Chapter 503 Work Discussion or Something More?
Robert raised an eyebrow. “Here to see him?”
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“Oh, no,” Arabella replied, shaking her head. “Actually, I came to visit you, Robert. But I also brought something for Matthew.”
“He’s up in his study. You can head on up,” Robert told her.
Arabella stayed seated. “I’ll just wait till he comes down.”
Since she was staying for dinner anyway, she figured she could hand it over before leaving.
“Why wait?” Robert said, pausing briefly before adding with a meaningful look, “Unless you two have personal matters to discuss?”
Seeing the playful curiosity in Robert’s eyes, Arabella nodded seriously. “It’s work–related. You’re right, though–better not mix work and dinner. I’ll go talk to Mr. Stewart now.”
Better not bring it up around Robert anyway, or he might get the wrong idea again.
She stood and made her way upstairs toward Matthew’s study.
Robert watched her go, a knowing glint in his eyes. “Work? Since when does work come in a gift bag?”
“Sir, are you suggesting things are moving along between Dr. Hamilton and the young master?” Charles asked curiously.
Robert adopted a wise, unhurried tone. “Let things unfold naturally.”
Charles looked surprised. “Since when did you become so relaxed about Mr. Stewart’s love life?”
“What would you know?” Robert shot him a mildly dismissive glance.
Now that things seemed promising, there was no need to rush.
Besides, if he interfered at this stage, it could easily backfire.
Upstairs, Arabella knocked lightly on the study door.
“Come in,” came Matthew’s voice.
She pushed the door open and peeked inside. “Am I interrupting?”
Recognizing her, Matthew looked slightly surprised. “What brings you here?”
“I dropped by to see Robert, and I also have something for you. Is now a good time?” Arabella asked.
“Come on in,” Matthew said, setting down his pen.
Arabella entered and approached the large oak desk.
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Chapter 503 Work Discussion or Something More?
She placed the small bag in front of him. “This is for you.”
“What is it?” Matthew pulled out a velvet box, opened it, and found a pair of cufflinks inside.
“They’re nice, but…” He trailed off, unsure what to make of the
gesture.
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Arabella offered a gentle, composed smile. “They’re a thank–you–for your help before, and for the shoes you gave me yesterday.”
Matthew’s brow furrowed. “Do we really need to keep score like this?”
Was she trying to settle some kind of debt between them?
“That‘
I meant,” Arabella said with a soft laugh. “I just felt it wasn’t right to always accept your ut returning the gesture in some way.”
ficker of irritation. Wasn’t that basically the same thing?
ess–than–thrilled expression, Arabella ventured cautiously, “I thought they’d suit you. But if re for them, I can take them back.”
hed for the box.
Matthew said, instinctively pulling it back toward himself. “I’ll keep them.”
ven if he didn’t love her reason for giving them, he was still pleased she’d picked something out for him.
Seeing he’d accepted them, Arabella’s eyes warmed with a smile. “I’m glad you like them, Mr. Stewart. I’ll let you get back to your work.”
“Leaving already?” The question slipped out before Matthew could stop it.
Arabella shook her head. “No, I promised Robert I’d stay for dinner.”
Matthew seemed to relax slightly. His expression softened as he stood. “Let’s head down, then.”
“Hmm?” Arabella looked puzzled. Was he done working for the day?
Acting as though he hadn’t noticed her confusion, Matthew said evenly, “You coming?”
“Oh–yes,” she replied, collecting herself before following him downstairs.
“All finished with your… work discussion?” Robert quipped, a teasing note in his voice. “Must’ve been important to bring it home in the evening.”
Matthew glanced at Arabella, one eyebrow lifted in amusement.
So that was the story she’d given his grandfather.
“I came mainly to see Robert. The other thing was just a small side matter,” Arabella explained.
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Chapter 503 Work Discussion or Something More?
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The slight satisfaction Matthew had felt moments earlier vanished, replaced by a touch of annoyance.
So, to her, he was just an afterthought.
Robert smiled warmly. “Dinner’s just about ready. Let’s eat.”
“Sounds good,” Arabella agreed, following Robert toward the dining room.
Matthew trailed behind and took a seat across from her.
Robert settled at the head of the table, with Matthew to his left and Arabella to his right.
His gaze drifted between them, eyes filled with quiet contentment.
If only his stubborn grandson would finally settle down with someone like Arabella. This, he thought, might be what their future could look like.
“Dr. Hamilton, help yourself,” Robert said, serving her a portion of roasted vegetables.
on’t trouble yourself–I can manage,” Arabella responded politely. “You should eat too, Robert.”
dig in,” Robert announced, beginning his meal.
ching him take several bites of steak in a row, Arabella gently frowned. “Robert, you really should me greens alongside that. You can’t just eat meat.”
“I’ye told him the same thing plenty of times. He doesn’t listen,” Matthew remarked quietly from across the table.
Robert shot him an exasperated look but refused to concede. “What are you talking about?”
“Robert,” Arabella said, her tone kind but firm, “even though you’ve recovered well, at your age it’s important to keep a balanced diet. You need plenty of vegetables along with protein–no skipping the greens, okay?” By the end, her voice carried a note of gentle seriousness.