The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 1517

"Then come at me!" Serena glared, her defiance as clear as day, "After living in this house for eighteen years, I refuse to believe that mom and dad would stand by if you try to mess with me."

Alma's grip on Serena's hair tightened, as if she longed to rip it out by the roots, "Well, they'd need proof, wouldn't they? If they start slinging mud at me without cause, do you think my parents would just sit back and watch?"

Serena struggled in vain against Alma's hold, her frustration boiling over.

"Even someone of my level isn't allowed to touch a violin again, let alone a piece of trash like you."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"It means if you dare enter a violin contest, or dare to study under some maestro, if you even think about walking down that musical path, I'll make sure you never play the violin again in your life. When I say something, I mean it."

"What are you going to do?"

"You know exactly what!" With that, Alma flung her hand away violently.

Staggering back, Serena seethed with rage. What was this, some kind of low blow? Was she planning to sabotage her future with the violin, to make sure no one could play if she couldn't?

Alma dusted off her hands as if touching Serena had contaminated her, her expression one of disgust, and she turned to leave.

"Alma, this isn't over," Serena had always thought it best to keep the peace in the family, but over the last few months, Alma's tyranny had escalated. Ever since she found out Serena wasn't the true Collins, she had been relentless.

Serena, feeling victorious, strutted off to the garden, bathed in the comforting glow of the warm lights among the trees and flowers.

"Finished in the restroom?" Martin's arm wrapped around her waist, searching her face for any sign of distress, "No tears?"

He had been worried when Serena falsely claimed to be Queena's protege, which led to a confrontation and apology to Arabella. The last thing he expected was for Serena to sound so cheerful about it.

On the contrary, Serena seemed delightful, replying, "Why would I cry over something so trivial?"

Instead, the sight of Alma in utter disarray had filled Serena with a gleeful satisfaction.