The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 1524

"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, I was tight with Tanner. You know, one thing led to another, and I 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 I 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 I was thinking there was no meat on that bone of a story. Tanner, you sure do talk a big game." 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 told me not to drink; I'm not fully recovered yet."