Chapter 494
Comfortable Shoes
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She had been completely ignoring him the whole time, acting as if he weren’t even in the room.
“Oh,” Arabella replied, a hint of awkwardness in her voice. “Did you need something, Mr. Stewart?”
He’d been standing there all along. She really hadn’t noticed.
“You’re not leaving?” Matthew asked.
‘Are we allowed to leave now?” Arabella looked puzzled.
She’d assumed Caleb and Tyler left because of that little scene earlier.
“We can go now.” Seeing she didn’t seem to mind leaving with him, Matthew’s expression softened slightly.
Arabella glanced over at Ethan. “Ethan, you coming?”
Matthew’s face, which had just brightened up, clouded over again almost instantly.
“I can drive you. He’s tied up.” Matthew took her hand and led her away without waiting for a response.
“Hey–wait up!” And just like that, Arabella found herself being ushered out of the hotel by Matthew.
It wasn’t until they reached the car that Matthew finally let go of her hand.
“Ethan could’ve given me a ride. You really didn’t have to go out of your way, Mr. Stewart,” Arabella said, still sounding a little
confused.
There were easier options, after all.
“I invited you tonight, so I’ll make sure you get home,” Matthew stated simply.
Arabella shot him a sideways look. “You’re acting kind of off today.”
He wasn’t usually one to do things without a clear reason.
Matthew avoided her gaze and changed the subject. “Get in.”
He knew he’d acted on impulse, but in that moment, he just couldn’t help himself.
“Thanks, I appreciate it.” Well, since they were already here, she might as well accept the ride.
Once inside the car, Arabella sank into the seat and subtly shifted her feet.
“Uncomfortable?” Matthew asked, noticing her movement.
“Not really used to heels,” Arabella admitted with a sigh. “My feet are killing me.”
She’d been toughing it out inside, but now in the privacy of the car, she let herself relax.
Matthew’s eyes darkened slightly. “Take us to the mall.”
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Chapter 494 Comfortable Shoes
“Yes, sir,” Andy responded, starting the engine.
“Why the mall?” Arabella asked curiously.
Matthew didn’t answer directly. Instead, he said quietly, “You can take your shoes off if you want.”
“Good idea.” Her feet really were sore. Since he didn’t seem to mind, she slipped off her heels.
Finally comfortable, she let out a long breath.
She rolled down the window and reached her hand out slightly, feeling the cool night air against her skin.
“Pull your arm back in. That’s not safe,” Matthew said with a slight frown.
Arabella drew her hand back inside, looking slightly embarrassed. “Just wanted to feel the air for a second.”
“You seem like you’re in a good mood,” Matthew remarked.
“Yeah.” Arabella nodded. “Unexpectedly landed a project tonight and made a new friend.”
Matthew thought for a moment. “Brielle?”
“Yeah, she’s actually pretty fun.” A small smile played at the corner of Arabella’s lips.
“Wouldn’t have pictured you two hitting it off,” Matthew said, sounding genuinely surprised.
“Same here,” Arabella agreed.
“But she does act different around you. With other people she’s just…” Matthew trailed off.
“A handful?” Arabella offered with a light laugh.
“You read her pretty well.” Matthew raised an eyebrow. They hadn’t spent that much time together, had they?
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Arabella shrugged. “Let’s just say some people have learned that the hard way. I’ve even heard she’s been called ‘little devil‘ behind her back.”
Watching Arabella talk about someone else with that amused glint in her eyes, Matthew immediately knew who she was referring to, and his mood dipped.
“You sure think about him a lot,” he said, the words coming out with an unintentional edge.
“She’s really not that bad once you get to know her,” Arabella replied honestly. In fact, she found Brielle kind of refreshing.
Matthew felt an odd tightness in his chest and fell silent.
Sensing the shift in the atmosphere, Arabella glanced at him, confused. Lately his moods seemed to swing without much warning.
“Seriously though, you shouldn’t be too hard on her. She’s still young, and Caleb definitely spoils her, so it’s natural she acts out a little. If you two ever end up spending more time together, just try to be patient. I’m sure she’ll mellow out,” Arabella said, trying to smooth things over.
“What are you talking about?” Matthew frowned, not following.
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Chapter 494 Comfortable Shoes
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“Oh…” Realizing she might have overstepped, Arabella quickly shifted topics. “Mr. Stewart, I noticed you talking to a lot of people tonight. Any interesting projects catch your eye?”
Matthew just looked at her, his expression unreadable. Arabella flashed a polite, practiced smile and blinked lightly. “If it’s confidential, don’t worry about it. I was just curious.
“It’s fine. I was just making conversation. Totally understand if you can’t share details.”
“Has anyone ever told you that when people feel awkward, they sometimes talk too much?” All that chatter definitely felt like she was trying to cover something up.
“Awkward? Why would I be awkward?” Arabella gave an innocent smile and shook her head.
“For instance, why you’d assume I’d end up with Caleb’s daughter.” Matthew wasn’t letting it go.
Arabella paused for a half–second, then put on her most professional tone. “All I meant was, since we’re all part of the same circle,
it helps to be understanding. You might find Brielle has some great qualities too, Mr. Stewart.”
Matthew just looked at her. Do you really expect me to buy that?
Arabella kept smiling. “Just a suggestion, of course. Completely up to you.”
Believe it or not, that was her story and she was sticking to it.
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.