Chapter 488
Pulled Away
888
+5 Free Coins
That day made him realize how far he still had to go–he wasn’t even close to where he needed
to be.
After everyone else had left, Brielle beamed. “It’s so cool knowing Arabella–I basically get a bunch of extra brothers without even trying.”
Matthew walked over, eyebrows slightly drawn together. “Since when did you two become this close?”
Noticing him, Arabella looked up and spoke earnestly, “Mr. Stewart, thank you for stepping in earlier.”
“Just don’t forget you owe me one,” Matthew replied casually.
“Matthew, seriously? You help someone and then ask for a favor back?” Brielle frowned, clearly not impressed.
Matthew glanced her way. “Your dad’s looking for you.”
“I don’t want him telling me what to do,” Brielle protested, tightening her hold on Arabella’s arm as if afraid she’d be pulled away.
“Then who do you want telling you what to do?” Caleb approached, his expression firm.
Brielle immediately ducked behind Arabella. “Arabella, help me out!”
Arabella almost laughed. Who got this nervous around their own dad, like a kid hiding from the principal?
“Help you? What, am I going to ground you or something?” Caleb sighed, sounding a little exhausted.
Brielle peeked out from behind Arabella. “You go do your thing. Just come get me when it’s time to leave.”
She had no interest in following her father around making small talk with his business associates. Hanging out with Arabella was way more fun.
“Don’t distract Mr. Ethan’s sister. I’ll introduce you to some of the other daughters over there,” Caleb said, trying to steer Brielle away.
He didn’t know the whole story, but he knew Arabella had come with Matthew and was now
1/3
9:31 Wed, Apr 22
Chapter 488 Pulled Away
0:
+5 Free Coins
introduced as Ethan’s sister. Something in him didn’t want Brielle getting too close to her.
After all, he still held onto the hope that his daughter might one day marry into the Stewart family, and Arabella seemed like a potential complication.
“What are you talking about? I’m staying with Arabella. Go mingle or whatever. Those other girls believe anything anyone says–they’re kind of naive. I don’t want to end up like that,” Brielle said bluntly.
Caleb’s lip twitched. She called other people naive, but she wasn’t exactly the sharpest tool in the shed herself.
“Mr. Miller, it’s really okay if Brielle stays here. I’ll keep an eye on her,” Arabella offered, thinking Caleb was just worried about Brielle misbehaving.
Caleb smiled awkwardly. “I’m just concerned she’ll be a bother.”
17
“It’s no trouble. She’s been perfectly sweet,” Arabella replied warmly.
“Hmph. See? You’re the only one who thinks I’m nothing but trouble,” Brielle muttered, pouting.
Caleb’s frown deepened. “Enough now. Come along.”
“I’m not going,” Brielle insisted, planting her feet.
“Mr. Miller, honestly, it’s fine. I’d be bored here alone anyway. Brielle’s good company,” Arabella said again.
Hearing that, Caleb couldn’t press further. He forced a polite smile. “Well… sorry she’s taking up your time.”
“Don’t worry about it. I enjoy having her around–really,” Arabella assured him.
“Alright then. I’ll leave you two to it,” Caleb said before walking off, looking somewhat resigned.
Brielle watched her usually unyielding father actually back down and couldn’t help smirking. “Arabella, you’re something else. I’ve never seen my dad give in like that. He usually gets the final say no matter what.”
Arabella lightly tapped Brielle’s forehead. “You little schemer. You used me as a shield so you wouldn’t have to leave, and now you’re making jokes?”
“No way, I’d never!” Brielle stuck out her tongue playfully. “I admire you, that’s all!”
2/3
9:31 Wed, Apr 22
Chapter 488 Pulled Away
:
+5 Free Coins
“From now on, Arabella, you’re my go–to person,” Brielle announced, resting her head on Arabella’s shoulder.
Arabella chuckled. “Leaning on me won’t get you far. Even I’m just riding on being Mr. Ethan’s sister here*
“Any connection works for me,” Brielle said, sounding completely committed.
Arabella shook her head, a soft smile on her lips. Maybe this “rich girl attitude” wasn’t so annoying after all–she had the confidence to own it, honestly.
“Matthew, why are you still standing here?” Brielle asked, noticing he hadn’t moved.
“The one who shouldn’t be here is you,” Matthew said, his voice low.
Brielle glanced at Arabella and sighed dramatically. “Matthew, even though you brought Arabella as your date tonight, you’ve got to face reality.”
Matthew knew what she meant–Brielle was reminding him that Arabella already had a boyfriend.
“The reality is, she’s my business associate,” Matthew said, his gaze darkening slightly.
“Is that all?” Brielle blinked her big eyes, as if trying to read right through him.
Matthew ignored her and turned to Arabella. “Calvin’s gone.”
“Yeah, he probably slipped out when everything got chaotic,” Arabella said, her tone cooling.
She’d figured it out when she noticed the police only took two people away.
Matthew raised an eyebrow. “You caught that.”
“I realized when the police left.” Back then, the Johnstons were causing a scene, and nobody was watching Calvin–giving him the perfect chance to disappear.
“What are you going to do about it?” Matthew asked.
Arabella shrugged. “He ran. It’s not a big deal. There’s always later.”
After all, Calvin hadn’t actually done much tonight. Even if he’d been taken in, it would’ve only been for questioning.
“Arabella, I’ll have someone teach him a lesson for you,” Brielle cut in, sounding annoyed.
3/3
9:31 Wed, Apr 22
Chapter 489 The Engagement
Cedella
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.