Chapter 98

Arabella turned to Karlie and calmly announced,"It's Karlie."

Sarah looked like she had just been slapped with cold water-utterly stunned.

"What? That's impossible! It should've been me!"she burst out, completely unwilling to accept it.

"And what makes you so sure?" Arabella asked with a playful smile.

"Because I'm a good dancer! It should be me! Or are you just siding with Karlie because you two are close?" Sarah shot back stubbornly.

Just then, Jessica walked in. "I heard everything,"she said. "Patrick and Lailah are both officially out. Karlie will be our new team member, and Daisy's taking over as troupe leader."

Karlie and Daisy both blinked in shock before their faces lit up with joy.

Karlie could hardly believe she had really made it onto the team; it felt like she had finally made her

family proud.

Daisy, too, was over the moon about her new leadership role.

Meanwhile,Sarah sulked, clearly unwilling to let it go. "Is that true, Ms. Roman? I've got the most experience.Why Karlie?"

Jessica gave her a chilly look. "'I've been watching. Karlie stays behind to rehearse.You?You clock out the second practice ends."

Sarah's face darkened in frustration.

If she had known there was a real shot, she might have pushed harder-harder than Karlie even.

With the team reshuffled, rehearsal began with fresh energy.

Around three in the afternoon, Jessica clapped her hands and smiled. "Great work today,everyone. Go home early and rest up. Give your best at the show-it's just two days away!"

"Yes, ma'am!" The group echoed cheerfully as they began to pack up and leave.

Karlie clung to Arabella's arm with a grin. "You're amazing! You knew about their affair all along,didn't you?"

Arabella nodded with a soft hum.

"Thank you," Karlie said, her voice fulI of emotion."I never imagined I'd actually make the team. My parents are going to be so proud when they hear the news."

Arabella's eyes softened. "Yes, they'll be proud."

Watching the moment between them, Daisy felt a bit annoyed but she didn't show it. In a pleasant voice, she suggested, "Bella, how about we get something to eat? I'm starting to get hungry!"

"Sure," Arabella nodded. Then she turned to Karlie,"Want to come with us?"

"Absolutely!" Karlie said with excitement.

The trio headed to Avalon, where Arabella ordered the restaurant's signature dishes for them. Karlie was shocked to learn that the elegant, high-end restaurant was actually owned by Arabella. "I had no idea you came from such a wealthy family," she exclaimed.

Arabella gave a small smile. "Something like that.Don't worry,though-everything here's light and healthy."

"This is so good!" Daisy said, smiling. "Your recipes are a hit, Bella."

"Wow, it actually tastes healthy and good!" Karlie said excitedly.

Seeing them enjoy the food made Arabella smile too. It felt like she had just made another true friend.

A short while later, she spotted an unfamiliar face moving around the restaurant and called the manager over. "Is that a new waitress?" she asked.

"Yes, business has picked up lately, so l've brought on more staff," the manager explained."Is something wrong?"

Arabella's eyes followed the young waitress moving efficiently between tables. She seemed capable-quick on her feet and attentive. "No issues," she replied. "Just make sure everything's shut off by eleven, leave only the kitchen running,and prep tomorrow's food."

"Of course," the manager said, though he seemed slightly confused.

Wasn't that part of their usual routine?

Arabella gave a light wave, signaling him to go,and he walked away.

By the time they finished eating, it was barely

past four.

With some unexpected free time on her hands,Arabella decided to treat them to a trip to the amusement park.

Daisy and Karlie, who hadn't been to an amusement park in ages, were bubbling with excitement. Arabella stayed behind, watching them from a nearby bench as they spun on the carousel. Their laughter made her smnile, even if she didn't join in.

As the thought crossed her mind, Arabella pulled out her phone and texted Asher, "Not coming back for dinner."

Asher replied quickly, "Okay. Where are you?"

"With Daisy and Karlie at an amusement park,"she responded.

His answer was short as always, "All right."

He never said much, but he always replied when it came to her.

After Daisy and Karlie finished, they each grabbed one of Arabella's arms, chatting and laughing as they pulled her along. Arabella wasn't used to being around such cheerful energy; it felt new but nice. Then came the invitation. "Come

play with us," they chimed in unison, their eyes sparkling with anticipation.

Arabella smiled but quickly shook her head. "I think I'll pass."

It did look fun, but to her, it felt a little too childish and not quite her thing.

"Have you ever even been on one before?" Karlie asked curiously.

"Not once," she replied.

"Then it's time you try," Daisy grinned. "Let's go on the roller coaster. I'll protect you, Bella!"

Arabella didn't really want to, but against their pleading eyes, she gave in and let them drag her along.

Everyone looked nervous as the roller coaster climbed higher.

Daisy reached out and grabbed Arabella's hand."If you get scared, just squeeze my hand," she said with a reassuring smile.

Arabella gave a quiet nod."Okay."

The roller coaster began its slow climb, then suddenly dropped, sending everyone into a

frenzy. Screams filled the air as Karlie and Daisy shrieked at the top of their lungs.

With every twist and drop, the noise only got louder. Arabella, however, sat still, her face calm despite the chaos.

When the ride finally ended, people staggered off, queasy and breathless. Arabella stepped off like nothing happened.

Holding back her own nausea, Karlie stared at her in disbelief. "Arabella, you're like a robot!" she said.

"A robot?"

"You didn't even flinch!" Karlie exclaimed. "Let's try the haunted house next!"

Arabella was dragged along by the two of them and ended up trying a few more rides, though it was clear she wasn't too eager. Even the ones that were supposed to be thrilling didn't seem to faze her at all.

By the end of it, Karlie and Daisy were buzzing with excitement, laughing and out of breath.Arabella, on the other hand, looked just the same -calm and quiet.

"Isn't there anything you actually enjoy?" Karlie

finally asked.

Daisy glanced at Arabella too, her brows drawn together in concern.

The way Arabella stayed so detached made Daisy wonder-had something happened in her life that left her this numb?

Arabella paused, then realized she didn't really have a favorite thing. Nothing came to mind.

"Don't worry about me," she said. "Go have fun.I've got a few things to check on anyway."

She settled onto a nearby bench.

Seeing that she meant it, Karlie and Daisy let her be and headed off on their own.

As the sun began to set, Arabella sat on the bench, her figure looking a little lonely in the middle of the busy amusement park.

Not far off, someone noticed her and was caught off guard by how striking she looked.

While she was busy looking through some papers for Vanguard Group, a voice suddenly spoke up."Hi, I've been watching you for a while.Mind if we exchange contacts?"