The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 2002

"Luna, what exactly has Arabella done for you that you're going to bat for her like this?"

"She's easy on the eyes, I like doing favors for pretty girls. Can't help it if you're not on the same level."

"You—you're attacking me personally now."

"And what if I am?" Luna shoved her towards the elevator doors.

Just then, with a ding, the elevator opened and Romeo, fresh from a meeting, stepped out.

"Romeo, she's been bullying me." Luna dashed over and clung to Romeo's arm, tears streaming down her face, putting on the most pitiful act. "She says she wants to be your lady, and I said no. Then she got all pushy, tried to throw me out, claiming that she'll be the one calling the shots around here soon."

Harriet was taken aback by how adept Luna had become at turning the tables, and she hurried to clarify, "Romeo, I didn't."

"If you didn't, then why is my sister crying?" Romeo's tone was full of defense as he glanced at Luna's red-rimmed, woeful eyes, then turned to Harriet with a frown. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm back in town, came to see you. Brought you some comfort food, but..."

"She brought some snacks for you, and I was gonna be nice and take them to your office, but she insisted on going in herself. I told her, even as your sister, we can't just barge into your office, gotta respect your privacy. Guess what she said? She claimed that one day she'd be yours, so barging in now or later doesn't make a difference."

Harriet was about to burst with anger, "Romeo, don't listen to her nonsense."

This darn Luna, such a master at spinning tales!

"Enough." Romeo didn't want to hear any more of Harriet's side of the story. "Without my permission, don't come around here anymore."

"Romeo, if she can be this bold in front of you, I'm terrified what she might do when you're not around." Luna's grip on Romeo's arm tightened, and she looked utterly forlorn.

"You're not to come near Luna again. I'm engaged, and I'd appreciate it if you kept your distance in the future," Romeo said, slightly irked, and instructed Carl, "Take her downstairs and let the security know not to let just anyone up here."

"Romeo, even Alice at the front desk couldn't stop her. She pushed Alice down so hard, she couldn't get up. I'm worried Alice might have a fracture, we should get her to the hospital. Maybe don't dock her pay today."

Romeo nodded, "Alright."

Carl struggled to keep a straight face, "Ms. Monroe, right this way, please."

"Romeo." Harriet watched as Luna walked away still clinging to Romeo's arm, her anger simmering.