The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 1985

Dora nodded, "All right, I'll wheel you over to the elevator."

As they stood by for the elevator in the lobby, a well-dressed lady emerged from a nearby boutique perfumery, also intending to catch the elevator.

Catching sight of Serena in her wheelchair, she scrutinized her for a moment, then uttered with a hint of uncertainty, "Serena?"

"Octavia." Serena hadn't expected an acquaintance from the Collins circle to acknowledge her.

She was the only person who had deigned to greet her all day!

Ever since Octavia's family business started associating with the Collinses, they had risen the social ladder. She was deeply indebted to the Collins family, making visits and bringing gifts every holiday season, even treating Serena with presents.

Serena used to adore Octavia, who never held back her compliments, making her feel on top of the world.

"Is it really you?"

Octavia took in Serena's current state, recalling the previous night's banquet where Louisa had branded her an ingrate. Her expression grew instantly icy.

"Now that you're no longer the true blood of the Collins family, I'd like you to return all the gifts I've given you over the years."

Not just Serena, but Dora was taken aback. What? Gifts that were given could be reclaimed?

"The gifts were for the Collins’ heiress. Since that's not you, I’d like them returned."

Octavia's words left Serena mortified, struggling to believe that the same woman who used to lavish her with gifts and affection would make such an impertinent request in public.

Serena struggled to maintain her composure, "I recall the gifts you gave me were not particularly valuable."

"They were still bought with my hard-earned money. Twelve bottles of perfume, forty-two lipsticks, four pairs of high-end shoes, two luxury handbags, it all adds up to around fifty thousand."