Chapter 411

A Close Call

“Well, she’s a busy woman,” Arabella said with an awkward little laugh.

At that, Matthew’s gaze darkened, “If you ever need to go again, I’ll have someone go with you.”

“What? No, that’s not necessary!” Arabella refused immediately.

If someone came along, there was no way she’d be able to keep her identity under wraps.

But Matthew was firm, leaving no room for argument. “You’re not going alone anymore.”

“Why?” Arabella frowned. She had to go alone–there was no other way.

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“Don’t you think those places you mentioned are dangerous?” Matthew’s brow furrowed deeply. Her complete lack of concern stirred an odd frustration in him.

“It’s not that bad. You just have to be careful.” Sure, they were a bit risky, but those harsh environments were the only places she could find the rare herbs she needed,

His expression darkened further. “Being careful is your strategy for dealing with danger?”

If being careful actually worked, there wouldn’t be things like accidental injuries.

Missing the shift in his expression, Arabella shrugged. “Anyway, that was ages ago. I haven’t gone that often, and I won’t need to forage for herbs myself anymore.”

“Someone can go for you?” Matthew asked, puzzled.

She shook her head. “I don’t really need those rare herbs anymore.”

Back then, she’d foraged for them to make medicine for Edward. That medicine was what had kept him going until his surgery.

His pupils narrowed slightly. “Why won’t you need them in the future?”

“Oh, it’s for my brother. I gave him some specific supplements to help with his health,” Arabella explained.

“But wasn’t Edward’s condition handled by that legendary healer, Aletta?” Matthew pressed.

Arabella’s breath hitched. Crap, this guy is too sharp.

“Yeah, my mentor performed the surgery, but his condition wasn’t great afterward, so I made some tonics for him,” Arabella said, scrambling for an explanation that would hold up.

Matthew glanced at her. “From what I understand, Edward’s condition was congenital, right? And before he met Aletta, he was only ever on palliative care.”

Under Matthew’s sharp gaze, Arabella felt like he could see right through her.

Panic welled up. She instinctively stepped back, needing distance, space to think.

But as she moved back, she bumped into a rack of drying herbs.

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9:53 am

Chapter 411 A Close Call

The rack tipped from the impact, and a basket of medicine tumbled straight toward her head.

“Watch out!” Instinctively, Matthew grabbed her and pulled her into his arms.

Wrapped in his solid arms, she looked up. Their eyes met, and she caught his distinct scent.

The basket hit the floor with a crash.

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“Mr. Stewart, are you okay?” An employee rushed over to check, but stopped short at the scene, unsure whether to approach.

Coming to her senses, Arabella realized Matthew was shielding her and felt instantly awkward.

“Thanks,” she said, stepping back like she’d been burned.

The sudden emptiness in his arms left Matthew with an inexplicable sense of loss, as if something had been tugged from inside him.

Glancing at the others, Arabella said, “Can someone clean this up?”

Then she turned and strode off quickly.

Watching her retreating figure, Matthew’s brow quirked almost imperceptibly.

His mood inexplicably lightened, and he followed after her.

“I just saved you, and all I get is a ‘thanks‘?” Matthew teased deliberately.

Still flustered, his words only annoyed her more. “Does Mr. Stewart expect a reward?”

“Shouldn’t I?” he shot back.

She rolled her eyes internally, then flashed a bright smile. “Of course.”

But her tone was tight, almost gritted.

He couldn’t help but chuckle. “You look so reluctant. Fine, I’ll treat you.”

“You’ll treat me?” Arabella blinked, surprised.

“To help settle your nerves,” he said.

Seeing that it was indeed almost noon, Arabella said, “Then let me treat you.”

“Next time,” Matthew said, already heading outside.

Her lips twitched, but she followed him anyway.

Leaving the pharma facility, Arabella and Matthew got into the car.

As the car pulled away, Matthew asked, “What do you want to eat?”

‘I’m treating, so you can choose,” Arabella said. “You helped me last time, and you saved me today. I really should thank you.”

Matthew glanced at her. “I said, next time.”

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napter 411 A Close Call

Seeing his insistence, Arabella raised an eyebrow. “Then barbecue”

“Barbecue?” Matthew frowned.

“Yeah, the spicy kind, Arabella said with a sly grin

Catching her mischievous look, Matthew pretended to hesitate. “As my doctor, are you sure you want me eating somethi spicy?”

“T be eating it.” Arabella shrugged. “You said I could choose.”

“Fine,” Matthew agreed, then told the driver. “Take us to that barbecue restaurant downtown!

The driver replied, “Yes, sir.”