The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 1944

"Can't I even chat with my sis-in-law for a minute?" Cathy retorted with a rebellious flair, her voice tinged with defiance. "I hardly cling to her. Grandma and Grandpa chatted her up way more just now. Why don't you send them off to count their gift in the corner?"

Romeo's gaze hardened, and Cathy quickly grabbed Arabella's hand, pleading for help. "Bella."

The unspoken message was clear: Save me! Romeo's about to go off on me again!

Arabella cracked a smile and glanced up at Romeo, "Where did you put the holiday presents I got for Grandma and Grandpa?"

"I'll go get them."

Romeo shot Cathy a warning look before he left.

"Wow, Bella, you actually got him to move." Cathy was starstruck by Arabella's influence. "Wait, you didn't even ask him, and off he went. Am I blind or has he changed. Is that really my big brother?"

No, her big brother was still the same—stern and aloof with them.

But with his wife, Arabella, he was all tenderness.

"Bella, you gotta cover for me in the future! Any tasty treats I get, they're all yours. Any cool spots I find, you're the first one I'll take! Any perks come my way, you're the one I'll think of first—just protect me. If I can avoid Romeo's claws—no, his 'educational' grip—for the rest of my life."

Arabella couldn't help but chuckle at Cathy's earnest appeal.

"Bella, you've got such a beautiful smile. You should do it more often." Cathy rambled on. "When you first came around, you seemed so cool and distant, but then you smiled, and I was totally blown away. I hereby declare, from today onwards, my sister Luna's beauty takes second place, and you're in the lead!"

"Thanks for the ranking," Arabella said with a soft smile.