The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella)

Chapter 1715

“She was treading carefully, not wanting to spook anyone. So she only broughtalong. But rest assured, Mr. McMillian, I'd lay

down my life to protect her."

"Both of you cback in one piece, you hear it?"

"Absolutely!" Horace replied and soon realized he'd started to think of Romeo as his boss, as he answered him with such ease.

Just then, Arabella emerged, all dressed and ready. Romeo poured her a cup of coffee and handed it over.

"It's nippy out there. Have scoffee to warm up before you go."

Arabella looked at Horace, who quickly mouthed 'l didn't spill anything!"

After she finished her coffee, Romeo added, "If you need anything while you're out, just holler for me."

"Will do." Arabella, not wanting him to wait up, said, "If I'm not back by midnight, don't wait up. Just hit the hay."

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"Okay." Romeo tousled her hair gently. "Be safe."

With a nod to Horace, Arabella indicated it was tto leave. Horace stood up immediately, "Mr. McMillian, we should head out."

As he caught Romeo's worried and reluctant gaze, Horace reassured him, "Don't worry, I've got her back."

With a nod, Romeo saw them to the door.

Down the long corridor, Arabella's cool and determined silhouette grew distant .

Horace kept glancing back, and as they waited for the elevator, he could see Romeo still standing at the door and watching them.

"Boss, you sure you don't want to have a word with Mr. McMillian? He seems kinda torn up about you leaving."

Arabella glanced back, only to see Romeo give a little wave before he dutifully went back inside.

"Let's focus on the task at hand."

They took the elevator down and got into the car. Remembering Romeo's anxiousness throughout the day, Arabella pulled out her

phone and shot him a message on WhatsApp.

[Don't worry.] It was short and sweet, typical Arabella, but she ended it with a comforting 'pat on the head' emoji.

Romeo, who had been in a funk, instantly felt his spirits lift.

His Bella knew he was worried!

She was comforting him in return!

And she "patted" his head!

Romeo was overjoyed, firing back a kiss emoji—a memento from a kiss they shared long ago, which he'd turned into a sticker.

Arabella's lips curved into a smile.

Horace didn't park at the Gentlemen Club parking lot; instead, he parked on the street and helped Arabella open the car door.

"Boss, | left the car here. If things go south, we'll take a route without surveillance. I've mapped out our escape plan."

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Arabella was impressed by his efficiency—a promising talent worth nurturing.

Horace flashed a golden card at Arabella, with an eyebrow raised.

"A club membership card? How'd you get this?"

"I got it from an old-timer member."

Horace had pulled a lot of strings for Arabella, and therefore got to know sfolks who owed him favors. Scoring a card like this

wasn't a big deal.

"It's just on loan, though. Gotta return it later." With that, Horace led Arabella towards the club.

The club's entrance was manned by four male and four female staff, lined up to welcguests.

As Horace and Arabella ascended the steps, the staff exchanged curious glances; they were evidently unfamiliar with these new

faces.

"Gentlemen Club extends a warm welcto you both," they greeted.