The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella)

Chapter 1969

It was kind of unexpected how things turned out. Arabella found that her roommate Mya was dating Adair, a local rich kid with a

reputation for fast cars and faster living. But here they were, Arabella caught Mya and Adair exchanging secret handholds beneath

the dinner table.

"We've been together for just about three days. Bella, you've been swamped, so we haven't had the chance to fill you in," Adair

explained with a sheepish grin, standing up. "I'll take a penalty of three shots for that!"

"No need, you've got to drive Mya hlater."

Arabella clinked her glass—a stand-in for a shot glass—with theirs. From the corner of the room, a chorus of voices beckoned her.

Horace, Jeff, Jack, and Tom, among others, were all there.

"Boss, we're not good with fancy words, but congrats! Damn, we've been waiting for this day forever," Jack blurted out, only to be

chided by the others for his lack of decorum.

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"Today of all days, can't you be a bit more refined?"

"Yeah, yeah, congrats, Boss. Finally, the day has come."

They kept their voices low when shouting "Boss," wary of drawing too much attention.

Everyone raised their glasses to Arabella, downing their drinks with gusto, and she encouraged them to help themselves to more

food.

Over at the "staff table," there was Jaime, the head honcho of QY, along with various presidents and vice presidents from different

industries, all offering their blessings.

Arabella made her rounds, acknowledging each table, until her gaze landed on one where Grannie Grace's dearest friend, Grandma

Stacy, sat. The memory of Grandma Stacy crying her heart out on the floor at Grannie Grace's funeral was still vivid. Now, as

Arabella's lineage was publicly acknowledged, Grandma Stacy stood, tears of joy brimming in her eyes.

Arabella had barely approached when she was enveloped in a tight embrace.

"I've lived to see this day for your grandmother," Grandma Stacy said, her voice quivering with emotion. "Tonight, I'll tell her in my

dream about your accomplishments, that your place in the world is recognized, and you're doing wonderfully. She can rest easy

now."

"Thank you, Grandma Stacy," Arabella replied, touched, gently patting her back. "I appreciate all your care over the years, and I'm

so glad you could be here today."

Someone passed a tissue to Arabella—it was Caden, alongside his grandfather, James.

She hadn't expected him to show.

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He looked different—handsomer, more commanding, though noticeably leaner, not in an unhealthy way, though.

Arabella nodded to Caden and Grandpa James in greeting and took the tissue, intending to wipe away Grandma Stacy's tears.

"lI can do it, let me. Don't want to make a scene," Grandma Stacy said, dabbing her eyes before breaking into a smile. "I'm just so

happy for you, child. You've been through so much, and now you've got good times ahead. I'm making a scene at your

homecoming feast. Don't worry about me. I'll stay healthy and live to be a hundred. | want to see justice for those two villains. I'll

make sure they get what's coming to them and then tell your grandmother all about it. I'll continue to honor her memory every

year. I'm not going anywhere soon."

"Thank you," Arabella said softly. "Grannie Grace was lucky to have a friend like you."

"Oh, you silly girl, no need for thanks. You're Grace's chosen granddaughter, which makes you mine. Your business is my business."

After a brief chat with Grandma Stacy, Arabella greeted Caden and James, urging them to enjoy the feast before being whisked

away by her agent, Ms. Kiki.