The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 1969

It was kind of unexpected how things turned out. Arabella found that her roommate Mya was dating Adair, a local rich kid with a reputation for fast cars and faster living. But here they were, Arabella caught Mya and Adair exchanging secret handholds beneath the dinner table.

"We've been together for just about three days. Bella, you've been swamped, so we haven't had the chance to fill you in," Adair explained with a sheepish grin, standing up. "I'll take a penalty of three shots for that!"

"No need, you've got to drive Mya home later."

Arabella clinked her glass—a stand-in for a shot glass—with theirs. From the corner of the room, a chorus of voices beckoned her.

Horace, Jeff, Jack, and Tom, among others, were all there.

"Boss, we're not good with fancy words, but congrats! Damn, we've been waiting for this day forever," Jack blurted out, only to be chided by the others for his lack of decorum.

"Today of all days, can't you be a bit more refined?"

"Yeah, yeah, congrats, Boss. Finally, the day has come."

They kept their voices low when shouting "Boss," wary of drawing too much attention.

Everyone raised their glasses to Arabella, downing their drinks with gusto, and she encouraged them to help themselves to more food.

Over at the "staff table," there was Jaime, the head honcho of QY, along with various presidents and vice presidents from different industries, all offering their blessings.

Arabella nodded to Caden and Grandpa James in greeting and took the tissue, intending to wipe away Grandma Stacy's tears.

"I can do it, let me. Don't want to make a scene," Grandma Stacy said, dabbing her eyes before breaking into a smile. "I'm just so happy for you, child. You've been through so much, and now you've got good times ahead. I'm making a scene at your homecoming feast. Don't worry about me. I'll stay healthy and live to be a hundred. I want to see justice for those two villains. I'll make sure they get what's coming to them and then tell your grandmother all about it. I'll continue to honor her memory every year. I'm not going anywhere soon."

"Thank you," Arabella said softly. "Grannie Grace was lucky to have a friend like you."

"Oh, you silly girl, no need for thanks. You're Grace's chosen granddaughter, which makes you mine. Your business is my business."

After a brief chat with Grandma Stacy, Arabella greeted Caden and James, urging them to enjoy the feast before being whisked away by her agent, Ms. Kiki.