The Princess and the Pauper

"Release them first," Arabella commanded, her voice as cool and detached as ever.

Serena’s smile vanished, replaced by a venomous glare and the thunderous fury of a storm brewing, "You dare to bargain with me now? Open your eyes and see clearly. Those bound up here are your grandparents, your parents! And soon, your five brothers will join you in death."

As the thought crossed her mind, Serena's twisted smile returned, "You still have a chance to beg for mercy." Arabella curled her lips in a mocking smile, saying dismissively, “Beg for mercy? For a quick death?"

"Well, that's not guaranteed." Serena's laughter grew even more jubilant, "But if I'm in a good mood, | might make their deaths quick."

Arabella's gaze shifted to her grandparents beside her. There were only two men guarding them, one named Stinger, the other unknown, but probably with average skills.

"Don't even think of playing tricks." Serena seemed to read Arabella's thoughts, chuckling, "I'm confident enough to guard them with just two men because today, none of you will escape."

"You're quite confident," Arabella looked at her nonchalantly, asking calmly, "So, what do you want to talk about?" Without any hurry to save her family, Arabella stood there casually, looking up at the towering figure of Serena on the altar.

“When you first left me with the Collins family, did you want to outshine me, or was it a show for your family, to make them think you were kind and understanding?"This content belongs to Nô/velDra/ma.Org .

Under normal circumstances, Arabella wouldn't have wasted a breath on such a foolish question, but today, she patiently said, "I just didn't want to break my family's heart. They've lived with you for eighteen years; there's bound to be deep affection."

If Arabella had come home and immediately pushed Serena out, her parents might not have said anything, but they would have felt for Serena, experienced sorrow and loss. And that's human nature.

“For this reason, you agreed to let me stay in this family? To treat me as an equal with you, as a Collins lady?" Serena was incredulous.

“Otherwise?" Arabella met her gaze, "Not everyone is like you, fussing over such trivial matters. Whether you're here or not, whatever expensive clothes or jewelry you wear, it doesn't affect me. As long as my parents are happy, | consider them having one more daughter.”

“And now you're still lying?" Serena didn't buy it, "Would you swear on your family's lives that what you're saying is true?" "Why wouldn't |?" Arabella's words were heartfelt.

Half convinced, half skeptical, Serena pressed on, "If you really thought that way, why oppose me at every turn?”

"Isn't it you who opposes me at every turn?? From the first day | returned to this home, did you show any kindness?"

Arabella's response irked Serena, "So you're saying I've never given true affection? Back when you were at Westerly College, didn't | realize my mistake, regret it, and try to reach out to you? You were the one rejecting me, the one not accepting my sincerity. If not for you, how could our family's relationship have fallen to such a state?"

"l've said it before; you don't need to try to appease me. Just live quietly in this family, and you can stays Ing asyounline awHatever material or emotional investments the family has made in you, | don't care," These were Arabella's true feelings. Please read the original content at .

As long as Serena didn't play dirty behind her back, she could stay in their home indefinitely. Arabella didn't mind. "It's you who's been swayed by slander, acting erratically, one moment sane, the next hysterical."

"How dare you call my mother's words slander." Serena pleded as landeniree radader higgered, "You have no idea how much | regret not listening to her." Please read the original content at .

“Not listening to her? While the Collins family still held affection for you, to use them as a stepping stone to another wealthy household?”

Serena's eyes widened in astonishment; how did Arabella know what her birth mother had said?

"While the family still adored and trusted you, you aimed to milk thi household for allt gueorth tSrhise your awl Status. or perhaps, to find an opportunity to kill me and return to your life of unrivaled adoration and unlimited glory?" Please read the original content at .