The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 1885

"Mr. Sheen, Mr. Flair caught a glimpse of you earlier and wanted to have a word. Is this a good time?" the hotel manager asked with a respectful bow.

"I'll step out for a moment," Sean said, ruffling Arabella's hair. "Hang tight for me, will you? I've had my guys bring the jet over, and we’ll head straight to Reflections Villa from here."

"Sure thing."

He turned back to the manager, "Show my sister around, will you? Let her get a feel for the place."

"Absolutely."

The hotel manager bowed deeply as Sean departed, waiting until he was a good distance away in the golf cart before straightening up. "Ms. Bella, shall I take you on a little tour?"

"No need. I'll just wait here for Sean," Arabella replied, tired and preferring to sit and rest awhile.

"But Mr. Sheen asked me to."

"Do you listen to him?"

The manager was taken aback, then quickly bowed again, "Of course, your wishes come first, Ms. Bella."

After the manager had respectfully retreated, Arabella settled onto a nearby bench. Not far behind her was a chain-link fence, beyond which lay an off-road racing track.

She pulled out her phone and saw several messages and two missed calls from Romeo.

Arabella shot back a video call.

"I just finished dropping off clothes for Leia, and then I got this massive gift from Sean. Take a look around, recognize the place?"

Romeo caught sight of the off-road track and the vast open space, with well-kept lawns and the ocean view.

"Who's that?" Romeo's voice had an edge, tinged with annoyance and jealousy.

But Arabella's phone wasn't loud enough for the stranger to hear.

Without ending the video call, Arabella ignored the newcomer, speaking to Romeo on screen, "Finish up early today and don't spend all day in the office just because I'm not there."

"I was hoping we could be friends. Are you staying here alone? What room are you in? If you're unattached, I'm up for some fun and can keep you company."

The guy seemed like a typical young, rich kid trying to impress Arabella, lifting his chin and mentioning, "I know the people who run this place, I'm a friend of the owner."

A friend of Sean's?

"And your point is?" Arabella's gaze finally shifted to him, still not ending the video chat.