Chapter 98

'Got nothing to do with me? What are they talking about?' Noelle had just stepped out of the kitchen when she overheard Sean's comment. She stopped in her tracks. The sight of the massive, dark silhouette made her hesitate, and she stayed put.

Arnold noticed Noelle's reluctance and let out a couple of sad howls, feeling totally rejected. He bounded over to her. Noelle, startled, quickly backed into the kitchen. "No, no, stay back!"

"Arnold!" Charles's voice was deep and icy, cutting through the air. Arnold froze, his four paws halting mid-stride. He turned to Charles with a look that screamed, 'I'm hurt.'

Noelle could not help it. Arnold's dramatics cracked her up, and she let out a laugh.

That was all Arnold needed. He perked up, howled joyfully, and dashed over to Charles, playfully tugging at the hem of his suit pants. He howled again, this time with a wag in his tail, as if to say, ‘See, she loves me!’

Charles surveyed the scene—Noelle, Arnold, and Sean—with his piercing gaze,