The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 2032

Just as Cathy reached for her wallet to settle the bill, Arabella's hand shot out, stopping her dead in her tracks as her eyes locked onto Romeo.

Cathy was taken aback, Bella was expecting Romeo to foot the bill?

"Isn't Cathy treating us to dinner?" Romeo asked with a devilish grin, seemingly plotting to tease Cathy a bit.

"Cathy's treat was for me, but now that you're here, you're the eldest; shouldn't you be picking up the tab?"

Romeo hadn't actually planned to let Cathy pay. Seeing his fiancée so protective of her, he smiled, and quickly took care of the bill.

Cathy didn't expect Arabella to save her over a thousand bucks just like that. She whispered into Arabella's ear gratefully, "Thank you, Arabella. Next time, when Romeo's not around, I'll treat you to dinner."

"I heard that." Romeo helped Arabella into her coat, "Next time, I'll take her abroad with me; we'll work together. If you want to treat, treat us both, or don't bother."

Cathy was left speechless. Romeo was true to his businessman roots, playing a “buy one, get one free” game with her.

At the Earwood family residence, Harriet stormed home, fuming, only to find her father Addison on a call. Unable to contain her agitation, she whined, "Dad."

Addison had no time to spare for her. He was answering a super important call at the moment; he signaled with his hand for her to keep quiet.

Harriet, with frustration brewing inside her, noticed an elegant invitation on the coffee table. It was for a New Year's gala hosted by a children's charity foundation, inviting the Earwood family to attend.

This gala was known to invite many high-profile individuals, including the Collins family!

"Alright, alright, no problem. See you tomorrow night." Addison wrapped up his call, his face beaming with excitement. He turned to his daughter, "Now, who's got my little girl all riled up? What happened to your face?"

Outside the police station, a swarm of reporters had gathered. Martin emerged from inside, the epitome of still poise and grace.

A barrage of flickering lights went off as all the reporters swarmed him, clamoring for a statement.

Exiting alongside Martin was his attorney, Lawyer Archibald, who addressed the reporters, "Mr. Cooper has provided audio recordings that prove he was unaware of his subordinates' actions. They were coerced by someone else to take the fall. As for who that individual is, the police will reveal it once the investigation is complete. Please make some room."

Martin's driver pulled up the car, and his bodyguards began to clear a path through the crowd.

Martin made his way towards the vehicle. But the relentless reporters had no intention of backing down, bombarding him with questions.

"Mr. Cooper, do you have any idea who might be trying to frame the Collins family? Why would they throw dirt on your name? Do you know the person responsible??"