Arabella Vanderbilt set down her chopsticks.
Special Assistant Vincent looked at her with a hint of doubt, yet composed.
"Special Assistant Vincent, please go back first. I will finish all the food. I don't like being watched while I eat," Arabella said.
After pondering for a moment, Vincent nodded.
"I understand, Miss Vanderbilt. Please enjoy your meal; I'll take my leave."
"Fine," Arabella responded indifferently, then set down her chopsticks, intending to stand up.
"Miss Vanderbilt, please stay a moment."
Vincent hurriedly spoke, and Arabella, who had half risen, paused and sat down again.
"Then I won't see you out," Arabella said, her brows slightly knitted.
Vincent nodded once more, then turned and strode out of the hospital room, his eyes no longer carrying the hidden scrutiny and caution of before.
He had been shocked when he first heard that his boss wanted him to deliver food to this Miss Vanderbilt, a stranger met by chance.
He had never seen his boss take such proactive care for a strange woman, and the pursuit's purpose was unmistakable.
He couldn't help but feel doubtful and even thought for the first time that his boss's decision was perhaps too hasty, coming here with curiosity and judgment about this woman.
But within mere minutes of their interaction, he knew that this woman's temperament and upbringing were of high quality.
His boss had his reasons for choosing her.
"There's some time until next Friday. You two should arrange to meet with Oliver Timmerman's parents."
"Mhm. Understood," Victor Vanderbilt replied in a deep voice.
The few people obviously had no doubts about this decision, and their attitude and reaction naturally made it seem reasonable to others.
Vincent slightly furrowed his brows and swept a faint gaze over the three people, brushing past them.
Their impeccable appearance unavoidably caught the attention of a few, but it was just a fleeting glance, and the three did not pay more attention.
-
Arabella Vanderbilt was just feeling hungry, and Joel Russo's porridge arrived just in time.
Since she had accepted it, she naturally had no reason to shortchange herself.
But before she had taken more than a few bites of the porridge, the recently closed door of the hospital room was opened without even a knock.
Arabella's brows furrowed slightly, and she looked up towards the door.
Her already somber face darkened instantly upon seeing the few people at the door.
Rosy Roberts led the way in, and Arabella did not miss the disgust in her eyes. She lowered her gaze to the wooden spoon in her hand and finally set it down.
She no longer had the appetite to eat.
"Arabella, how are you feeling?"
Naomi Rein followed behind Rosy, dressed in an embroidered, form-fitting, maroon long dress with a matching tulle overlay, her hair neatly done, and her face well-maintained, giving her an appearance both elegant and gentle.
Her tone was full of kindness and concern.
Arabella did not speak.
Despite her good upbringing, she could not be cordial to someone who had driven her mother to death.
The thought of her mother caused Arabella's heart to wrench painfully.
Her cold hands clenched into fists at her sides, the hatred in her heart growing wilder!
"Sorry to disappoint you, but I'm not dead yet."
Three years ago, she had been forced to leave the country, and three years later, she returned to devote herself to the company left behind by Oliver and her mother!
She had never thought of returning to that family. If it weren't for her grandpa still being there, she would rather not have any dealings with these people for the rest of her life!
Arabella Vanderbilt's consistent cold and indifferent impoliteness enraged Victor Vanderbilt.
"Unfilial wretch! What sort of attitude is this?!"