The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella)

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 letfeast my eyes on that luminous pearl you got your hands on last time, count me

out!]

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[Callbro just once, admit you've lost toin chess, and | might just deign to grace your little shindig with my presence.]

“You should buylunch for a month.”

Seeing each of them making demands, Mr. Albright haughtily replied, [Cor 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 tfor 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, | suppose | can make an exception and drop by your birthday dinner

tomorrow night.]

[Just imagine if Bella doesn't show, and us old buddies stand you up. That'd look pretty bad for you. I'll be there. At least if no other

guests show, you'll still haveto blow out the candles with you.]

[I'm in too.]

[If everyone's going, it'd be rude fornot to show up.]

Upon reading this, Mr. Albright, seizing the opportunity, replied, [No tequila, no luminous pearl. And you think I'd shout a month of

lunches? No chance! Admit I'm not as good as you? In your dreams!]

The group saw his message and thought, wow, with Bella coming to the party, the old man's backbone was suddenly made of

steel, his words all toughened up. Just before, he was sighing in the group chat hinting for them to remind Bella about his birthday.

What a drastic change of attitude!

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[You think we want to come? We're just worried about what others will talk.]

[Exactly, you think we want to sing 'Happy Birthday" for you? So childish, | would never!]

[I'm just looking to play a couple of chess games with Warner, and | happen to pass by your place.]

[I'm coming because my house has a blackout, just need your Wi-Fi for a bit.]

Mr. Albright, unable to hold back, retorted, [Tomorrow I'm the star of the show; Bella is coming for me. You old fossils better not

bother her, especially keep away from the topic of succession - not a single word.]

[Hey, watch who you're calling old! I'm a year younger than you! Don't you mention it either. Don't think | don't know you're hoping

Bella will fulfill your wish by taking on your legacy. You're just counting on her being dutiful and sensible.]

[Oh, Mr. Albright, | never thought you were this kind of person. I've underestimated you all this time.]