The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 1595

"Spotted something you like?" Carol noticed her friend pausing; linking arms with her, she suggested, "Shall we go in and have a look?"

The mannequins were adorned with tags that declared "New Arrival".

"See anything you fancy, just try it on. It's on me today!" Carol declared with a generous laugh.

"Did you come into some money?" Arabella asked with a light chuckle.

"A bit," Carol whispered, "Splurging on a few outfits isn't a big deal."

Arabella had known for a long time that Carol mastered the "Deadly Seven Steps" - a drug she had once used against Arabella. So Arabella guessed, "Pharmaceuticals?"

"Nope, but how did you know I dabble in little concoctions?" Carol said; then suddenly remembering something, she laughed again, "It was my artwork, actually. Sold a piece on the underground market for 50 grand. You know, my foster parents were teachers; they loved painting and calligraphy, and I picked up a bit from them growing up."

Though they weren't masters of their craft, her artwork and calligraphy could fetch a decent sum.

"I also sold a calligraphy piece for 30 grand, so today you pick whatever you want, my treat!" Carol's smile had just begun to bloom when a girl shot her an unfriendly glare.

"Carol?" The girl's voice dripped with disdain, "What are you doing in a place like this? Dad's been giving you too much pocket money so you dare to shop here?"

"Let's head over there," Carol took Arabella's hand, eager to avoid a pointless spat.

As Katherine turned to leave, Carol's hand shot up, delivering a stinging slap, "Didn't your mom teach you manners? Living in my house for so long, you never learned decency?"

Katherine clutched her face in disbelief, staring at Carol, "You weakling!"

When had she become so strong?

"The ruined flowers, 19 bucks." Carol said, taking out her phone and displaying the payment code, "Scan it."

"You dare ask me for money." Katherine seemed to be encountering such audacity for the first time, "Isn't dad's money enough for you? Now you're after mine too."