The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella and Romeo) novel Chapter 1372

Serena couldn't help but laugh and ask, "Grandpa, do you really think I'm petty?"

"Of course not, my dear," he reassured her with a smile. "In my eyes, you've always been the sweet and sensible girl, kind and generous to a fault."

Hearing Darren's praise, Serena felt her spirits lift. She glanced at Arabella, only to find her calmly eating her cereal, not even sparing Serena a sideways look.

A twinge of annoyance pricked Serena's heart. She suspected that Arabella was playing dumb, seething with jealousy on the inside.

After breakfast was over.

Serena wanted to put on a show for her family, but Eunice had taken a phone call and stepped away.

"Arabella, come to my study, please," Bard called out.

Arabella was about to text Romeo that it was safe to leave when her uncle called. She nodded and followed him upstairs.

Left alone with Darren in the living room, Serena saw an opportunity. "Grandpa, we just had a big breakfast, how about we take a stroll in the garden?" she cooed, linking her arm through his. "It's been ages since we walked together. Do you remember when I was a kid, running ahead while you chased after me? I picked a little flower for you and promised that when I grew up, I'd buy you a bigger mansion and plant the most beautiful garden. You used to say that all you needed to be happy was for me to visit and walk with you."

Darren looked outside at the snowy landscape, hesitating, but Serena's enthusiasm won him over.

Serena was thrilled. Before stepping out, she didn't forget to instruct the help, "Take a few pictures of us from behind, will you? For Facebook."

Once they stepped outside, a bone-chilling wind made them shiver.