The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 1521

"Bella, my birthday's just a couple of months away. I want you to bake me a cake, but it's gotta be bigger and grander than the one you made for Eugene."

Before Nelson could finish his sentence, President Barton chimed in, "Why don't you just let her whip up a spaceship for you?"

Arabella couldn't help but laugh as she watched the two of them bicker. Distracted, she glanced over and spotted Alma, carrying a cake and heading straight for Serena who was swinging nonchalantly on a garden swing, blissfully devouring a slice of cake, oblivious to the world around her.

The corner was secluded, with no guests around, so Alma took advantage and smashed the cake right onto Serena's face.

Before Serena could even cry out, Alma had mashed the rest of the cake, smearing it everywhere.

Serena hadn't managed to remove the plate from her face before Alma stomped on her foot and shoved her off the swing with astonishing speed.

The back of Serena's head and her spine thudded against the ground, pain shooting through her body, her elegant looks now ruined.

Cake filled her eyes, nose, and mouth, muffling her attempts to call for help. She didn't even get a good look at her assailant.

Alma had brought a glass of red wine with her and now splashed it mercilessly onto Serena's expensive dress. She stomped on Serena a few more times before turning to leave.

Covered in cake and wine, Serena finally managed to wipe her face clean enough to open her eyes, but her attacker was already gone. Yet, she had a hunch - it was Alma's doing.

"Serena??" Martin, who had just finished mingling with the guests, turned around to look for Serena and was shocked by the scene. He rushed over to help her up.

"What happened? Who did this to you?" He immediately took off his blazer to drape over her and used his shirt sleeve to wipe her face.