Chapter 423
A Direct Rejection
That seemed to do the trick for some of them.
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“Even if she is from some small town, I still don’t think she’s as bad as Ruby’s making her out to be,” another girl countered.
The chatter picked up again, and Ruby was getting irritated.
“Oh my God, you guys asked, so I told you. Now you don’t believe me?” Ruby threw her hands up, playing annoyed. “Fine, whatever. Just don’t come crying to me when she causes problems for you.”
The group exchanged uncertain glances, picking up on Ruby’s attitude.
“Ruby, watch your mouth,” Naomi chided gently. “Someone like her would never have to deal with someone like that.”
Ruby caught on immediately. “Right, my bad. I was overthinking it.”
That one comment seemed to settle things. The others nodded along. “We were just curious, that’s all.”
“Honestly though, aren’t you guys focusing on the wrong thing?” one of them teased.
“What do you mean?” they asked, intrigued.
“Mr. Stewart’s taken–he’s with Naomi, so he’s off the table. But look around. There are plenty of eligible guys here tonight. None of them catching your eye?”
“Fair point!”
“I mean, that one over there’s not bad.”
“And that guy’s actually pretty cute.”
The conversation shifted instantly, the girls giggling and pointing out the attractive young men scattered across the room.
Ruby raised an eyebrow at Naomi, lowering her voice. “Nice save. Now they’re buying it.”
“Doesn’t really matter if they buy it or not.” Naomi’s gaze darkened. What mattered was that no one got too curious about Arabella.
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15:33 Thu, Apr 2
Chapter 423 A Direct Rejection
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“So about what we talked about earlier… when are you planning to do it?” Ruby whispered.
Naomi scanned the room, her eyes landing on Matthew standing off in a corner.
“When the moment’s right,” she murmured.
“Got it. I’ll keep an eye out and let you know as soon as there’s an opening.” Ruby nodded.
While the girls giggled and gossiped about the guys, the guys were doing the same thing- checking out the girls.
“Such a boring party. I really didn’t want to come,” one of them muttered.
Another guy nodded in agreement. “Same. My parents basically forced me.”
“Honestly, my mom basically said this whole thing is a setup. They’re trying to find a match for Naomi,” a third guy added quietly.
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, the Hamiltons are looking for a suitable husband for her. We’re basically the candidates.”
“Oh. That explains why my family insisted I show up.”
“Yeah, same here.”
It suddenly clicked for all of them, and their gazes drifted toward Naomi.
“Objectively though, she’s not bad–looking. And I’ve heard she’s talented,” one of them remarked.
Another nodded. “Yeah, she seems fine.”
“That’s not really the point though, is it?” the third guy cut in, a little dismissive. “The point is, the Hamiltons‘ daughter was supposed to marry into the Stewart family. Now they’re out here shopping around. Doesn’t that strike you as weird?”
“And Matthew’s here tonight, acting like nothing’s off. Think about it.”
The group went quiet for a moment, exchanging looks.
“So… what’s the deal?”
“Who knows? All I know is, no one in their right mind tries to take a woman from Matthew.”
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15:33 Thu, Apr 2
Chapter 423 A Direct Rejection
“Yeah…”
A slight chill ran through the group. There was some truth to that.
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“Come on, you guys have no taste,” one of them said, a little smug. “If you ask me, that girl over there is the real catch of the night.”
“Which one?” they all asked, curious.
He tilted his head toward Arabella. “The one next to Alfred.”
“Please, like we didn’t notice her.” Someone rolled their eyes. “Too bad she’s with Alfred. She’s probably taken. Don’t bother.”
“They’re just friends, though. If she were with him, they’d introduce her as his girlfriend,” another guy insisted, not ready to give up.
With that, he started walking toward Arabella. The others looked at each other, then, curiosity getting the better of them, followed.
“Hey, I’m Zach Barnes. Mind if I ask your name?”
Arabella looked up at the guy standing in front of her. “Hi. Can I help you with something?”
“Uh… not really. I was just wondering if I could get to know you? Maybe we could be friends?” Zach asked, trying to sound smooth.
“No,” Arabella replied flatly.
Zach blinked, caught off guard. “Come on, no need to be so cold.”
“If it’s out of line, maybe don’t do it,” she said calmly.
Zach hadn’t expected such a blunt rejection, and his face tightened slightly.
“Told you it wouldn’t work, but you didn’t listen,” someone snickered behind him.
Zach shot them a look. “Oh yeah? You think you can do better?”
“Nope, I know when to quit.” The guy shook his head. “Besides, look at Alfred. He looks like he’s about two seconds from throwing a punch.”
“Keep your voice down. He’s coming over,” someone warned.