novelxo Chapter 182
Caius was astounded.
Arabella was the kind of person who loved having men orbiting around her. She had an intense brother complex and a possessive streak.
During her three years with the Hawke family, she was especially fond of getting up close and personal with the four brothers, and it wasn't uncommon for her to indulge in hugs, pecks, and all sorts of affectionate gestures.
Back then, the brothers didn't mind her getting all chummy with them. But now that they weren't
biologically related, who knew what Arabella might pull to stay with the Hawke family?
If she really went down that road, Miranda figured she might just want to install a camera in the Hawke household.
Caius was floored, never expecting Miranda to be so blunt. His planned words got stuck in his throat. Hannah, on the other hand, nodded eagerly. "Right?"
Suddenly, Caius spoke up, "They're coming over."
As he mentioned, the Hawkes were already making their way towards Miranda. This caught the attention of everyone around, from celebrities to high society folks, who instinctively turned to watch. A few celebrities even snapped pictures hastily just to catch the unfolding drama.
Arabella spotted some familiar faces - old friends she'd once hung out with. She eagerly approached them, ready to reconnect. But they quickly turned to chat amongst themselves, acting as if they hadn't seen her.
Arabella forced a smile. "What's this? Are you guys ignoring me on purpose?"
Without turning her head, one of them replied with a sarcastic tone, "We'd rather not get introduced to your brother."
"Yeah, hanging out with you would just lower our status."
Arabella's smile faltered, and she bit her lip in frustration, glaring at them.
"Don't give us that look. Look, even your foster parents are off to meet their real daughter," one of the debutantes said pointedly.
"There's no denying blood ties. You can spot the difference a mile away."
These girls were never really close to Arabella; their friendship was as flimsy as a paper napkin. They had been used by Arabella a few times hoping to meet her brothers, which had left them feeling like fools. If they weren't rubbing salt in the wound now, it was only because they were well-mannered.
Arabella glanced over at Alden, Grace, Dorian and the rest. Sure enough, they were heading straight for Miranda. Her expression went sour, and she clenched her dress as she hurried after them.
"Miranda, it's been so long," Mrs. Hawke said with a smile that carried a hint of appeasement, her eyes filled with a mother's pride for her biological daughter.
Alden's gaze was similarly warm. "Your mom, your brothers, and I have all missed you."
Dorian and the other three stood silently, but their looks at Miranda carried a mix of emotions that hadn't been there before.
Alistair's expression was especially
complex and hard to read. The twin
brothers feelings were more
transparent, revealing a mix of awkwardness and a tentative desire to reconnect.
But one thing was clear: when those four looked at Caius, their eyes showed unmistakable hostility.