The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 1775

But the moment he caught the razor-sharp glare from Louisa, his bravado melted into a sheepish stammer, "Take care now. Cool off. No need to stoop to our level."

Louisa stormed out, leaving an aching Steward to rub his sore arm and turn to Sean, "What do we do now, Sean?"

Even Louisa wouldn't bail them out.

Sean was at a loss, so he whipped out his cell and texted David, the usual go-to guy for clever schemes.

[Got any tricks up your sleeve to cheer up Bella?]

Barely a second passed before his phone buzzed with a barrage of shocked, popcorn-munching, and roaring laughter emojis from David.

Sean shot back, none too pleased, [Are you asking for a smackdown?]

David called him immediately, "Sean, I mean, come on, you had the nerve to tick off Bella in your own house? You've got some guts, buddy. I won't even start on the fact that she could send you flying with a roundhouse kick."

This is exclusive content from Noveldrama.com (Swnovel). Please read it on Noveldrama.com to support the author and the translation team!. Sean's frown deepened, "So everyone knew sis is a martial arts whiz but me?"

"Guess you should visit more often. I've always said that listing Bella's talents could fill nights on end."

"Got any bright ideas, then?"

"Sean, why do I hear a chill in your voice? You cold? She didn't lock you out, did she?" David could almost picture Sean's scowl when silence answered him, "No way, Sean, don't tell me I'm right? Are you literally out in the cold?"

"Keep laughing, will you?"

David struggled to contain his mirth, "No, no, no, I'm not laughing at you. I'm the master at making sis happy, you came to the right guy. But hey, there's this cool sports car about to hit the market, and I'm torn about the color. Let me decide, and I'll get back to you."

"Sean, to be honest, if you had the nerve to upset sis, you deserve some time to stand and reflect. I was about to take her side and give you a piece of my mind, but consider this five million dollars your ticket to peace." David hung up before Sean could respond.

Questions swirled in Sean's head as he realized his gullible little brother had just conned him.

Steward, sensing the drop in Sean's mood, ventured cautiously, "Sean, did David give you any good advice?"

"Zip it," Sean thought grimly. Alright, this was war. In a few days, he'd settle the score with David.

David, having cashed in, dialed up Hans, "Hans, there's something big, about Bella, and it's kinda risky. I'm not sure I should spill it."

"Out with it," Hans' voice was as commanding as ever, "Whatever it is, I've got your back."

"Alright, Hans, but you've gotta protect me, don't let me get hurt. By the way, lately my wallet's been thinner than me."