The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 1968

"Come on, eat your food properly, or I won't be inviting you all next time."

With just one sentence from Arabella, seven grumpy old men instantly picked up their cutlery and started eating like well-behaved children.

"That's more like it. Isn't it nicer when everyone gets along?"

Another quip from Arabella, and the old guys began passing dishes to each other with exaggerated politeness and fake smiles.

The reporter on the sidelines couldn't believe that the spat between these venerable gentlemen had been defused so easily by a young lady.

It really took Arabella to step in; moments ago, she and the photographer were too scared to make a peep.

The live chat was going wild. Arabella had managed to get seven feisty old men to toe the line.

[Bella's incredible, I'm officially a fan now! Bella, you're my idol!]

[These old dudes are hilarious, I could watch them bicker all day.]

[I'm so jealous of Arabella, pampered and doted on by so many grandpas. Meanwhile, I just got yanked out of bed by my mom for oversleeping.]

Seeing that they were finally eating peacefully, Arabella was about to head back to her own table when she caught sight of friends from two tables waving at her.

"Bella, over here, cheers to you!" Kelly called out, wine glass in hand, beckoning Arabella over.

Ophelia, the sleek-haired BFF Deborah, the tomboyish Fanny with her jagged bangs, the elegant Freda with her collarbone-length hair, and the guy friends Hayes, Magee, Burgess, they all waved at Arabella with smiles on their faces.