The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 1715

“She was treading carefully, not wanting to spook anyone. So she only brought me along. But rest assured, Mr. McMillian, I'd lay down my life to protect her."

"Both of you come back in one piece, you hear it?"

"Absolutely!" Horace replied and soon realized he'd started to think of Romeo as his boss, as he answered him with such ease.

Just then, Arabella emerged, all dressed and ready. Romeo poured her a cup of coffee and handed it over.

"It's nippy out there. Have some coffee to warm up before you go."

Arabella looked at Horace, who quickly mouthed 'I didn't spill anything!'

After she finished her coffee, Romeo added, "If you need anything while you're out, just holler for me."

"Will do." Arabella, not wanting him to wait up, said, "If I'm not back by midnight, don't wait up. Just hit the hay."

"Okay." Romeo tousled her hair gently. "Be safe."

With a nod to Horace, Arabella indicated it was time to leave. Horace stood up immediately, "Mr. McMillian, we should head out."

As he caught Romeo's worried and reluctant gaze, Horace reassured him, "Don't worry, I've got her back."

With a nod, Romeo saw them to the door.

Down the long corridor, Arabella's cool and determined silhouette grew distant .

Horace kept glancing back, and as they waited for the elevator, he could see Romeo still standing at the door and watching them.

"Boss, you sure you don't want to have a word with Mr. McMillian? He seems kinda torn up about you leaving."

Arabella glanced back, only to see Romeo give a little wave before he dutifully went back inside.

"Let's focus on the task at hand."

They took the elevator down and got into the car. Remembering Romeo's anxiousness throughout the day, Arabella pulled out her phone and shot him a message on WhatsApp.