The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella and Romeo) novel Chapter 1472

Arabella had always resisted taking on the mantle from the old man, leading him on a wild goose chase around the world. Now, he was practically laying down ultimatums to “coerce” her.

"It's settled, oh for Pete's sake, what's wrong with this signal now? Can't hear a darn thing. Alright, that's it, hanging up."

Perhaps fearing Arabella would change her mind, Mr. Albright hastily ended the call, not without bragging in the old-timers' group chat that Bella would be punctually attending his birthday bash the next day.

[For real? Don't you dare pull a fast one on me! Listen here, if you don't share that bottle of tequila you snagged last time, I'll just sit back in my rocking chair, chill, and let your birthday bash be a frosty affair.]

[If you give that old coot tequila and don't let me feast my eyes on that luminous pearl you got your hands on last time, count me out!]

[Call me bro just once, admit you've lost to me in chess, and I might just deign to grace your little shindig with my presence.]

“You should buy me lunch for a month.”

Seeing each of them making demands, Mr. Albright haughtily replied, [Come or don't--your choice!]

Everyone was momentarily unsettled by his response. Could it be that Bella really was going to show up?!

Each year, without fail, Bella had always made time for their birthday parties, no matter how busy she was.

Even though she now had recognized her own family, they knew deep down she still cared about them.

With that thought, the old guys started changing their tunes.

[Out of the relationship we've shared over the years, I suppose I can make an exception and drop by your birthday dinner tomorrow night.]