The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella)

Chapter 1914

Under the watchful gaze of generations past, Kenneth stood in the grand hall of the family estate, a place where tradition and

history melded into the rich tapestry of their heritage. He spoke with a voice brimming with pride, "Dear families, | bear joyful

tidings. Our daughter, who has wandered far from us for many a year, has at last been found and returned to our fold."

He guided Arabella to pay her respects.

After Arabella had completed the ritual, Louisa chimed in, "Tomorrow, we shall host a grand feast to celebrate Bella's return and to

make her identity known to all. May you bless her with safety, health, and everlasting happiness."

Meanwhile, a sleek stretch limousine pulled up to the grand entrance of the estate.

A servant hurried over to announce, "Lucas Collins and his family have arrived."

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Lucas, Beverly, and Alma stepped through the threshold, their chauffeur following closely behind, arms laden with an array of

elegant gifts.

"Kenneth, Louisa, we're a tad late this year," Beverly greeted them with a smile that was the epitof grace and warmth, her

gaze sweeping over the men around her. "This year even Chasel, Clark, Sean, and David made it. Seems like Bella is more

influential than your words alone."

Louisa laughed, "You can say that again. Usually, it takes all my nagging to get them to wrap up their work and chfor the

holidays. This year, they've all cback willingly, without so much as a nudge from me."

Beverly's smile grew more knowing as she turned her affectionate gaze to Arabella, "It must be this charming sister who has drawn

them back. Not just her brothers, but even | am particularly fond of her."

"Bella, long tno see," Lucas said jovially as he arrived. "The end of the year has been a whirlwind of busyness. | intended to

invite you out for a meal, but just couldn't find the time."

"Lucas, Beverly," Arabella greeted them with a polite smile. "It's okay, | understand how busy things can get."

"Bella," Alma offered a friendly smile of her own.

Arabella simply nodded, her response lukewarm at best.

Beverly noticed right away that if it weren't for the others present, Arabella might not have even offered Alma that much courtesy.

But as it stood, Beverly cheerily suggested, "Let's greet the guests first, then we can catch up on family matters."

"Bella, it's a bit crowded here, shall we head inside?" Hans worried that his sister might tire from standing too long.

"Yeah, let's go to the living room. I'll play svideo games with you," Clark suggested, casually slinging an arm around Arabella's

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shoulders.

The other four brothers were quick to object, "Get your hands off her!"

Alma couldn't help but feel surprised, perhaps even a little perplexed, at the brothers' affection for Arabella. Not even Serena had

managed to endear herself to this extent. Could it really be the ties of blood that made them cherish Arabella as one of their own?

Wouldn't that just infuriate Serena?

A sly smile played on Alma's lips. Anything that vexed Serena was a source of delight for her.

Speaking of which, where was Serena today?

As she watched Arabella being escorted by her brothers into the main house, Alma quickly followed.

Once Lucas and Beverly had finished paying their respects, they shared a few laughs with Kenneth and Louisa before heading into

the main house themselves.