The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 1986

Serena's glare was so intense it seemed her eyeballs were on the verge of popping out of their sockets.

“If it weren’t for your stupidity, you'd be the one lounging on the Collins family's plush sofa right now, enjoying the comfort of family, living the high life with designer clothing and gourmet food. If I were you, I would have cozied up to Arabella the moment she stepped back into this place. Not for anything else, but simply because she's better than me, and worth learning from.”

Serena let out a cold laugh, “She won't befriend just anyone. You don't know her at all.”

“Really?” Octavia skeptically didn't buy it, her smile widening, “At yesterday's live stream, her friends occupied several tables. I guess it’s only you who can't reconcile with the idea that someone's outshining you, who can't bear to see someone doing better, who refuses to make friends with the top dogs.”

Serena was fuming with humiliation and anger.

Just then, a sneering voice drifted over.

“Octavia, why waste your breath on a lost cause?”

Hearing that voice, Serena had a sinking feeling.

Alma and her entourage, laden with shopping bags, were heading their way. Upon spotting Serena, their faces twisted into smug smirks.

“Alma, are you out shopping too?” Octavia turned and her expression softened instantly.

“It's the holiday season, how could I not pick up a little something for my Bella?” Alma approached Serena, looking down on her with disdain, “What happened to the high-and-mighty girl of yesteryear? How did you end up like this?”

Serena turned her face away, not wanting to engage.

“What’s the matter, did you break your leg? Have you become a cripple? No servants to escort you out and about?”

Alma’s words prompted a chorus of giggles from her friends.

“Oh, Alma, you’re well aware as we do, she was kicked out by the Collins family.How would she get servants from now.”

“She’s probably struggling just to make ends meet. You did say her birth parents were nothing more than a butler and a maid.”