The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 2053

Romeo escorted Arabella to her front porch, cradling her head tenderly for a deep kiss before gazing into her eyes and saying, “I’ll pick you up at seven tomorrow night.”

He had just accompanied her to light a candle in memory of Grannie Grace, sharing the news that the Murphy couple had met their fate by the state's hand.

Ever since their engagement had been announced, the whole town knew that he and Arabella were betrothed. So the following evening, he wanted to take her to a dinner party to show everyone that she belonged solely to him!

“Okay, see you tomorrow night.” As Arabella was about to leave, Romeo wrapped her in his arms again, claiming her lips in a fervent kiss.

“That’s enough.” Arabella gently pushed him away, pulling out her constantly buzzing phone from her pocket. It was a video call invitation from her aunt.

“I better head in. Drive safe and take it slow,” she cautioned before answering Eunice’s call.

“Bella, look, we’ve made it to Oldrun.” Eunice’s smile was radiant as she turned the camera to show the scenery behind her, excitedly sharing with Arabella, “Isn’t it beautiful? Your grandparents wanted to send you this view, but I beat them to it.”

The families had planned a world tour before the New Year, but with the mastermind still at large, the Collins family couldn't afford to let their guard down. So Bard and Sampson took the lead in taking their parents and their wives out for some enjoyment.

“If only you were here,” Eunice wished her niece was by her side.

Arabella smiled, “There’s been some progress here, and I think we’ll have answers soon. Once things wrap up, we’ll come and join you guys.”

“That sounds wonderful,” Eunice’s smile brightened even further, “We’ll take our time and wait for you to come. Even though you’re starting school again in a few days, everyone already knows you’re a special guest professor at Summerfield College. As for Westerly College, it makes no difference whether you return or not.”

Arabella chuckled, “You guys stay safe too. I’ll finish up here quickly and come find you.”

Arabella entered the main house to find her family still discussing the execution of Attlee and Olga.

“Grannie Grace can finally rest in peace,” Louisa said, bringing over a bowl of soup. “Have a little something, you must be hungry.”

“Did you hear? Several companies under our uncle and aunt’s names are in trouble,” Clark whispered to his sister.

Seeing Arabella’s puzzled look, Clark showed her his phone, continuing in a hushed tone, “Their chain of restaurants is suspected of serving stale food. Loads of customers got sick and had to be hospitalized.”

He lowered his voice even further, “And their construction firm? They've been exposed for cutting corners – the steel and concrete are practically paper-mâché. Plus, there’s news of workplace fatalities being covered up with hush money.”