The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 1670

After Carol climbed the stairs, she received a call from Arabella, who dropped a bombshell about a hidden truth behind a car accident from years ago. Carol's long lashes fluttered slightly, betraying her surprise and shock.

Once the call ended, Carol checked the evidence Arabella had sent her. Each message, each document, stoked the flames of her indignation.

After a while, she called her brother Dennis, asking him to come home. She returned to her laptop, her fingers dancing across the keyboard before finally emerging into the living room.

At that moment, Maureen was still adding fuel to the fire, badmouthing her, while Katherine was beside her, crying a river, leaving Rudolf frustrated and distraught.

"I've made up my mind." Carol walked up to them and announced, her expression unflinching, "Didn't Dad say he wanted to announce our identities to all our friends and relatives soon, to let everyone know that we are back? I think we shouldn't wait for another day. Why not just do it tonight?"

"Are you trying to negotiate terms with your dad?" Maureen snapped back, realizing what was happening, "You're really something, aren't you? Always playing your own game. It doesn't matter when we announce your return. But Katherine needs to make amends and apologize before midnight tonight. Her situation is far more urgent than yours. Instead of resolving that, you're here stirring up trouble with irrelevant things."

"I didn't ask for your opinion."

Carol's retort infuriated Maureen.

She couldn't believe Carol would dare to dismiss her so blatantly.

"Carol, are you really willing to help Katherine?" Rudolf looked surprised. Just moments ago, Carol had been adamant about staying out of her sister's issues. What had changed?

"If she's ready to swallow her pride, apologize, and offer some compensation, I'm okay with it. Anyway, New Year is coming up, and all our relatives will naturally learn about me and my brother's return. There's no rush."

"He'll be back soon."

Hearing Carol's assurance, Maureen grew more resentful, convinced the siblings had conspired together. Their father hadn't even agreed to the announcement yet, and her brother was already on his way to receive blessings from friends and relatives.

"Then tonight, we'll all raise our glasses to celebrate - you and your brother's safe return," Rudolf started calling to invite friends and relatives.

"Make sure Meredith Brooks comes home too." Carol said coldly to Maureen, "No one should be missing."

Maureen scoffed. She hadn't expected this audacious girl to take herself so seriously. Meredith was her and Rudolf's beloved son, the heir to their estate, and now he was supposed to come back and celebrate for these two? In her dreams.