The Princess and the Pauper

Chapter 1969

It was kind of unexpected how things turned out. Arabella found that her roommate Mya was dating

Adair, a local rich kid with a reputation for fast cars and faster living. But here they were, Arabella

caught Mya and Adair exchanging secret handholds beneath the dinner table.

"We've been together for just about three days. Bella, you've been swamped, so we haven't had the

chance to fill you in," Adair explained with a sheepish grin, standing up. "I'll take a penalty of three

shots for that!"

"No need, you've got to drive Mya home later."

Arabella clinked her glass—a stand-in for a shot glass—with theirs. From the corner of the room, a

chorus of voices beckoned her.

Horace, Jeff, Jack, and Tom, among others, were all there.

"Boss, we're not good with fancy words, but congrats! Damn, we've been waiting for this day forever,"

Jack blurted out, only to be chided by the others for his lack of decorum.

"Today of all days, can't you be a bit more refined?"

"Yeah, yeah, congrats, Boss. Finally, the day has come."

They kept their voices low when shouting "Boss," wary of drawing too much attention.

Everyone raised their glasses to Arabella, downing their drinks with gusto, and she encouraged them to

help themselves to more food.

Over at the "staff table," there was Jaime, the head honcho of QY, along with various presidents and

vice presidents from different industries, all offering their blessings.

Arabella made her rounds, acknowledging each table, until her gaze landed on one where Grannie

Grace's dearest friend, Grandma Stacy, sat. The memory of Grandma Stacy crying her heart out on the

floor at Grannie Grace's funeral was still vivid. Now, as Arabella's lineage was publicly acknowledged,

Grandma Stacy stood, tears of joy brimming in her eyes.

Arabella had barely approached when she was enveloped in a tight embrace.

"I've lived to see this day for your grandmother," Grandma Stacy said, her voice quivering with emotion.

"Tonight, I'll tell her in my dream about your accomplishments, that your place in the world is

recognized, and you're doing wonderfully. She can rest easy now."

"Thank you, Grandma Stacy," Arabella replied, touched, gently patting her back. "I appreciate all your

care over the years, and I'm so glad you could be here today." Content © copyrighted by NôvelDrama.Org.

Someone passed a tissue to Arabella—it was Caden, alongside his grandfather, James.

She hadn't expected him to show.

He looked different—handsomer, more commanding, though noticeably leaner, not in an unhealthy

way, though.

Arabella nodded to Caden and Grandpa James in greeting and took the tissue, intending to wipe away

Grandma Stacy's tears.

"Thank you," Arabella said softly. "Grannie Grace was lucky to have a friend like you."

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