Chapter 474
Ruby’s Plan
“Oh, and Arabella too. You should all join us,” Naomi offered, making sure to include everyone.
“No, thanks. If I show up, it’ll just kill the mood,” Arabella replied flatly.
Naomi shifted uncomfortably. She hadn’t expected Arabella to be so direct.
Truth be told, she hadn’t really wanted to invite Arabella in the first place–that was why she’d mentioned her last.
She only extended the invitation because she didn’t want the others to think she was deliberately leaving Arabella out.
“Fine, don’t come. It’s not like anyone actually wants you there,” Ruby muttered under her breath, then added with a sneer, “At least you’re self–aware enough to know nobody likes you.”
Arabella shot her a cool glance. “Seems to me you’re the one nobody can stand.”
“Ruby, could you just keep quiet for a minute?” Sophia snapped, her patience clearly wearing
thin.
“Whatever. You all stay and eat. I’m heading home with Naomi.” With that, Ruby grabbed Naomi’s arm and marched out of the room.
“That girl, I swear…” Sophia sighed, looking completely drained.
Florence tried to soothe her. “Let them go. They’ve been close since they were kids. Maybe Naomi can talk some sense into her.”
“Come on, let’s dig in,” Jonathan said, trying to lighten the mood.
Liam let out a low sigh. “Jonathan, I really envy you. Arabella’s so thoughtful and well- mannered.”
“Don’t say that. Ruby just needs a little guidance–she’ll come around eventually,” Jonathan reassured him.
“Arabella, here–try this. It’s your favorite,” Ethan said as he placed a serving on her plate.
“Thanks, Ethan,” Arabella replied with a soft smile.
Frank glanced toward Arabella. “You know, if you really don’t want to go to Naomi’s dinner, you don’t have to force yourself.”
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Chapter 474 Ruby’s Plan
“Yeah, I know.” Arabella nodded, still smiling gently.
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“She might still be working through some things. Give her time–it’ll sort itself out,” Frank offered comfortingly.
Arabella didn’t seem bothered in the slightest. “Frank, really, I’m fine. You don’t have to worry about me.”
After all, she wasn’t the one upset–so of course it didn’t bother her.
“What’s all this about?” Liam asked, looking genuinely confused. He felt like he’d missed part of the conversation.
It’s nothing serious,” Frank explained calmly. “Probably just because Naomi and Ruby have heen tight, so the sisters have drifted a little. Don’t worry, Uncle–it’ll work itself out
Uncle, please do grateful for th
She really
“Lia
m
“Arabella, all of this is really Ruby’s fault.”
and Aunt have always been wonderful to me. I’m truly ncerely.
or her aunt and uncle.
own now. They’ve got their own minds. Let them sort things out in their said, hoping to ease Liam’s concern.
i had moved out, maybe things would settle down. Given some time, she me around.
‘m really sorry for all the trouble Ruby’s been causing,” Sophia said with sincere
waved it off kindly. “She’s family–no need to apologize. Ruby’s just been acting out she hasn’t had enough guidance over the years. Just give her a bit more attention forward.”
re right. We will,” Sophia replied, her own regret showing in her tone.
right, enough about all that. Let’s just enjoy the meal,” Jonathan interjected warmly.
Yeah, let’s eat.”
The table soon filled with lively conversation and warmth, wrapping everyone in a comfortable, family atmosphere.
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Chapter 474 Ruby’s Plan
*****
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On the other side of town, Naomi and Ruby had already left Cloudrise Manor.
“Naomi, you were way too nice to her back there. It almost looked like you were scared of her,” Ruby grumbled, still irritated.
“Ah,” Naomi sighed softly. “Ruby, when are you going to learn to hold back a little?
“That temper of yours–how many times has it landed you in hot water?” Why couldn’t she ever just keep herself in check?
Ruby paused, then replied with a hint of frustration, “You’re right, Naomi. I think because I haven’t been sleeping well lately, I just can’t seem to control my reactions. Sometimes after I argue with her and lose my cool, I regret it later. But the second I see her, it all just boils over again.”
Naomi studied Ruby closely. “You really haven’t been looking well. You should take the medicine she gave you–and on time–so you can get better.”
“No way I’m taking that stuff. How do I even know it’s not poisoned?” Ruby said, her face twisting with disgust. “As if she’d actually try to help me.”
Earlier Arabella had said Ruby would have to beg for it, and now she was handing it over so easily? Something definitely felt off about that.
“She wouldn’t do that. There were plenty of people around–she couldn’t just give you bad medicine,” Naomi reasoned, trying to sound convincing.
“She’s the one who stopped Aletta from treating me, remember? You really think she’d turn around and kindly offer me medicine now?” Ruby shook her head firmly. “Then later she’d just make up some excuse. Who’d ever know it was because of the pills?”
She wasn’t about to take them. She didn’t trust Arabella one bit.
“Just listen to me. There’s nothing wrong with that medicine,” Naomi insisted, still trying to persuade her.
Ruby’s eyes darted around before a smug look crossed her face. “I’m not taking it. And when I don’t get better, I’ll tell everyone she’s a fraud and force her to call that specialist back.”
She grinned to herself. “This plan is perfect. Just you wait, Arabella–let’s see how you handle this.” The more she thought about it, the more pleased she became, almost bouncing on her
heels.
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Chapter 474 Ruby’s Plan
Naomi shook her head helplessly. “What if you get worse while you’re waiting?”
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“Relax. It’s just a few sleepless nights–I’ve been through worse before. Worst case, she’d pass out and end up in the ER. It wasn’t like she’d drop dead right away.
Naomi simply sighed again and didn’t push the matter any further.