The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 1804

Arabella gazed at the spread before her, thinking it was all Sean's doing after all, his way of showing he cared. Determined to honor his efforts, she tasted each dish, savoring the flavors.

But it was simply too much. As the meal wound down, she discussed with Romeo about the leftovers. Romeo signaled for the manager to come over and pack them up.

Sean was taken aback by Romeo's thriftiness, but what really set him off was when his sister took out her credit card to pay. He seethed, “What’s up with Romeo? Can’t even shell out for a meal? And asking for a doggy bag?”

Steward was equally shocked, “This is just not done.”

Leaving aside the small amount of dishes he ordered, he let the girl pay the bill, and was even going to take leftovers.

“He’s gonna get a piece of my mind.”

Sean was about to stand when Steward stopped him, “Sean, if you make a scene now, Ms. Collins will just be embarrassed, she paid, and that’s that. My guess is, Ms. Collins’s not one to be pushed around. Maybe she figured he’s not the right guy, just wanted to have a meal and not owe him anything. That’s why she insisted on paying.”

“I bet he thinks Bella’s sweet and easy to bully,” Sean fumed, convinced that Romeo would have the guts to behave like that as knowing he was there. What would happen when he wasn’t around to protect her?

Seeing Arabella settled the bill, Romeo then took her by the hand and left the restaurant.

The manager bowed respectfully, “We hope to see Mr. McMillian and the lovely lady again soon!”

Sean scowled. No way was there going to be a ‘next time’. He resolved then and there to keep his sister away from Romeo.

In the elevator, Romeo turned to Arabella, "This card has no limit. I know your brothers spoil you with pocket money, and your parents too, but from now on, this is all you'll need."

Arabella hadn't used the card Romeo gave her weeks ago, even when he asked why. But today, she decided to treat and paid with it, which delighted Romeo. That she finally accepted it made him feel over the moon.

But to Sean, Romeo’s delight was just the glee by taking advantage of her. Right now, Sean was seething with fury, barely subduing his impulse of cutting him into pieces.