The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 1792

"Seriously, all the kids these days are glued to their phones, right? Let's have a little wager. See who can last thirty minutes without touching their phone. Winner gets a cool 5 million."

Arabella's ears perked up at that. Easy money?

"Just not touch my phone, that's it?"

"Yup, you can do whatever else you want, just no phone. Can't even glance at the screen. Wanna give it a shot?"

Though Arabella thought the game sounded pretty lame, it was Sean's idea, so she decided to play along.

"Okay, I'm in."

"Great. Check your other messages on your phone, and after five minutes, we'll start. I'll be waiting in the living room."

Watching Sean's excited figure leave, Arabella couldn't quite understand his enthusiasm. She quickly replied to a few messages on her phone, instructed her team to hold off contacting her for the next half-hour, then powered off her device and headed to the living room.

Meanwhile, Sean messaged David, [Bella is in tears tonight.]

David instantly shot back a message, [What happened? Who's messing with her??]

[Wanna know the deets? Wire me 5 million, and I'll spill.]

[Yeah, right.] Knowing Sean was likely trying to scam him, David texted, [Bella wouldn't cry even at the end of the world. Plus, if she was upset, I'd just call her.]

Hearing his phone buzzed, Sean knew David was getting anxious. Sure enough, he bombarded Sean with messages, and when Sean didn't reply, he resorted to calling him repeatedly.

"You’re pretty busy?" Arabella was surprised at the barrage of calls within such a short span, "Why don't you pick up? It won't count against the game."

"That wouldn't be right," Sean said, glancing at the clock. Only eight minutes to go. He continued to regale Arabella with the story of how he first suspected something fishy about the fire at the health clinic.

Unable to wait any longer, David transferred the money. Sean's phone pinged with a notification of the transfer, seven minutes left in the game.

[Sean, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have taken your money before. Please tell me what's wrong with Bella? Is it bad? I can't stand the thought of her crying. I wired you the cash, now spill! Sean, my dear Sean, just reply, please! Just this time!!]