Chapter 449

A Sharp Retort

Arabella shook her head. “I’m good, thanks.”

Sophia shot Liam a look. “Really? You’ve got your Jonathan and Ethan to drink with. Leave Arabella alone.”

Liam chuckled. “I was just asking. No pressure.”

He filled three glasses, and the men started in on the wine.

“Here, sweetheart, eat more.” Florence reached over, adding food to Arabella’s plate.

+5 Free Coins

Sophia watched with concern. “Does her work always demand this much? Growing her own herbs? Maybe you should tell her to take it easy, stay home with you more.”

Florence smiled gently. “I wish. But she’d never go for it.” She shook her head. “Besides, it’s good for young people to have their own careers.”

Arabella glanced up. “It’s not as intense as it sounds, Aunt Sophia. I chose to grow this batch myself. There’s a specific ingredient I need—hard to source, harder to transport and store. The quantity I need is small, so I figured I’d try cultivating it.”

Sophia’s eyes widened. “You’re growing something rare? Oh, that’s impressive.”

Ruby muttered under her breath, “Only a farm girl grows her own stuff.”

Arabella’s eyebrow lifted. “Someone who can’t tell a weed from a crop probably shouldn’t throw stones.”

“I wasn’t throwing stones at anyone.” Ruby’s chin lifted. “I was throwing them at you.”

Liam’s voice cut through. “Ruby. If you’re not going to eat properly, go wait in the car. Don’t ruin dinner for everyone.”

Sophia added, more gently, “Sweetheart, cultivating medicinal plants isn’t simple. It takes real skill. It’s not something just anyone can do.”

Ruby shrugged it off. “I’m not wrong. You can buy any ingredient. This is just extra.” She turned back to Arabella, smirking. “Honestly, you’d be better off as a farm girl. Drop the company, give it back to Uncle Jonathan, and just go tend your little plants.”

A cool smile touched Arabella’s lips. “In a few days, when you come crawling to this farm girl for help, I hope you remember how bold you were tonight.”

“As if.” Ruby scoffed. “I’d never beg you for anything. Don’t flatter yourself.”

Arabella shrugged. “Doesn’t matter to me. The one who ends up embarrassed is the one who has to eat their words.”

“Just because you trained under some famous doctor doesn’t make you untouchable.” Ruby’s voice rose. “If I get sick–which I won’t–there are plenty of doctors in this city. I’d never come to you.” She paused, indignant. “Wait–are you cursing me?!”

“You’re the one who’ll get sick, your whole fam-”

“Ruby.” Naomi’s hand shot out, gripping her arm. Hard.

Ruby’s mouth snapped shut. She felt it–the weight of everyone’s eyes, the sudden shift in the air. She swallowed.

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10:15 am P

Chapter 449 A Sharp Retort

“Your whole fam… just you.” Ruby finished weakly, then dropped her gaze to her plate and shoved food into her mouth.

She’d almost walked straight into that one.

Arabella hid a small smile. So Ruby wasn’t completely clueless. Just mostly.

+5 Free Coins

The table had gone quiet. Arabella turned smoothly to Liam. “Uncle Liam, you’re falling behind. Dad’s waiting. You’re not trying to weasel out, are you?”

Liam laughed, relieved at the shift. “Never.” He tipped his glass back and drained it.

“Here, let me.” Ethan reached for the bottle and refilled Liam’s glass.

The men picked up where they’d left off, and the awkward moment dissolved.

Sophia watched Arabella, a warm smile curving her lips. She liked this girl more every time she saw her.

“Here.” Florence slid more shrimp onto Arabella’s plate. “Your favorite. Eat.”

“Thanks, Mom.” Arabella smiled. “You and Aunt Sophia eat too.”

“We will.”

Ruby stayed quiet for the rest of the meal. The atmosphere eased back into something comfortable.

After dinner, Liam and Sophia stood to leave.

“We should head out,” Liam said.

“Drive safe,” Florence told them. “Get some rest.”

“Will do.” Liam nodded.

Ruby, uncharacteristically subdued, offered a quiet, “Goodnight, Aunt Florence. Uncle Jonathan. Ethan.”

Ethan frowned at her. “Get some actual sleep tonight. Those dark circles–do you ever close your eyes?”

“I know.” Ruby didn’t argue.

The three of them filed out.

The living room fell quiet. A beat passed. Then everyone’s attention shifted–to Naomi.

Awkward.

Florence cleared her throat softly. “Naomi, it’s late. You could stay…”

Naomi shook her head. “I should go. Now that Uncle’s family’s gone.”

She never would have come home if her uncle and aunt hadn’t visited today.

Florence’s expression flickered–disappointment, maybe–but she nodded, “If that’s what you want”

Naomi stood. “I’ll see you all later.”