for Collaboration
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“Naomi, what are you talking about? You’ve always been the one looking out for me,” Ruby said, her voice dripping with practiced gratitude.
Naomi felt a warmth spread through her chest. At least she still had Ruby.
She started the car. “I’ll drop you at the hospital first.”
“You’re always so good to me, Naomi.” Ruby smiled sweetly.
Naomi’s lips curved slightly. Her mood lifted, and something like hope flickered in her eyes.
Watching Naomi’s expression shift, Ruby’s gaze sharpened for just a moment. She’d known Naomi wouldn’t say no.
As Naomi drove, the hesitation she’d felt earlier began to fade, replaced by something steadier. Something harder.
Back at Cloudrise Manor, breakfast was winding down. Arabella stood, ready to head out. “I should get to the office.”
Ethan rose too. “I’ll ride with you.”
Arabella glanced at him. “To my company?”
He nodded. “Yeah. I heard Derek’s coming in today. Thought I’d sit in.”
“You’re well–informed.” Arabella laughed lightly.
“Got to stay on top of things.” Ethan’s eyes crinkled at the corners.
“Let’s go, then.”
They walked out together, chatting easily, and slid into Ethan’s car. The vehicle pulled away from the estate.
“Hey,” Ethan said after a moment, “are you really okay with how the birthday thing is shaping up?”
Arabella tilted her head. “What do you mean?”
Ethan chose his words carefully. “It should’ve been your party. Yours first.”
He was thinking about the mix–up all those years ago–how Naomi had ended up with everything that should’ve been Arabella’s.
Arabella shrugged, unbothered. “It’s just a birthday. After all these years, I’m used to it. Changing it now would feel… off.” She paused. “Mom mentioned doing a joint thing–celebrating me and Naomi together, formally introducing me to everyone. I said no.”
Ethan frowned. “Why?”
“I don’t need a big production to announce who I am. And I’m not really into huge, flashy events.” She smiled. “When my actual birthday comes around, I’d rather just keep it low–key. Family dinner, maybe.”
Ethan shook his head slowly. “That might not fly. Mom and Dad? They’re gonna want to make a big deal out of it.”
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2:53 am p ppp.
Chapter 407 Proposal for Collaboration
“They won’t push,” Arabella said, sounding sure.
Ethan raised an eyebrow. “How can you be so certain?”
Arabella’s grin turned playful. “Because everyone loves me?
Ethan blinked, then let out a laugh. “Fair point.”
He had to admit–if Arabella pushed back on something, no one in the family would have the heart to force her. They were all too busy trying to make up for lost time.
A while later, they pulled up to the pharmaceutical company.
Chloe was waiting by the entrance. “Ms. Hamilton, Mr. Hamilton.” She nodded respectfully to both of them.
“Let’s talk in my office,” Arabella said.
The three of them headed inside.
“Everything’s set on our end,” Chloe reported once they were in the office. “I’ve been in touch with Mr. Shane’s assistant. They’re about ten minutes out.”
“Good,” Arabella said.
Now they just waited.
Arabella turned to Ethan. “I did some digging. Derek’s company has serious credentials in pharma R&D. If this partnership works out, it’ll be a big win for us.”
Ethan nodded. “That’s why I wanted to be here. If it were some small operation, I wouldn’t bother.”
Arabella smiled slightly, glad he understood the stakes.
A soft knock came at the door.
The secretary poked her head in. “Ms. Hamilton, they’re here.”
“Send them to the conference room. We’ll be right there,” Arabella instructed.
“Of course.” The secretary disappeared.
Arabella stood. “Ready?”
Ethan rose and followed her out.
When they walked into the conference room, Derek and his team were already seated.
Arabella’s eyes landed on Matthew, and she blinked. “Mr. Stewart. I didn’t expect you.”
Matthew’s expression was neutral. “Should I have stayed home?”
“No, that’s not what I meant.” Arabella recovered quickly. “I’m just surprised.”
She’d assumed it would just be Derek–that she’d negotiate directly with him. Matthew’s showing up was unexpected.