The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella)

Chapter 1360

Chapter 1360

Darren crumpled the soda can in his hand, his momentary soft-heartedness completely extinguished.

All that remained was a bitter chill and burning rage.

For years he had poured his heart and soul into being the benevolent patriarch, and yet, in their eyes, he was worth less than the

almighty dollar and shares in the company.

His life, and the lives of his son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter, didn't seem to weigh as much as those assets!

No wonder his father had gripped his hand tightly on his deathbed, urgently cautioning Darren never to let his brothers into the

family business.

Even then, his father had seen their true colors, knowing their insatiable greed would one day lead to disaster.

Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt

“It's all my fault, | was too soft then, too trusting.” Darren rambled to Arabella, “When | first took over the company, | was

swamped, working all hours. They cbegging me, tand again, wanting internships and vowing they wouldn't take a penny,

just wanted to ease my burden, saying they couldn't bear to seeso overworked. | actually believed them!"

Looking back, he felt like a fool.

“Grandpa, you trusted them, and | think that's far more precious,” Arabella said with a wisdom beyond her years, “but they just

didn’t value it"

Darren looked at his granddaughter, feeling a stinging sensation in his nose, “They've lived half their lives and still aren't as clear-

sighted as a child."

After a heavy silence, Darren added, “What was once a good his falling apart. | wonder if my father is turning in his grave,

blamingfor letting the wolves in"

"There was never a perfect home, Grandpa,’ Arabella comforted, "You thought we were united and loving, but that might have

been true only in your eyes. To them, it wasn't about brotherly love or family warmth, it was all about the benefits in your and

Uncle Bard's hands."

Darren realized she had a point.

The happy family he thought he had was an illusion!

Sensing her grandfather's mood, Arabella couldn't help but say, "Don't be sad, Grandpa. You've done everything a good man

should. It's not on you that they failed as brothers. Should we just let thern keep making mistakes without any consequences?"

She analyzed further, "An ordinary person's mistake might be a small lie, a minor misdeed, but their mistakes are the kind that

could cost lives. If you turn a blind eye, what you'll lose won't just be our family, and they won't care. They'll trample over bodies,

spending money with wild abandon while evading justice."

Yes, she was right. If he turned a blind eye, it would be like gambling with his family's lives for a semblance of brotherly affection.

He couldn't, he wouldn't allow it.

Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm

"Bella, you're a good kid. Thanks for helpingsee clearly."

If he had harbored any reluctance or regret before, it had now vanished.

“It's something you had to realize yourself, Grandpa. No one else's words would've sufficed,” Arabella said, raising her soda.

Darren couldn't drink alcohol, so he popped open another soda and clinked cans with her.

He suddenly realized that this young girl possessed a remarkable character, her maturity and sense of the world far surpassing

those of her peers. She was indeed a promising talent.

Outside the operating room.

Eunice feigned overwhelming distress, "Bard, Dad's been in there so long. I'm really worried."

Before she could finish, she pretended to be overcome, her body saqging as if she would collapse.

“Eunice,” Bard rushed to catch her, "Don't worry, with Bella and the doctors in there, they'll surely pull Dad back from the brink."