The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 1868

"You got it spot on," Arabella chimed in, "Next up, the puppet master's gonna be peeping at our every move. What we gotta do ain't to mess up our own game, but to lock up these hitmen and keep spreading the word that Erik's hanging by a thread and ready to spill the beans on the past at any moment. That'll make them antsy enough to slip up."

Arabella continued, "With holidays coming, both kin and business associates are likely to drop by—especially after my identity's out in the open—we'll have even more visitors. If our mystery foe wants to check if Erik's really kicked the bucket, they'll probably come snooping around themselves."

With a sly smile, she added, "Then, we'll see who's too curious about Erik, and who wants to sneak down to the basement. That's when they'll show their true colors."

"You’re right on the money," Hans agreed, "With New Year around the corner, I reckon they won't stir the pot in the next couple days, so as not to raise any alarms."

Chasel grinned, "Just as sis said, we wait for them to come knocking during the festivities, and everything will be clear as day."

After all, those who didn't know them had no reason to harm them. It had to be someone close who planned the clinic fire back in the day.

What the mastermind had aimed to snuff out were Kenneth and Louisa.

Arabella was just an unintended pawn in this conspiracy, which led to a whole series of events.

"As we nabbed all the hitmen today, they’ll know we are gonna beef up security, and would definitely not waltz in here to meet their maker in the next few days," Clark confirmed.

"Now, we just need to hear how Sean's holding up."

No sooner had Arabella finished speaking than the head of security stepped forward, "Ms. Bella, we've thoroughly checked the basement; it's clean of any bugs. We've scoured the place inside and out, multiple times."

Arabella nodded and whispered her next instructions.

Hearing Ms. Bella’s plan, the security chief was impressed with her smarts and promptly saluted, "Understood."

"Sis, your noggin's sharper than a tack. They'll likely buy into it." Clark patted Arabella's head, amazed at her calm and strategic mind in the face of danger.