The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella and Romeo) novel Chapter 1557

Arabella had barely taken a couple of bites of her salad when her phone began to buzz. It was a video call from her brother, David. Thankfully, the surrounding tables at the small café were empty, allowing her to answer with ease.

"Bella? Are you grabbing a bite? Let me get a peek at what you're munching on!"

With a flick of her wrist, Arabella turned the camera to showcase her meal, and David's feathers got ruffled instantly. "Romeo, what the heck are you feeding my baby sister? If I'd known you were so tight-fisted, I would've had her tag along with me for a proper meal! I mean, look at you, pinching pennies. My poor sis."

"It's a staff meal," Romeo corrected, a hint of defense in his voice.

"Oh, wow, treating my sister to a staff meal. How generous of you," David retorted with heavy sarcasm.

Arabella chuckled, "David, it's just that your fanbase is too overwhelming. Every diner in town was packed, and after searching forever, we finally had to settle for a quick bite at one of his subsidiary's cafeterias."

"Praising me, are you?"

Arabella was puzzled.

"You say I have lots of fans, isn't that just another way of saying I’m got charm?"

She was speechless.

"If I had known earlier, I would've invited you guys to join me backstage. Eating alone is such a drag."