The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella)

Chapter 1918

"I still can't believe she was the ringleader of ssecret society," Lucas exclaimed, clearly shocked. "This whole situation feels

like it runs deeper. But with Martha gone, there's struth to the saying 'what goes around comes around'!"

Alma was stunned that Arabella had gone through so much and yet, there she was, sitting pretty as a picture, not a hair out of

place.

Alma thought, "Was she even human? Her luck was just too unbelievable! | mean, we're talking about a kidnapping and a ticking

tbomb. And she made it out alive. It's just mind-boggling!"

"So, that leaves just Erik still breathing," Lucas mused, then added with resolve, "This man, we can't let him off easy! We have to

grill him, find out if he intentionally switched the kids to give his daughter a better life."

"I'll get to the bottom of it once he wakes up."

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Louisa hadn't shared with them that there was more to the old fire incident, that a puppet master was still lurking in the shadows.

Lucas and Beverly assumed that it was all Erik and Martha's selfish schto switch two kids.

"Wake him up?" Lucas was confused by her words. "What's he doing sleeping at a tlike this? Why don't you shake him awake

and give him a piece of your mind?"

"He's not sleeping, he's in a coma. It's a long story, but you know Bella's got healing hands. Luckily she stepped in, and now Erik's

out cold until we can question him about what really happened back then."

Lucas and Beverly's eyes shifted back to Arabella.

"Absolutely, Bella's skills are legendary," Lucas couldn't help praising Arabella's medical prowess, especially since she had saved

his own parents.

Beverly smiled and chimed in, "Bella's truly a jack-of-all-trades. Whoever ends up marrying her is one lucky guy."

"But with the holiday rush and all, we need to keep a close eye on Erik, make sure he doesn't slip through our fingers!" Lucas

cautioned, pausing before adding, "If you need any help, just holler."

"Reflections Villa is locked down tight," Kenneth assured, clapping Lucas on the shoulder with a grin. "No need to worry, we've got

twenty guys just in his room alone!"

Lucas was surprised by the manpower. Nodding, he said, "Once he comes to and you've got the full story, letknow. | want to

get justice for Bella too! If it weren't for him and Martha, Bella wouldn't have been cast out for all those years."

"I'm gonna teach him a lesson too, let him know that you don't mess with the Collins family!"

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As Beverly finished her sentence, Arabella's lips curled into a sly smile, "Lucas, Beverly, you're so concerned."

Her comment drew everyone's attention, and the atmosphere tensed.

"Knowing that you have my back and want to stand up for me. as the younger generation, I'm honored, truly," Arabella defused

the situation with a swift change in tone, easing Lucas and Beverly's expressions.

"What are you saying? You're our niece. Who else are we supposed to care about, Erik? You're the family's treasure now," Lucas

said heartily.

The conversation then drifted to work matters and catching up on old acquaintances with Kenneth.

Feeling the conversation was wearing on her, Arabella stood up and excused herself, "I'll be right back, just need to make a phone

call."