The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 2039

At the gala.

Harriet watched, seething, as Arabella decently stood by Romeo's side, guests flocking to them, who were eager to rub elbows with them.

They looked like an ideal couple, a perfect pair, their very presence enough to make anyone green with envy.

Finally, Arabella was alone, and Harriet's eyes gleamed with a vengeful spark, "Dad, I saw the person who hit me!"

"Lead the way." Addison said, setting his drink aside and rising with anger in his voice, "I want to see who had the nerve to lay a hand on you."

As Harriet led the way, they neared Arabella. Suddenly, Addison's voice rose with excitement, "At last, I find you here!"

Harriet looked on, stunned as her normally haughty father now treated Arabella with the utmost politeness and respect, bending at the waist to shake her hand. Arabella returned the gesture with a familiar smile, as though greeting an old friend.

"Bart Monroe, it's been ages," Arabella greeted Addison.

“I was thrilled to learn from our call last night that you'd be attending tonight's ball. I cleared my schedule just to see you, and I'm overjoyed that we've met." The joy and gratitude were unmistakable in Addison’s eyes, "You've been busy, and I've never had the chance to properly thank you. After all you've been through recently, I haven't been of much help, but I want you to know, if there's anything I can do for you, just say the word."

Harriet was dumbfounded. When had Arabella become her father's savior? She had no clue.

"Bart, you've already been a great help," Arabella said with a gentle tone.

"That's nothing. Should you ever need anything, even if I'm on my last breath, I will pay you back!"

At the time, Romeo, having finished his conversation with the guests, approached them, "Bart, business must be good these days."

Addison laughed heartily, "Oh Romeo, you're here to tease me again. My business can't hold a candle to yours, not even to your pinkie finger."

Addison gestured humbly with his little finger.

Romeo smiled, "Yesterday, Ms. Monroe handed Bella a blank check, asking her to write any amount. I thought perhaps you had come into a fortune and I was hoping to pick your brain."

"A check?" Addison turned perplexed to his daughter, "Why did you give Arabella a check?"

"Nothing much. It was just a little attempt to buy Romeo and Arabella's affections." Cathy chimed in suddenly, her smile beaming, "I told her a single check wouldn't cut it; Romeo's worth tens of billions. She didn't take that too well, accused us of being inferior to Romeo’s family, suggested I spruce myself up to marry some rich old man - anything to contribute to our family and not be trampled underfoot by Romeo’s family forever."