The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 1512

"I'm okay with that," Arabella said nonchalantly.

"Then I'll borrow a violin from someone here."

Alma hadn't brought her fiddle today, worried that others might think she had an ulterior motive, so she left it at home on purpose.

"I've got one."

From within the crowd, Eugene's voice emerged. Though he was a whiz at chess, his house had quite a collection of musical instruments.

"Speaking of which, this violin was a gift from Jamie Noelle," Eugene asked someone to hand it over.

Regan, seeing the exquisite and familiar violin, couldn't help but ask, "Is that the one Angus made in 1716, which Jamie Noelle snapped up at a high price? When did she give it to you?"

Eugene looked smug, "A small token like this really shows who's more valued."

"Why did she give you that? Did you coerce or bribe her?" Regan was obviously a bit jealous.

Arabella knew he had a passion for music, yet she gave such a precious thing to Mr. Albright, the chess nut. And she didn't even think of him!

As he wallowed in self-pity, he caught sight of Alma's amused smile and had an epiphany, "I get it now. It must be hers, and you’re just trying to pull one over on me!"

Eugene didn't expect him to see through the ruse and stubbornly retorted, "Can't you just admit Jamie Noelle favors me over you?"

"I'll go first," Alma took the violin, which seemed to bear the traces of Jamie Noelle's touch.

She mustered her courage and stepped onto the stage, brewing her emotions for a moment before pouring them all into The Life.