Chapter 529 A Brand Collaboration

“He’s so irritable and stressed out. Has he been pulling all–nighters again?” It seemed she’d have to make time to visit Robert and ask him in person. After all, Robert had promised to keep an eye on Matthew for her.

Still lost in thought, Arabella’s phone buzzed.

Seeing it was Brielle, she answered. “Hey, Brielle.”

“Arabella, what’s keeping you so busy? You still have to eat, you know.” Brielle’s tone carried a hint of frustration.

“Just wrapped up some urgent work,” Arabella replied, sticking to her earlier excuse.

“You didn’t show, and Matthew didn’t either. Now I’m stuck here all by myself,” Brielle sighed, sounding genuinely disappointed.

“Mr. Stewart…” Arabella already had a guess.

Brielle let out another sigh. “He picked up just long enough to say he was in the middle of something and not to bother him, then hung up.”

She hadn’t even gotten a chance to invite him for lunch.

“Well…” Arabella wasn’t sure how to respond. Had she known, she might not have canceled.

But it was too late to change plans now, so she simply said, “Looks like you’ll be flying solo for lunch today. Let’s plan for another time. I’ll definitely call you when I’m free.”

“You promise? No backing out,” Brielle pressed.

“Yes, promise. No take–backs,” Arabella said with a soft smile.

Satisfied, Brielle replied, “Alright then. I’ll be waiting.”

Hanging up, Arabella shook her head faintly.

“That girl…”

A

But then her thoughts drifted to Matthew’s recent irritability, and she felt a twinge of concern for Brielle. Was he really the right person for her to marry?

“Pardon me–sorry to interrupt. Here’s your order.” The server’s voice brought Arabella back to

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Chapter 529 A Brand Collaboration

the moment.

“Oh, thanks.” Arabella offered a polite nod before turning her attention to the meal.

****

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Matthew took a few bites before setting his fork down.

“Mr. Stewart, are you… finished already?” Andy asked, slightly concerned. He’d barely touched his food.

“Not hungry,” Matthew responded, his voice low.

“You’re not feeling well, are you?” Andy ventured. “Dr. Hamilton mentioned earlier that you looked worn out. She was planning to recommend something for your stress and asked if I could pick it up for you.”

“Don’t need it.” Matthew’s tone was clipped.

Just the thought of how little she seemed to care lately was enough to put him in a foul mood.

“Um, Dr. Hamilton is just worried about your health,” Andy tried to reason.

Matthew shot him a cold look. “Did I stutter?”

Andy flinched but pushed forward. “No, I heard you, but-”

He wanted to say more, but Matthew’s icy glare made him swallow his words. “Understood.”

Well, he’d tried. Pushing further felt like risking his job.

“Anything else?” Matthew’s tone remained flat.

“Oh, right–Tylin got back to us. He’s only willing to consider a brand collaboration, nothing beyond that,” Andy reported.

“A brand collaboration?” Matthew’s eyes narrowed slightly. “He knows how to protect his interests.”

Andy hesitated. “I reviewed the proposal he sent over. The terms are fair. Would you like to think it over, or should I decline?”

After all, Horizon Corp was looking for a dedicated design partnership, not just a co–branding deal.

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“No other demands?” Matthew’s voice softened just a fraction.

“That’s correct,” Andy confirmed.

Matthew paused, then said quietly, “If it’s strictly a brand collaboration… agree to it.”

“Wouldn’t you like to consider it further, Mr. Stewart?” Andy was surprised–he hadn’t expected a decision so quickly.

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“You said the terms were fair. If he’s not asking for more and there are no hidden issues, I respect his straightforwardness.” In business, everyone looked out for themselves. What Tylin requested was reasonable–no attempt to squeeze them dry–and Matthew appreciated that.

“Alright, I’ll let him know,” Andy said.

“Good.” Matthew stood and left the private room.

As he passed through the main dining area, his eyes drifted to the table where Arabella had been sitting earlier. It was now empty.

He glanced back at Andy. “What exactly did she recommend?”

“Oh, just some supplements for stress and balance,” Andy answered.

“Fine.” Matthew gave a short nod and continued walking.

Andy watched his retreating figure, thoroughly confused. What did that mean?

“Was that… a yes?” he wondered under his breath.

“You planning to stay here all day?” Matthew’s voice floated back, dry and impatient.

“Oh–right behind you.” Andy hurried to catch up.

They left the restaurant, slid into the car, and drove off into the evening.

Night had settled in by the time Arabella returned to Cloudrise Manor.

Unsurprisingly, Naomi was already there.

“Arabella, you’re back,” Naomi greeted, all smiles.

Arabella’s brow furrowed almost imperceptibly as she nodded. “Yeah.”

This sudden show of warmth felt… excessive..

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Chapter 529 A Brand Collaboration

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Florence emerged from the kitchen carrying a tray of fresh fruit. Spotting Arabella, her face brightened. “Perfect timing, sweetheart. Come have some fruit.”

“Sure, thanks” Arabella made her way over and settled on the sofa.

Florence set the tray down and motioned to both girls. “Help yourselves, you two.”

Naomi speared a piece of fruit with a fork and handed it to Florence. “Here, Mom, you

“Thank you, honey.” Florence accepted it warmly.

first.”

“Arabella, you too.” Naomi smiled, every bit the gracious older sister, full of apparent affection.