"Hey, kiddo, take a peek at who's coming our way," President Barton, with a grin stretching from ear to ear, strolled over with
Phillip in tow.
Arabella, catching sight of the duo, was somewhat taken aback, "Grandpa Phillip? You two know each other?"
"Hahaha, talk about serendipity!" Phillip approached Arabella, his smile beaming, "Back in the day, | was tight with Tanner. You
know, one thing led to another, and | got to know all his pals."
It all clicked for Arabella then.
"Tanner used to brag about having this grandkid who was a real firecracker, even more so than my own. Said you were so out of
this world, and | thought he was just blowing smoke."
Phillip had never met Arabella, only hearing about her through Regan's tall tales, so he never took it seriously.
"Turns out, his grandkid is you! And here | was thinking there was no meat on that bone of a story. Tanner, you sure do talk a big
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtgame." Phillip couldn't stop smiling, "Bella's not just your granddaughter; she's gonna be my granddaughter-in-law, and that's a
done deal."
"Whoa there, hold your horses! That's the real pie in the sky. Whether she becomes your granddaughter-in-law is still up in the air.
Look at you, all puffed up with pride," Regan roared with laughter.
Phillip, bearing a gift, chimed in, "Mr. Albright, no need for a long speech. Today's your birthday, so here's to eternal bliss and a life
as long as the heavens. Let's both make it to a hundred, watch Bella walk down the aisle, tie the knot, have kids. And if she has a
little Bella, we'll all be there to help raise her."
"That's what I'm talking about." Eugene laughed heartily, his only wish in life being to see his dear Arabella wed, "But is your
grandson reliable? My precious Arabella can't be mistreated by anyone."
"If my grandson dares to treat her poorly, we'll each break one of his legs."
Arabella's ears perked up: That harsh??
"Haha, that's the spirit!" Eugene grabbed a glass of wine to toast Phillip.
Phillip glanced at Arabella reflexively and started to wave off the offer, "The doc toldnot to drink; I'm not fully recovered yet."
"Well, Bella toldthe same, but this is only elderflower wine, 0.5%." Eugene finished, looking at Arabella, "Your Grandpa Phillip
call this way and even broughta gift. Don't you think it's only polite to let him have a glass?"
Phillip also looked for Arabella's approval, "They're toasting to me; would it be rude not to drink?"
"Go ahead."
Hearing Arabella's consent, the two old men were over the moon. They clinked glasses and downed their drinks in haste, as if
afraid Arabella would change her mind.
"Wine approved by the doc is just exquisite."
"You bet it is. It's got a taste of happiness, hahaha."
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm
Other guests, seeing Phillip enjoy his drink, eagerly approached Arabella, keen to get their moment.
"Mr. McMillian, I'm thrilled to see you tonight. Allowto offer a toast." Mabel stepped forward, draining her glass with poise and
asked, "Might | have the honor of challenging you to a quick gof chess? Just a minute of your time."
A minute was such a fleeting window that if Phillip refused, he'd seem ungracious.
"Mr. McMillian, are you fond of chess? I've liked it since childhood, not quite as skilled as Jamie Noelle though." Lindsay glanced at
Arabella as she spoke, "But my mentors always said | had a unique style. If you ever get bored and need scompany, I'd be
delighted to join you."
Phillip was taken aback, his gaze fixed on Arabella for a moment, "Jamie Noelle??"
He then turned to the other gentlemen, "Bella's Jamie Noelle?"
How was he not aware of this?
The group of elders nodded, observing him with an amused look that seemed to say, “You're just finding out now??”