Chapter 77
“Hear that?” Frank said, glancing pointedly at Ethan.
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He then turned back to Arabella. “Everything’s arranged on my end. I’ll send you the address- you can head over whenever you’re ready p>
“Okay p>
“Frank, send me the address too,” Naomi chimed in.
“Sure p>
Seeing that Frank had nearly finished eating, Jonathan looked his way. “Come take a look at the pieces Arabella brought back from the auction p>
“Alright.” Frank stood and followed Jonathan to the living room sofa.
Ethan looked at Florence with mild surprise. “Mom, what did Dad mean–antiques from an auction p>
Noticing his confusion, Florence explained gently, “Arabella went to an auction this morning and picked out a few things for us. Frank didn’t know about it, so your father’s showing him what she found p>
After hearing this, the surprise on Ethan’s face deepened. His gaze shifted from Florence to Arabella.
“You’re into antiques too, Arabella p>
“It’s more of a casual interest than a real collection,” she replied modestly.
“Really didn’t expect you to share Frank’s hobby p>
“Anyway, just a heads–up–the auction world can be tricky. Even though money isn’t an issue, it’s never fun to get burned. You’ve got to be careful,” Ethan advised sincerely.
“I will p>
“I’m going to see what you picked out,” Ethan said, rising to join Jonathan and Frank.
“Take your time, Arabella. Have some more if you’d like,” Florence encouraged warmly.
“I’m actually full, Mom. I think I’ll go upstairs and rest for a bit,” Arabella said.
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“Of course. You were out so early–go get some rest,” Florence replied with concern.
“It’s just… Ethan just got here,” Arabella added hesitantly.
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Before Florence could respond, Naomi spoke up, “Are you worried it might seem rude to leave so soon, Arabella p>
“A little,” Arabella admitted, glancing at Naomi.
“Don’t be. Ethan won’t mind. He might seem reserved, but he’s really understanding,” Naomi reassured her.
Truthfully, she hoped Arabella would go upstairs sooner rather than later. With her out of the room, maybe some attention would shift back Naomi’s way.
“Alright then. I’ll head up,” Arabella said, standing and leaving the dining room.
“Naomi, isn’t it a bit off for Arabella to just go rest like that? Ethan just gave her a car–she didn’t even stay to talk with him,” Ruby muttered under her breath.
Naomi shot her an annoyed look. Couldn’t Ruby tell she’d said that on purpose?
“If you’re finished eating, you may go rest as well,” Florence said to Ruby, her tone cooler now, before she too stood and left the dining room.
Chastised, Ruby looked at Naomi with a hurt expression. “What did I say wrong? Why did Aunt Florence speak to me like that p>
“Oh, Ruby,” Naomi sighed. “Things are different now. You’ve got to think before you speak- some comments are better left unsaid.” She gave Ruby a meaningful look.
Ruby was a good girl, but her filter was practically nonexistent.
Pouting, Ruby grumbled, “I know. It’s all because she came back. So annoying–I can’t even talk freely here anymore. It’s so frustrating p>
With that, she pushed her plate away, her appetite gone.
Seeing her upset, Naomi softened. “Don’t sulk. Let’s go join the others in the living room p>
“Fine p>
Naomi and Ruby left the dining room and walked toward where the others were gathered. Frank was carefully examining the porcelain vase Arabella had purchased, his eyes attentive.
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Chapter 77 Family Discussions
“This is a match for the one in Dad’s collection. Both are really exceptional pieces,” he remarked.
He then looked at Jonathan. “Are you sure Arabella brought this back herself? ”
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Frank found it hard to believe someone so young could spot such a nuanced piece at auction.
“She did. She came back alone with it,” Jonathan confirmed.
“Though… I don’t know if she had company at the auction itself,” he added after a moment.
Florence, who trusted Arabella completely, interjected, “She brought home something wonderful. Why overcomplicate it p>
“I believe she went alone. She’s only just moved back–who would she go with besides Naomi or Ruby?” In Florence’s view, they were overthinking.
Just then, Frank noticed Arabella wasn’t in the room. “Mom, where’s Arabella p>
“She was tired, so I suggested she go upstairs and rest,” Florence said, deliberately phrasing it as her own suggestion.
That way, no one would think Arabella had been inconsiderate.
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Sara Lili
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.