The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella and Romeo) novel Chapter 1910

"Let's take a family photo right here, shall we?" Louisa suggested with a hopeful glint in her eyes.

"Absolutely." The crowd bustled together, cheerfully shuffling Arabella to center stage while they crowded around her.

The five tall and broad-shouldered brothers could only fit at the back.

"It's supposed to be a family photo, but we're missing someone this year." Kenneth trailed off as a sleek black car approached from a distance. The man stepping out was none other than Sampson Griffith!

"Uncle Sam!"

Arabella and her five brothers greeted him in unison.

Sampson's smile was as refreshing as a spring breeze. "Sorry, I'm a bit late."

He was laden with gifts, and the servants hurried to assist him.

After exchanging pleasantries with the elders and explaining his delayed arrival due to urgent business overseas, the family was finally complete. Louisa's family had all gathered.

Only Kenneth's side was missing a few.

"Bella, Lucas said they'd join us for the dinner. Your aunt’s family will come over for the welcome-back party on Jan. 1st," Grandpa explained to Arabella.

Arabella nodded, unfazed. "That's fine."

"Alright, everyone, look at the camera and say 'cheese'."

After a heartwarming photo session, the crowd dispersed, and Louisa couldn't help but embrace Arabella.

"Bella. I'm so grateful you came back to us. It's my first time since I got married to have mom, dad, my brothers and sisters-in-law, and my little brother here with me for the holidays."

"Understood!"

The security chief acknowledged the order, ready to slip away discreetly when Arabella added, "What about the things I told you to discard?"

"Yes, the blood-stained bandages are deliberately thrown out every day."

These were the blood samples Arabella collected and used to convince the puppet master, with the toxicity purposefully reduced.

The sight of the bloodied bandages would make others believe Erik was injured, possibly from being tortured for information.

The puppet master had intended for Erik to die at the Collins family's hands by poisoning, but now that the poison in his blood was reduced, it was clear proof that Arabella had nearly healed him.

With the puppet master growing impatient, it was certain he would send someone to the door.