Chapter 469
Keeping Secrets
Lena looked at Arabella and said, “Since you’re not seeing anyone at the moment, does that mean there’s still a chance for you and Matthew? He really is a wonderful young man.”
Arabella replied with a hint of helplessness, “Grandma, Grandpa, I’m really not looking to get into a relationship right now. Let’s just leave it for later, okay?”
She couldn’t bring herself to give a flat–out refusal–that would only make things awkward from here on out.
Matthew’s way of handling things still seemed the most practical: agree politely but do your own thing, buying some time in the process.
Of course, if Matthew happened to meet someone he really liked, Robert would probably be thrilled for him and wouldn’t keep bringing up the old arrangement.
ling a little more at ease, Arabella enjoyed her dinner, chatting with her grandparents about sorts of little things.
Oh, you!” Lena laughed, shaking her head.
The dining room was filled with warm laughter.
The soft glow of the pendant lights made the whole space feel cozy and inviting.
After dinner, Arabella stayed a while longer until her grandparents started to wind down for the evening. She then said her goodbyes and headed home.
Back at Cloudrise Manor, she found Florence still awake in the living room. “Mom, you’re still up?”
“I was waiting for you,” Florence said with a gentle smile. “Now that you’re back, I can relax.”
“I was just over at Grandma and Grandpa’s–you really didn’t have to worry,” Arabella said, feeling a touch guilty. “If I come home late again, please don’t wait up for me.”
“Alright, I hear you,” Florence replied. Then she asked, “What did your grandparents want to talk about?”
“Nothing serious. They just said they missed me and wanted me to stop by.” Arabella left out part of the story–she didn’t want to get into the whole misunderstanding.
But she was still puzzled. How did that mix–up even happen?
She’d been turning it over in her mind the whole drive home and still couldn’t figure it out.
“Is everything okay? You seem distracted,” Florence asked, noticing her daughter’s thoughtful expression.
Arabella snapped out of it and smiled. “It’s nothing.
“Mom, it’s getting late–you should get some rest.” Arabella helped Florence up from the couch.
“You’re sure nothing’s wrong?” Florence pressed one more time.
Arabella nodded. “Really. What could possibly go wrong at Grandma and Grandpa’s?”
Hearing that, Florence felt reassured. She figured Arabella was just tired and spacing out a little. “Good. You should get some rest too, sweetheart.”
t upstairs, exchanged goodnights, and retreated to their own rooms.
ile, on the other end of town…
who should have been asleep by then, was on the phone with Robert.
“Is that so?” Robert’s voice perked up with pleasant surprise.
“Absolutely. I looked into it–you just misunderstood the situation,” Ryan assured him.
Robert sounded satisfied. “Well, that’s a relief!”
“Make sure Matthew gets the message, so he doesn’t start overthinking things,” Ryan added.
“I’m not telling him,” Robert said stubbornly. “Let him sweat a little. He’s the one who claimed he and Dr. Hamilton were just putting on an act for our benefit. Serves him right to wonder how it all played out.”
Ryan couldn’t help but chuckle. “Some grandfather you
are.”
“Spend a few days getting on that kid’s nerves and you’ll understand what kind of grandfather I am,” Robert grumbled good–naturedly.
“Fine, h
gran
our way.” Ryan didn’t push the issue–after all, this was between Robert and his
Don’t you worry. Your future grandson–in–law isn’t going anywhere.”
“We’ll see how things unfold. If it’s not meant to be, we can’t force it,” Ryan said thoughtfully.
“Giving up already?” Robert teased.
“Not giving up. I still think we should encourage them where we can. But in the end, I’ll respect whatever they decide.” If things really didn’t click, each finding their own path to happiness would be just fine too.
Robert nodded on his end of the line. “Alright.”
He understood the logic well enough–but he really did think Arabella was something special.
“Let’s hope that boy has some luck on his side,” Robert sighed before hanging up.
“How did it go?” Lena asked as Ryan set down the phone.
an smiled. “Oh, he’s just a big kid at heart.”
Well, let him have his fun. As long as he got the point,” Lena said calmly.
“Yeah, in the end it’s not really up to us. It’s in the kids‘ hands now.” Ryan raised an eyebrow. “But until then, a little nudge here and there couldn’t hurt.”
Lena thought it over. “You know, I have a feeling those two are meant to be together.”
“I’ll take your word for it, dear.” Ryan was quite fond of Matthew and certainly didn’t want Arabella to miss out on someone so genuine.
“Alright now, you’ve been worrying about this all day. Time to get some rest,” Lena reminded him softly.
“You’re right,” Ryan agreed, reaching over to turn off the lamp.
The night grew still, and a bright moon hung calmly in the star–dusted sky.
The next morning, after breakfast, Arabella left Cloudrise Manor.
dn’t head straight to the office. Instead, she drove to her studio.
ings you here?” Colton asked, looking up in surprise.
a handed him a design sheet. “These are the sketches for Horizon Corp. Take a look.”
ady? That was fast!” Colton took them with an appreciative grin. “You never disappoint.”
“And here’s this.” Arabella passed him a flash drive. “That’s my full seasonal lineup–every piece for the new collection.”
Colton’s eyes widened. “You finished the whole set? Seriously, geniuses operate on another level.”
He had assumed it would take at least a few more days. After all, Arabella was busier than ever now–running a company and overseeing a pharmaceutical lab. Her attention was definitely stretched in more directions than before.