The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 1588

"Oh, right! It wasn't until I saw David's concert tonight that I realized Arabella is actually Summer—the world-renowned superstar."

"That little minx, how could she possibly have so many identities?" Martha clearly didn't believe it, "Each one is more impressive than the last. How old is she even? Serena, don't you find this all a bit suspicious?"

Even though Serena also found it hard to believe, she recounted honestly, "I watched the live stream of the concert tonight, and those eyes were definitely hers. And when she was warming up the crowd, her voice sounded just like it always does."

As Serena spoke, she remembered scrolling through social media earlier, searching for clues about whether 'The Coat Couple' were Romeo and Arabella. There was a buzz online, people asking who the masked pair were, commenting on their refined air, and how even behind masks, their attractiveness shone through.

Some said they were a match made in heaven.

"That little minx claims to be a piano prodigy, a world-famous healer, an artist with a magic brush, and a chess champion, and now you're telling me she's an international pop queen. She's becoming god-like at this point. Maybe the masked singing is just her gimmick, her unique selling point. Perhaps she can't even sing and just lip-syncs to a pre-recorded track," Martha speculated.

Serena suddenly remembered the concert from earlier in the evening. When Arabella was singing, there was indeed no interaction with the fans.

She would finish a whole song before speaking to the audience.

During that time, it was entirely possible she could have been faking it, just mouthing the words.

After all, plenty of big-name artists have done that before. It was not unusual in the industry.

"You were coddled by your parents since you were young, showered with the best instructors in every field. You've trained your whole life and never reached the pinnacle of any industry. How could she, a child neglected by the Murphys, become a prodigy just by studying with a few old men?" Martha was clearly skeptical, "Maybe those old men paid to fabricate her fame, just so she could secure her standing when she returned to the Collins family!"

Serena started to see the logic.

"It's just that little minx doesn't seem like the type to gossip behind people's backs. What on earth could have prompted the old man and the lady to suddenly order a beating for me and Debby and Daisy." Martha was puzzled over this incident.

"It must be because of Edith!" Serena had an epiphany, "I heard from the servants that Mom and Dad were in decent spirits until Edith served them dinner. After that, they were so upset they couldn't even eat, and then you, Debby and Daisy got a thrashing. It has to be because of her!"

Serena thought, "If not for her, Mom and Dad would never have found out. Arabella isn't the sort to waste time on idle chatter. It had to be Edith!"

"That old snake, daring to play dirty behind my back. She really thinks I can't touch her now that I'm out of the Collins family, right?" A flash of hatred sparkled in Martha's eyes, quickly replaced by a comforting tone, "At this point, Serena, you need to find a way to leave this place and get back to the main house. Otherwise, that old snake and the rest of the servants will be gossiping up a storm, delighted by our misfortune. And Arabella, I bet she's grinning from ear to ear."

"But it's like I've been 'imprisoned' here by my parents. I can't get close to the main house, and I can't even leave."

At this moment, Serena didn't want to stir up any further displeasure.