The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella and Romeo) novel Chapter 1663

"Come on, you've got to give Bella more than just a bite to eat after the massive favor she did for you," teased the long-haired girlfriend with a playful smirk.

"Seriously, Bella, don't be shy. Just take what she gives you and enjoy it," another friend chimed in.

"A gift less than 10 million just doesn't cut it for Bella's special trip, right?" Kelly added with a mischievous laugh.

"Bella isn't like you money-grubbers," Ophelia said with a smile as she turned to Arabella, "She helped me out big time, for free! That's what a true friend is. You all could learn a thing or two."

The group teased her about being stingy and tightfisted.

"A friend is meant to be fleeced, is that it?"

"The esteemed Ms. Almond being so penny-pinching with her true, heart-and-soul friend?"

"Bella, once she comes home, we'll take her out and treat her to a feast on your behalf."

The girls continued to laugh and joke until Ophelia said, "Alright, enough chatting. The food's getting cold, and I've got some juicy secrets to share with Bella."

She ended the video call and eagerly loaded Arabella's plate with food.

Arabella looked at the mountain of food in her bowl, with her eyes sparkling, "That's enough."

"There's more folks outside grilling up. Once we're done here, let's head to the backyard for a bit more to eat. We can huddle up by the fire pit and warm up," Ophelia said excitedly. "I heard tonight's race was absolutely electrifying – the top level in the field of the car racing."

"That's an exaggeration," Arabella said, with her lips curving into a smile and her eyes alight with amusement.

"I heard Harlan was so frustrated by your driving that he lost all composure and made a spectacle of himself. With you behind the wheel, the trophy was as good as ours."