The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella)

Chapter 1855

"Thanks, Uncle and Auntie," Ophelia said. Hardly had she finished speaking before Bernard cover with a fresh cup of tea and

Cornelia followed, presenting a plate of pastries.

Ophelia quickly stood up to accept them, saying, "Grandpa and Grandma, you're too kind. | can manage on my own, but thank

you."

Bernard and Cornelia fussed over her a bit more, saying, "Well, you and Bella have a nice chat. We're going to head upstairs."

"Take care, Grandpa and Grandma," Ophelia called out as they left.

Ophelia watched their retreating figures. But she barely had a moment before Arabella's maternal grandparents cover with a

fruit platter, urging her to help herself generously.

"Thank you, Grandpa and Grandma. It's just, | feel bad seeing you serving fruit to someone younger like me," she said, her voice

with genuine concern.

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"That's what we should do, dear," they replied warmly. "It's more appropriate for us the elders to look after you. Now, you and Bella

enjoy your time. It's not often we have you over, so don't rush off. Both our family, and Bella in particular, are happy you could

come."

"I'll stay a while longer," Ophelia assured them, grateful for their hospitality.

Louisa, afraid she would impose on their gathering, also parted with Kenneth. They soon left the living room, leaving behind the

brothers and the two girls.

With the elders gone, the atmosphere becmore relaxed.

"Bella's never been one to invite friends over, so the family's excited, maybe a bit too eager. Hope we didn't startle you, Ms.

Almond," Hans said.

Ophelia was quick to reply, "Oh, not at all. I'm just so happy for Bella. To cback to such a loving family, and to see how much

you all care for her. It makeshappy, too. Bella's been through srough times, but it looks like she's finally found her silver

lining."

Then she quickly changed the subject, not wanting to delve into past sorrows, adding, "This family's hospitality is truly something

else, a cut above the Murphys. The Murphys were awful, except for Grannie Grace, of course."

She shot Arabella a smile, careful not to offend.

She knew all too well the place Grannie Grace held in Arabella’s heart.

The brothers were surprised by Ophelia’s candor in openly criticizing the Murphys in front of everyone. It was clear she harbored

deep resentment on Bella's behalf.

"Thank goodness fate turned the tables, letting them get a taste of the hardship Bella endured," Ophelia added, her words full of

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empathy for her friend.

"Bella's lucky to have such a caring and genuine friend like you. I'm pleased for her," Hans said with a soft smile. "I hear you've just

returned from abroad, Ms. Aimond. You were pursuing opportunities overseas?"

"Yes, | was involved in a project in Belloria, but someone kept throwing wrenches in the works, so it hasn't been going smoothly,"

Ophelia explained—that accounted for her extended stay abroad.

"Someone causing trouble? Bella's brother Sean has sinfluence in Belloria; he might be able to help. Who's been giving you

trouble?" Hans asked, then turned to Sean, "Did you know Ms. Almond before this?"

"Not personally," Sean replied. He knew of her, but she was unaware of him.

To the outside world, he was just the infamous Sheen, and she was none the wiser.

"Well, this is a good tto get acquainted. It'll be great to have someone to watch your back in Belloria. From my knowledge, you

both share a passion for sports and racing," Hans said, looking between Sean and Ophelia. "My brother's team, Drift Swifts, has

made a nfor itself in Belloria. Ever heard of it, Ms. Almond?"