Chapter 504 A Balanced Meal
Robert glanced at Arabella, his voice tinged with weary surrender. “Is this how you convinced Ryan to quit. smoking?”
They were ordinary words–something anyone might say–but coming from her, they carried a weight that made you feel inexplicably guilty, as if you’d committed some unpardonable wrong. If you didn’t make it right, it would truly weigh on your conscience.
“Quitting is better for Grandpa’s health. He agreed because he knew I was right, Arabella stated plainly. She then turned her gaze to Robert, a slight arch in her brow. “Robert, are you suggesting I’m wrong?” Robert looked like a child caught misbehaving. “No, of course not. You’re right.”
“If I’m right, then you’ll do it. Understood?” Her tone was gentle yet firm, as if guiding a young one. Matthew seized the opening. “In that case, I’ll keep an eye out. If Grandpa doesn’t follow through, I’ll let Dr. Hamilton know.”
“Oh, hush now,” Robert shot back, though his glare lacked real heat.
Matthew feigned innocence. “Grandpa, you’re getting defensive. Were you planning to just nod along and then do as you pleased?”
“I would never. I can do this,” Robert insisted through a clenched jaw.
“Good,” Matthew replied before shifting his attention to Arabella. “We’ll leave it in your hands, Dr. Hamilton,”
“It’s no trouble. Robert is my patient–it’s part of the job,” she answered smoothly.
“Let’s eat,” Matthew said with a faint smile, reaching over to slide the plate of steak away from Robert’s reach.
Robert stared longingly at the dish, his reluctance so palpable it nearly made Arabella chuckle.
Matthew served him a portion of salad instead. “Here, try these.”
“Hmph,” Robert grumbled, but there was little he could do.
“Mr. Stewart, you should keep reminding Robert from now on,” Arabella advised.
“Will do,” Matthew agreed.
“Honestly, worry about yourself first, Robert countered, turning to Arabella with a note of grievance. “This one’s been burning the midnight oil lately. You said yourself how hard that is on the stomach. I’ve told him, but he doesn’t listen. Maybe you ought to give him a talking–to.”
He wasn’t about to be the only one called out–better they all be in it together.
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Chapter 504 A Balanced Meal
Matthew’s lips twitched. “Grandpa, don’t you think that’s a bit much?”
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“Not at all. I’m thinking of your health,” Robert asserted righteously, then looked to Arabella with a hint of pride. “Don’t you agree, Dr. Hamilton?”
Matthew sighed inwardly. At his age, his grandfather really was becoming more like a kid every day.
Arabella’s eyes moved to Matthew, who quickly said, “I’ll be more careful.”
“Good,” she replied, satisfied. “Robert has your best interests at heart.”
“I know.” Though privately, Matthew suspected his grandfather mostly wanted company in being held accountable.
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an eye on him for you, too,” Robert chimed in, not missing a beat.
ded. “You two can watch out for each other.”
Robert said, gesturing toward Arabella’s plate.
itely. “Thank you.”
dparents have been doing well lately, I hope?” Robert inquired.
ey’re both in good spirits,” Arabella replied.
been a while since I visited. I should invite them for afternoon tea sometime,” Robert mused.
atthew stepped in. “I’ll handle the arrangements.”
I’ll choose a time and place and have an invitation sent to Ryan and Lena,” Matthew added.
Robert’s eyes brightened. “You two should join as well.”
“Us?” Matthew hesitated.
Arabella also seemed uncertain. “I’m not sure–my schedule tends to fill
up.”
“Oh, come now. Just pick a day when you’re both free,” Robert urged, raising a meaningful eyebrow toward Matthew.
“You should enjoy coffee with my grandparents. We might just be in the way,” Arabella demurred, still unconvinced.
“Alright. Once everything’s settled, if we’re available we’ll come. If not, no worries,” Matthew conceded, siding with Arabella.
Robert shot him an exasperated look. He was trying to help things along, but this boy just wouldn’t take
the hint.
Ignoring his grand
calmly continued his meal.
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Chapter 504 A Balanced Meal
“Let’s eat, before it gets cold,” Robert finally relented.
After dinner, Arabella prepared to leave.
“You should walk Dr. Hamilton out,” Robert instructed Matthew.
Matthew rose and nodded. “Of course.”
Arabella offered a warm smile. “Take care, Robert. I’ll stop by again soon.”
“Safe travels, Dr. Hamilton,” Robert replied, his eyes crinkling kindly.
With a wave, Arabella turned to leave.
Matthew accompanied her out of the villa.
“You really don’t have to see me off, Mr. Stewart. I’ll be fine,” Arabella said.
“It’s getting dark–please drive carefully,” Matthew reminded her.
“I will. Thank you,” she replied with a soft smile before slipping into her car.
Matthew waited until her taillights disappeared down the driveway before heading back inside.
“She’s gone?” Robert asked.
“Yes,” Matthew answered evenly.
Robert’s eyebrow lifted slightly, curiosity glinting in his eyes. “So what did Dr. Hamilton give you earlier?”
“Nothing in particular,” Matthew responded, his tone unchanged.
“Don’t play coy–I saw her hand you something,” Robert said, giving him a look of mild disbelief.
“Saw what?” Matthew countered.
“I saw her
pass you an envelope or a small package. I’m asking what’s inside,” Robert pressed, pretending he hadn’t gotten a clear look.