Chapter 436

Protective Warning

Arabella glanced at Ethan. “It might not just be a tantrum. She might actually not come back this time.”

Ethan clenched his jaw, but after a moment, all he could do was let out a heavy sigh. “She was always so smart growing up. Levelheaded. How does she suddenly do something this dumb?”

Frank shook his head. “It doesn’t make sense.”

Arabella turned to Jonathan, who had been sitting quietly, staring at the letter on the table. “Dad? What do you think?”

Jonathan looked up, his expression tired. “You all read it. She said what she needed to say. If this is what she wants, we should respect that.”

Arabella glanced at Florence. Her mother gave a small nod, but the pain in her unmistakable.

She understood. But that didn’t make it hurt less.

eyes was

Arabella looked back at Jonathan. “Dad. About the company you gave her. You said yesterday that once you give something, you don’t take it back. Does that still stand?”

Jonathan nodded without hesitation. “Of course.”

“Good.” Arabella turned to Florence, her voice softer now. “Mom, if Naomi still shows up at the company today, that means she hasn’t cut ties completely. She’s just trying to stand on her own. You can still call her. Still see her. It’s not over.”

Alfred added, “Arabella’s right. If she still goes to work, she still sees you as her parents. Just… give her space.”

Florence pressed her lips together, then let out a long breath. “I guess that’s all we can do.” Her voice was quiet, resigned. “If this is what she wants…”

She trailed off, but everyone understood.

Jonathan stood. “Alright. Let’s eat. People have places to be.”

Everyone nodded and headed toward the dining room.

Breakfast was quieter than usual. The weight of Naomi’s departure hung in the air.

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14:24 Mon, Apr 6 …

Chapter 436 Protective Warning

Before he could answer, his phone rang. He stepped aside, listened for a moment, then his face tightened. “Copy. I understand.”

He hung up and glared at Ethan. “Thanks for that.”

Ethan waved smugly. “Don’t worry. While you’re gone, I’ll take good care of Arabella

Alfred didn’t have time to argue. He turned to Arabella. “Come on. I’ll drop you at the office, then handle a few things before heading back.”

Arabella nodded and got in.

Ethan watched the car pull away, then finally opened his own door.

A voice came from behind him. “You’re telling me whatever she says.”

Ethan laughed. “Frank. You show up now, after doing nothing? You didn’t even help me roast Alfred.”

Frank walked past him. “Too childish.” He got in his car and drove off.

Ethan stood there, bewildered. “I’m childish?!”

*****

Meanwhile, Alfred’s car had already left the estate.

Alfred kept his eyes on the road. Arabella studied his profile for a moment, then spoke quietly, “Be careful out there.”

He nodded. “I will.”

She didn’t push. Just added, “When you get back, dinner’s on me.”

Alfred glanced at her, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Deal.”

A beat of silence. Then Arabella said, “You wanted to talk about Naomi, didn’t you?”

Alfred’s expression darkened slightly. “Yeah. You need to be careful.”