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!"