The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 1975

"Thanks for the compliment, Aunt Shirley, it's okay. I'm just thrilled you could make it today."

"Your welcome gift is already with your folks, check it out after the party," Shirley said warmly, beckoning her family over to greet Arabella.

Arabella exchanged pleasantries with each of them, chatting for a bit, when Louisa exclaimed, "Frederica, you made it? Bella, let me introduce you. This is Alma's sister and your cousin, Frederica."

Frederica was different from Alma. She had a serene beauty about her, her emotions never on display. Facing Arabella, she offered a faint smile, "Hi, Bella."

"Frederica has been abroad and just got back today." Louisa added.

"Hello."

"Ma'am, it's time for the raffle," someone at the party reminded. "Shall we have Ms. Bella come up and start the draw? Let's pick 99 lucky guests to sponsor children with illnesses in the name of our attendees."

Louisa nearly forgot about this part of the evening and nodded eagerly, "Oh, yes, it's time. Bella, get ready. You'll be picking our lucky guests tonight."

"Sure thing."

Frederica glanced at Arabella a few times before turning away, her thoughts a mystery.

As Arabella took the stage, she was unaware that netizens were digging into her past.

[Ladies! The Collins family is serving us drama after drama. Are you all full? If not, I've got more juicy gossip for you!]

[Just earlier, I bumped into Romeo and Clark shopping with a young girl. This girl got Clark to happily open his wallet and buy six shopping carts full of stuff for her! Six carts, ladies. From what I saw, there were strawberry hair clips and scented lamps worth dozens of dollars each, starry straws, and more. Romeo picked out quite a few things too.]