The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 1999

A woman of delicate sensibilities put away her smartphone with a dismissive huff, "So, Romeo's got a thing for her? I mean, sure, she's got a pretty face, but the rest is probably just smoke and mirrors courtesy of the Collins PR machine."

A piano prodigy? A renowned doctor? And now, rumors are swirling that her perfect test scores might be as fake as a three-dollar bill!

"Ms. Monroe, you are right. How can a girl, abandoned and left to fend for herself, rise to the top of every field just because of her grandfathers' nurturing? That's not human; it's almost divine!"

The butler, Moira, let out a derisive chuckle, "If it weren't for the engagement deal between the Collins and the McMillians, there's no way this stray kitten would be rubbing shoulders with the young McMillian heir. But the tide of public opinion is on our side now. Once Arabella's name is dragged through the mud, you will secure Romeo without even breaking a sweat."

"That Serena, what a useless piece of work. I've been studying overseas, and she still hasn't managed to get her claws into Romeo. And Alma, what a waste of space, mooning over Romeo while Serena isn't even a true heiress, yet she can't win his heart. Instead, she's getting herself dirty fighting Serena. Looks like it's up to me to step in."

Harriet Monroe stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows of her family's palatial villa, arms crossed over her chest, gazing out at the sprawling garden with a smug curve of her lips.

"Ms. Monroe, you grew up alongside Mr. Romeo and even lived with the McMillians for a while. Back then, it was just you and him. That sort of bond is deeper than any of these flings. Ms. Monroe, you are on winter break now, the perfect opportunity to rekindle that flame."

"I don't care about whatever surprises or romances he's cooked up for Arabella in the past. Now that she's been unmasked, all it'll take is a little push from me, and Romeo will naturally be mine. Go prepare some snacks, I'll take them over to him."

Confidence flickered in Harriet's eyes. With her in the picture, Arabella didn't stand a chance.