Chapter 475
Investment Gala
Ruby couldn’t hide her smirk as she leaned back in the passenger seat. “Just wait, Naomi. I can already picture Arabella’s face when this all blows up in hers.”
Naomi glanced over with a complicated expression but stayed quiet.
Maybe Ruby really could pull it off. That wouldn’t be such a bad thing, after all. Ever since Arabella had returned, both of them had been living under her shadow. If Arabella could finally be taken down a notch, Naomi wouldn’t mind watching it happen.
“Speaking of which,” Ruby went on, shifting in her seat, “how’s that deal with Horizon Corp coming along? I haven’t heard any updates.”
If Naomi could secure that project, she’d have a reason to be in and out of Matthew’s company constantly–and that meant more chances to run into him.
“Still in the waiting phase,” Naomi replied calmly. “But it should move forward soon.”
“Good,” Ruby said, sounding a little more at ease. “Once you’re in the door at Horizon Corp regularly, you’ll have the upper hand. You know what they say–the early bird gets the worm. Or in your case, the girl by the elevator gets the CEO.”
Naomi allowed herself a small smile. “Something like that.”
“Don’t worry, when the time comes, I’ll help you out,” Ruby teased, nudging her playfully. “Future Mrs. Stewart.”
Naomi’s cheeks warmed. “Don’t call me that. It’s not official.”
“Might as well get used to it now,” Ruby chuckled. “It’s only a matter of time.”
“If it actually happens,” Naomi said softly, “I won’t forget you.”
Ruby sighed. “Too bad that online campaign didn’t work out last time. You could’ve been Mrs. Stewart already. I still don’t get why it got shut down like that.”
“Someone probably intervened,” Naomi guessed.
“I had people look into it. There was no trace of interference,” Ruby mused. “It’s just… weird.”
“It really is,” Naomi agreed, frowning slightly.
“Anyway, we’ve got a new plan now. More direct, less digital,” Ruby said, giving Naomi an
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Chapter 475 Investment Gala
encouraging look. “You’ve got this, Naomi. I believe in you.”
“I’ll do my best,” Naomi replied, her gaze growing determined.
This was her one way out–her only real shot after all these years. Becoming Matthew’s wife wasn’t just a daydream; it was an obsession. If her family wouldn’t help, she’d make it happen herself.
“Can’t wait to be the little cousin hanging out with Mrs. Stewart,” Ruby joked lightly.
Naomi shot her a look but couldn’t hold back a smile. “Come on, let’s go grab something to
eat.”
“I’m thinking a full–on feast,” Ruby declared, pumping her fist.
“Fine, feast it is,” Naomi said, stepping on the gas as they headed toward downtown.
Ruby relaxed into her seat, a smug grin spreading across her face.
*****
The next day, the sun was shining brightly over the city.
Arabella arrived at the pharmaceutical company as usual.
“Ms. Hamilton,” Chloe greeted her, placing a stack of documents on the desk. “These are the latest reports for review.”
“Thanks, I’ll go through them in a bit,” Arabella replied.
Chloe nodded and exited the office.
Arabella had only opened the first file when her phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen— Colton.
“What’s up?” she answered.
“Everything’s quiet on the Peterson end. Did they just… give up?” Colton sounded puzzled.
“I delivered the medication last night,” Arabella said simply.
Colton was taken aback. “What? Did Ruby fold that easily?”
“Not a chance,” Arabella replied, a trace of amusement in her tone. “If I hand it over now, you can bet she won’t take it.”
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Chapter 475 Investment Gala
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She had Ruby figured out–that was precisely why she’d made the delivery so straightforward.
“Smart move. Really smart,” Colton said, catching on.
“I’ve got it under control. Just keep me posted if anything changes,” Arabella said.
“Will do,” Colton replied. Then he added, “By the way, there’s an investment industry gala tonight. The organizers sent an invite your way. Should I tell them you’re out of the country?”
“Yeah, go with that,” Arabella said.
“Got it,” Colton acknowledged before hanging up.
Arabella returned to the files in front of her. After finishing a few, she suddenly paused. Investment industry gala… Tonight?
“What a coincidence,” she murmured, remembering the event Matthew had mentioned earlier.
for a moment, then dialed his number.
began when he answered, “is tonight’s event the investment industry gala?”
replied flatly.
ella’s eyes lit up. “Would it be possible for me to bring my brother along?”
It was a perfect opportunity for Edward.
“I only received two invitations,” Matthew stated matter–of–factly.
Arabella was surprised. “You need an actual invite?”
“Why wouldn’t I?” he shot back, a hint of dryness in his voice.
“I just figured someone like you could walk in just by showing your face,” she said with an awkward laugh.
“I’m a guest, not the host,” he reminded her, sounding vaguely annoyed.
“But you’re Matthew Stewart,” Arabella insisted. “That name alone should be enough of a VIP pass.”
There was a brief pause on the line before Matthew responded, “Tell him to be at the venue
entrance on time.”
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Chapter 475 Investment Gala
“Heh, knew you’d come through,” Arabella said, satisfied.
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“Don’t be late. I won’t wait,” Matthew warned, his tone leaving no room for negotiation.
“Oh, come on,” Arabella groaned lightly. “Fine, fine. Consider this you doing me a favor. I help you, you help me–we’re even. No debts between us.”