Unemployed Family? Hidden Tycoons dote on her novel

"Alright, enough. Didn't you want a nice lunch? I'll take you. Let's go." Without waiting for a reply, she walked decisively to her own car and got in. Seeing the conversation was truly over, Ruby sighed in resignation and climbed into the passenger seat. In a final act of wounded pride, Naomi pointedly ignored the Stewart family car and driver still waiting nearby. She started her own engine and pulled away. Driving back down the majestic, tree-lined avenue, her mood was a stark contrast to the hopeful excitement she'd felt on the way in.

Now, neither she nor Ruby was in any state to appreciate the scenery. As they neared the estate's main gate, a nondescript black sedan approached from the opposite direction, heading inward. Naomi's attention sharpened momentarily. Anyone arriving here had to be pre-cleared by security; they were undoubtedly expected guests. Slowing slightly out of instinctual curiosity, she let the other car pass. Ruby also glanced over. In that split-second as the windows aligned, Ruby's eyes widened. Was she seeing things? For just a flash, she thought she recognized the profile of the passenger. "Naomi...

was that Arabella in that car?" Ruby frowned, twisting in her seat to stare through the rear window, but the car had already passed, its occupants hidden. Naomi had seen the car but, focused on driving, hadn't gotten a clear look at the passenger. Hearing Ruby's question, a look of pure derision crossed her face. "Don't be ridiculous. You must be seeing things. This isn't a place just anyone can access." Arabella had just arrived back in the family. Even if Jonathan or Florence were visiting Robert today, they certainly wouldn't bring her along so soon.

Besides, that wasn't a Hamilton family car. "It was definitely not her." "You're right," Ruby agreed quickly, dismissing her own fleeting suspicion. "That new girl wouldn't have any business here at all." In Ruby's mind, Arabella hardly had the right to be in their home, let alone a place like Stewart Manor. Back inside the house, Robert looked up in surprise as Matthew re-entered the room. "Why are you back? I told you to take Naomi out." "She was concerned about you being here alone, so she suggested I stay," Matthew said 2/3 14:30 Thu, Jan 29 M...

Robert knew Matthew far too well. He saw right through it. "I think you were the one who didn't want to go, and you're using me as your excuse," he said, cutting to the chase. "Naomi is a lovely young woman. Polite, considerate. The Hamiltons and the Stewarts are a good match by any measure. It would be a sensible union. You'd do well not to let an opportunity like that pass you by, Matthew." His tone was earnest.

He might let today's evasion slide, but he would not allow Matthew to disregard what he saw as a perfect match indefinitely. "Let's not discuss that now," Matthew said, his voice brooking no argument as he deftly changed the subject. "Let's focus on Dr. Flores finishing your examination." 90 M 3/3 14:30 Thu, Jan 29 M Mark Twain