The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 1826

According to Bella, Sean didn't take her cash in the end. Instead, he dropped a cool $5 million on candy for her.

"Good for him, showing some sense." Hans loaded up his sister's plate with more breakfast delights, explaining, "I meant to come home to check on you three days back, but this nasty business abroad popped up and I had to stick around to handle it."

His sister had been rattled by that mess with the derelict building, and here he was, only now showing his concern. He felt a twinge of guilt and self-reproach.

"You have got your hands full, lots of irons in the fire - it's normal. Don't sweat it, I'm grown up now, don't need to be babied."

Arabella understood where Hans was coming from, his situation, his feelings.

Take her, for example, she had her own pile of stuff to sift through, often too swamped to catch a break. Like the company Grandpa Alberto left her to inherit, she hadn't even had the chance to pop over there once. And with the New Year around the bend, she hadn't even had the Princess’s gown tailored.

"The first time I came home to see you after you returned, I spotted Serena's low-key shenanigans right off the bat." Hans said while peeling a boiled egg for her.

"I had a sit-down with her back then, but the way she was all jittery and scared, I thought she'd straighten out."

Arabella hadn't realized Hans had taken Serena aside. He had seen through her a long time ago, no wonder he'd sometimes expose her little tricks in front of everyone, even with a hint of reproach in his voice.

As Hans methodically peeled the shell, his voice remained calm as ever, "I even warned Martha. Never thought those two would double down and pull a stunt like this."

Seeing Hans place the peeled egg in her bowl, Arabella said, "Don't beat yourself up, Hans. Even if we could roll back time, our family would still take her in. What's meant to happen will happen."

Because with the Collins' family's character, not to mention their wealth, supporting a foster daughter was no issue, especially one they'd grown attached to over eighteen years.

You don't just toss aside a foster child when your own daughter comes home.

"Bella." Hans realized his sister had a clear-eyed view of everything. Her principles, her experiences, her breadth of heart, and her grace – Serena couldn't hold a candle to her.

Even if Serena had another go at life, she wouldn't reach the heights or the depth of insight Bella demonstrated.

"I bet you've figured out that I deliberately fell into Martha's hands, and I engaged her on purpose, all to show the family their true colors."

Hans had indeed noticed, "You're brave, smart, and adept at thinking on your feet. You did good, but next time, let's keep the danger to a minimum, shall we?"