The Princess and the Pauper

Arabella flashed a nonchalant smile. “Just put it there, thank you.” “Sure.” Steward set the afternoon tea on the nearby table, his eyes widening at the sight of the various gadgets and machines scattered throughout the lab. Each was a mystery to him, and he silently marveled at Miss Bella's ability to operate such complex equipment. “Do you have anything else to say?” Arabella asked, noticing he hadn't left yet. “Miss Bella, allow me to.” Steward proceeded to unwrap all the items of the afternoon tea, smiling and saying, “Why don’t you come over and have a sip? Just for show, so | can snap a picture and report back.” Arabella strolled over and picked up a cup of coffee, taking a sip. Steward quickly took out his phone and took a selfie, grinning like a Cheshire cat and throwing up a ‘peace’ sign; he captured both himself and Arabella in the background and sent the picture to Sean. “Why are you blocking my sister?” came Sean's disgruntled text, followed shortly by another jab, “Time to diet, big guy. Who wants to see you??" Steward was about to explain when another message from Sean arrived, slightly accusatory, “Does my sister look unhappy? Did you force her to eat?” “May the heavens bear witness. Even Master Sean, with such an honorable status, wouldn't dare to bully Miss Bella, do you think | have the guts?” “You do know yourself well.” Sean’s next message popped up, “Does she like it? Is there any flavor she doesn't want??” “She loves it,” Steward lied smoothly. “She said your care for her is like these afternoon teas, which warms her heart. She also said having you as a brother is the best, way better than any other.” “Nonsense.” Sean's response was swift, piercing through the lie, “Are you itching for a beating? You think you can fool me with those tall tales??” He knew his darling sister would never say such things. “Come join me.” Arabella’s invitation made Steward swallow hard; truth be told, he was a bit hungry indeed. “Miss Bella asked me to join her for afternoon tea:) “ Steward reported back to Sean before grabbing a piece of cake and savoring the heavenly taste. “Eat more,” Arabella urged, pushing the food closer to him. “They're too much for just me.” “Miss Bella, you're too kind. Not only are you a beauty with a heart of gold and intelligence to match, but you also have the wisdom of a sage,” Steward praised as he ate. “Take that fire at the health department, for example. Sean was on it for ages with no leads, and then you step in and single-handedly reveal the mastermind behind it all. You're incredible, Miss Bella, truly an inspiration!”

He continued without any reservations, “Back then, Sean and | went through a lot of twists and Ss in order to inv fgaiethb tri about 1 fire! Réiember when you and Sean were fighting over a man named Sam? You two even came to blows, but then someone shot Sam out of nowhere. You examined his wound and said the bullet was poisoned!” Please read the original content at . Arabella recalled this, nodding her head, indeed such a thing happened.

Steward savored another piece of cake, then went on, “Because of the poison, you said he was beyond hope, and you left hiphepind with yoyf en add ate) away after throwing a smoke bomb. | thought | had picked up a treasure and believed that he could be saved, so | hurriedly drove him to the hospital, and guess what, he kept shaking as if he was about to pass.” Please read the original content at .Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

Steward seemed to get carried away, vividly recounting the past events, ‘I told him if he revealed t trgtiO 1 BE no e Ge to get the world’s best doctors to save him. He suddenly grabbed my hand, wanting to say something desperately.” Please read the original content at . At the time, Steward thought the truth was within reach, and his voice mirrored his excitement, “He was clutching me with one hand, pointing outside with the other, lips moving but no words coming out. It drove me crazy.” Arabella knew that someone poisoned with venomvine couldn't speak or write, their bodies would uncontrollably tremble, which was why she hadn't bothered to take him away with her. Because it would have been futile.