Chapter 438
Strengthened Resolve
Naomi was still sitting there, staring at nothing, when her phone rang.
She blinked, pulled herself together, and answered.
“Naomi? How’d it go?” Ruby’s voice came through, cager.
Naomi kept it short. “I moved out.”
Ruby sounded genuinely surprised. “Wait, seriously? Where are you now?”
She couldn’t believe Naomi had actually done it–and this fast.
“I’m at the office,” Naomi said. “Didn’t have anywhere else to go yet, so I came here.”
Ruby hesitated. “So… what’s your plan now?”
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Naomi shook her head, even though Ruby couldn’t see it. “I don’t know yet. Nothing solid.”
All she knew was she couldn’t stay in that house anymore. It didn’t feel like hers.
Ruby’s voice dropped, more cautious now. “Did Aunt Florence and Uncle Jonathan just let you walk out? Just like that?”
Naomi exhaled. “I left a note.” She gave Ruby the short version.
Ruby’s tone shot up. “Wait–so you still have the company, and they’re getting you an apartment?”
She could barely hide the envy creeping into her voice.
An apartment. Just handed over. After Naomi had literally announced she was leaving the family.
Naomi’s voice went quieter. “Yeah. Looks like it.”
The thought of Florence tugged at something in her chest. But going back to that house… facing Arabella every day? She couldn’t do it.
Ruby forced herself to sound supportive. “Okay. This is actually a good thing.”
She took a breath, then continued, “Naomi, listen. You’re out from under them now. No more rules, no more watching eyes. You can focus on Matthew. Without the Hamiltons in the way,
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Chapter 438 Strengthened Resolve
I’m sure Mr. Stewart will come around.”
Naomi bit her lip. “But I don’t even know where to start.”
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Ruby lowered her voice. “What’s there to figure out? Get close to him. Use whatever you have
to.”
Naomi hesitated. “After last night… It might be hard to even get near him again.”
Ruby wasn’t fazed. “So what? You control the narrative. No one actually knows what happened. Make it work for you.”
“You mean-
“This is your chance. Don’t overthink it.”
Naomi started to respond, but a knock at the door cut her off.
“I have to go.” She hung up quickly.
The door opened. Her assistant stepped in. “Ms. Hamilton? Got a document here that needs your signature.”
Naomi took a breath, steadying herself. “Bring it here.”
The assistant handed it over, waited while she signed, then left.
The office fell silent again. Naomi stared at the door, her eyes dark and unreadable.
*****
Meanwhile, across town, Arabella had just finished up for the morning. She was reaching for a sketchpad when Chloe knocked.
“Mr. Hamilton? There’s someone downstairs. Says he’s a friend. Should I send him up?”
Arabella frowned. “A friend? Did he give a name?”
Chloe shook her head. “No.”
Arabella glanced at the clock. “Never mind. I’ll go down. It’s lunchtime anyway.”
Chloe nodded. “Got it.”
Arabella shut down her computer and grabbed her bag.
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Chapter 438 Strengthened Resolve
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When she stepped out of the elevator and into the lobby, she was surprised to see who was waiting. Lucas. Arabella raised an eyebrow. “You. I was wondering which ‘friend‘ was being so mysterious.”
Lucas shoved his hands in his pockets. “I was in the neighborhood. Thought since it’s lunch, maybe we could grab something.”
Arabella shrugged. “Sure. I was about to eat anyway.”
His grin widened. “Perfect. Let’s go.”
They walked out to his car. Once they were inside, Lucas glanced at her. “There’s a new place that just opened. You good with that?”
Arabella gave him a look. “Please tell me it’s not another one of your family’s restaurants.”
Lucas laughed. “God, no. After that whole thing last time–kicking people out of our own place -my parents lit into me. I’m keeping my distance from their businesses for a while.”
Arabella smiled. “Tough life. Rich kid with no pull at home.”
“Pull? I have zero pull. Unless I agree to take over the company.” He made a face. “Not happening.”
Arabella studied him for a second. “Yeah, corporate life probably isn’t your thing.”
Lucas perked up. “Oh yeah? What is my thing? What do you think of me?”
She was paying attention to his personality. That had to mean something, right?
Arabella glanced at him. “On the surface? Easygoing. Unbothered. But underneath? Still kind of a kid who hasn’t quite grown up.”
Lucas‘ face fell. “Was that… supposed to be a compliment?”
“More of an observation.” It wasn’t a dig. Just a fact.
He muttered under his breath, “That’s worse than getting friend–zoned.”
Arabella frowned. “What?”
“Nothing.” He shook it off quickly. “So. Foreign cuisine it is.”
“Fine by me.” She shrugged. Food was food.
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Lucas stepped on the gas. “Let’s go.”
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They pulled up to the restaurant a little while later. Lucas found a spot and killed the engine.
“I already grabbed a table,” he said as they got out. “Reservation and everything.”
Arabella’s eyes narrowed slightly. “You had a reservation?”
Lucas‘ face flushed. “I–I was gonna eat here by myself. And then I drove past your building and thought maybe you’re free. So I called you. You… don’t mind, right?”
He looked genuinely nervous,