The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella)

Chapter 1988

Elsewhere.

Ever since Arabella's identity was revealed, the number of guests visiting had surged, and Reflections Villa was bustling for days on

end.

That day, a couple breezed through the front door, showering Arabella with compliments from head to toe.

"Bella, these sweet-talkers are Gustave and Odelia," Louisa said with a beaming smile, "They're our family’s business partners; we

have been working together for over a decade."

Arabella caught on quickly, greeting them politely, "Hello Gustave, hello Odelia."

"My, what a sweet child, not only beautiful and with a lovely voice! You two hit the jackpot with her—she's absolutely perfect!"

Odelia, all smiles, rummaged through her bag and pulled out two cards, insisting on giving them to Arabella.

Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt

"Odelia, you're too kind. Bella's all grown up now."

"This is just a token of our affection from Gustave and me; please accept it."

"Bella, since it's a gesture from Gustave and Odelia, you should take it."

Knowing it was vain to refuse, Arabella graciously accepted, "Thank you, Gustave. Thank you, Odelia."

"Oh, what a polite child." Odelia continued, her joy evident as she presented a beautifully wrapped gift to Arabella, "This is for the

New Year. May the coming year bring you joy and success in all you do."

"You've already given her cards, and now a gift? It's too much!" Louisa said with laughter in her cheeks.

"It's our first private meeting with Bella, and we already feel bad for not preparing an additional gift. After all, she's just so lovable;

it's only a small present. Don't make us feel like outsiders!"

"Bella, don't forget to thank Gustave and Odelia for their kindness."

"Thank you, Gustave and Odelia."

"She's so well-mannered. | suddenly feel the McMillian family is so lucky, imagining one day Bella will marry into their family."

Just then, a family of three arrived.

"You're here?" Louisa stood to greet them, her face alight with joy.

"We wanted to chere a couple of days ago, but seeing so many cars parked outside Reflections Villa, we didn't want to

overwhelm you and Kenneth. So we decided to visit early today, and look, | guessed it right; it's less crowded now," Penny

explained, then greeted Gustave and turned her attention to Arabella.

"We couldn't get close to Bella at the homecoming banquet the other day. There were so many people greeting her, our family

couldn’t get a word in. But today, at last, we finally get to meet her up close."

Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm

Penny exuded a dignified elegance; even her stance and behavior radiated the refinement of a lady of status, exuding grace and

poise with her mere presence.

"Letintroduce you, Bella. This is Mr. and Mrs. Stapleton, and their daughter, Macy," Louisa said, smiling.

"Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Stapleton. Hello, Macy."

"Hi Bella," Macy greeted in return.

Penny handed Arabella the gifts, noticeably larger than the ones from Gustave and Odelia, and they felt a bit uneasy.

"For the New Year, we wish you achieve your personal triumphs as you continue to carve out your own success. Also, may you

grow up healthy and happy," Penny said with a warm smile.

Louisa nodded at Arabella, who accepted with thanks, "Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Stapleton. | also wish you a New Year filled with

prosperity and happiness."