The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella and Romeo) novel Chapter 1771

"Let's just call it even on the previous debt, okay?"

"And after it's squared?"

Sean could tell his sister was in a sour mood, probably still stewing over the breakup with Timothy. She was clearly not in the best of spirits.

What to do?

How to cheer her up?

His eyes flit to Steward, who was clueless for ideas. Ms. Bella was sure to be holding a grudge, especially after Sean had threatened to skin her alive and leave her out at the mountain. How could he possibly make her forget all that and sidestep the issue in such a short time.

That's it!

There was another connection between Sean and Ms. Bella – Ophelia Almond!

With this thought, Steward gave Sean a knowing look, as if he had just concocted the perfect plan.

Complimenting Ms. Bella's good friend, and throwing in some praises for Ms. Bella herself, ought to do the trick, right?

Arabella, noticing their covert exchange of glances, was even more convinced they were up to no good.

Catching onto Steward's silent cues, Sean turned to his sister and asked, "You know Ophelia, right?"

He was about to sing Ophelia's praises, and by extension, celebrate how all the excellent people she knew were just like her.

But Arabella's expression turned even icier as she cut through his intentions, "You're after my friend? With your reputation for being a womanizer, fickle-hearted, leaving kids in a bind, allowing your crew to harass other team's female members, gouging prices, selling an island for billions to different buyers, tossing people onto the mountain on a whim, and threatening to skin people alive. Stay away from my friend!"

Sean was left dumbfounded, his smile freezing on his face. Was this really how he appeared in his sister's eyes?

Without another word, Arabella spun on her heel and walked away, but not before instructing the doorman, "Keep an eye out. If either of them tries to come in, you have my permission to lay them out."

Just now his sister had made it clear – neither of them was welcome. Both meant him and Steward!

"It's all because of your terrible idea. Now she's even more upset," Sean grumbled, standing outside his own home, wanting to go in but afraid of angering his sister. He glanced at the doorman, who quickly ducked into the security booth, not daring to open the door for him.

Damn!

He didn't even want to go in. Even if the door was wide open, would he dare step inside?

Was the doorman seriously this scared? Hiding in the booth like a coward. And he was supposed to protect their home?

"Sean, maybe you should sit down for a bit." Steward suggested as he pulled a folding camping chair out of the trunk, set it up, and placed it by the door. "It's freezing out here, and your injury hasn't healed."

"Just get rid of it," Sean growled, more agitated than before. "If my sister wants me to stand, do you think I could sit? Trying to get me into more trouble? Are you asking for a smack?"

If Arabella saw him lounging comfortably in that chair from inside the house, she'd probably be even more infuriated.