The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella and Romeo) novel Chapter 1359

Darren and Arabella clinked their soda cans together in a secret toast. They sat sprawled on the floor, sipping their drinks and savoring the crispy fried chicken.

"This chicken is spot-on—crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside. If we only had some barbecue skewers to go along with it."

Arabella couldn't help but chuckle. "Grandpa, you're just on the mend. It's best to stick to lighter fare for now. Besides, BBQ skewers are too aromatic. The folks outside will sniff us out in no time."

Even with the windows cracked open, the aroma of fried chicken seemed to fill the entire recovery room.

Skewers would definitely give the game away.

"You're right, Bella. Skewers might be too much. The chicken is perfect. I'm more than content with this," Darren conceded with a smile.

He picked out a particularly plump piece and handed it to her. "Here, Bella, this one's meaty. Take it. You're too thin. You need to eat more."

Arabella accepted it with a grin. She loved eating meat but never seemed to gain weight, perhaps because of her fondness for teas and lemon water.

"To think that our first meal together would be in a place like this, It's certainly memorable."

Darren wolfed down the chicken, his mood souring as he thought about the backstabbers outside.

Sensing her grandfather's shift in mood, Arabella offered comfort. "It's painful to face the truth, but it's better than being kept in the dark. You've supported them for years out of brotherly love, Grandpa, but what they're after is your life and your fortune."

As she spoke, Arabella pulled out her smartphone. "Let me add you on WhatsApp, Grandpa."

"Alright, alright." Darren's spirits lifted as he fished out his own phone. "Should I scan your code, or do you want to scan mine?"