The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella)

Chapter 2043

"Did you grab breakfast yet?" Clark teased, slinging an arm affectionately over his sister's shoulder. "There's a diner just around

the corner, let's grab a bite."

"| ate before | cover, Clark. How about you?"

"I did. When | was heading out, I've got a bagel to eat on the way."

"I got one too."

They chatted as they walked, and when they reached the 22nd floor, they were surprised not only to find their grandparents and

parents but also their other brothers who had made the trip.

"Why the family gathering." Bernard chuckled, touched by the concern of his grandchildren. It seemed he'd have to be more

explicit next tto avoid such a stir.

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"Why are you and Bella here together? Get your arm off her this instant!" David stepped forward upon seeing Clark's arm around

Bella's shoulders, "You're crowding her, she's not comfortable."

"I think you're just jealous." Clark refused to let go, instead pulling her in closer with a mischievous grin. "You guys hog her all the

time, and | never say a word. Finally got my chance to bond, right?"

"Fine, bond all you want, but do you have to be so handsy." David pried his hand away with a smile, turning to his sister, "Bella, did

you have breakfast yet?"

Chasel stepped in, "If not, | can go grab something for you."

Hans added, "Or should | take you down for a snack?"

"How would you know Bella's tastes? I'll go." Sean stepped forward and affectionately ruffled Arabella’ hair. "I will treat you."

"Get your hand off her!" The brothers chorused in objection to his gesture.

The room erupted in laughter at their antics, and Dr. Pierce joined in heartily, "You guys are so protective, I'm scared to even step

forward."

"Pierce." Arabella greeted him with a light smile, then turned to the other elders in the room.

Dr. Pierce beamed, "Seeing you so loved and cherished by everyone here eases my mind. Today, we owe you big time. Thanks to

you, the hospital has received a load of cutting-edge equipment. Your grandparents sure know how to give, donating hundreds of

units."

Cornelia smiled, "We should be thanking you. Before we found Bella, you took such good care of her for so long."

"Oh, it was nothing." Dr. Pierce waved his hands dismissively, "If we're talking about care, it's her eight 'grandfathers' who deserve

the credit, not me. I'm nothing compared to them."

Laughter filled the air once more.

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Throughout the conversation, Arabella couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. She glanced up to find Serena sitting in an ICU

bed, staring in their direction.

Clark caught Arabella's gaze and followed it, just as surprised to find Serena here.

Serena's caretaker, Dora, was also taken aback, her hand frozen mid-air with the medication for Serena. She hadn't expected the

Collins family to show up en masse.

It was clear they weren't here for Serena. From their conversation, it seemed they were visiting the hospital after making a

donation of equipment.

"Sof the equipment you donated has been set up in the OR, and sis already in use in the ICU wards, like this one right

here." Dr. Pierce was about to use one of the machines as an example when his eyes landed on the figure in the bed.

He had no idea Serena was a patient in his own hospital, and he paused, taken aback.