The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 2000

Arabella's heart ached as she watched the grieving families, their tears flowing freely. She made a solemn vow, "We will get to the bottom of this. Rest assured, if there's any responsibility on our part, we won't shy away from it. But mark my words, this smacks of a smear campaign against the Collins family. Whoever is behind this, we'll hunt them down and bring them to justice."

Just then, a familiar doctor rushed over, urgency in his voice, "Ms. Bella, you've arrived just in time. One of the car accident victims is in critical condition, hanging by a thread. Could you take a look?"

The families clamored with concern, "Is it my daughter?"

"Dr. Benedict, please tell me, is it my son? I'm the father of the patient in bed 18."

"My husband was brought in for emergency surgery this morning. Is it him you're talking about?"

"It's the patient in bed 19. Please, everyone, keep calm," Dr. Benedict explained, then turned to Arabella, "Ms. Bella, can you help?"

Arabella nodded and followed him away.

Meanwhile, at the entrance of McMllian Corporation, a car worth a small fortune pulled up. A driver opened the door for Harriet, handing her a lunchbox with the utmost respect.

Clutching the lunchbox, Harriet looked up at the towering skyscraper – it had been a while since her last visit.

As she entered, the receptionists rose to greet her with reverence.

"Ms. Monroe, we haven't seen you in some time."

"I'm here to surprise Romeo. No need to alert him," she said, heading forward with lunchbox in hand, as if she were already the lady of the manor.

"Ms. Monroe." Alice, one of the receptionists, stepped forward apologetically, "I'm sorry, but could you please wait here for a moment? Mr. Romeo is in a meeting and has a VIP client next. May I call Carl to..."

With a push, Harriet sent her sprawling, stepping into the elevator and slamming the door-close button.

Alice crashed to the ground, her back hitting a trash can, pain shooting through her spine.

"What's going on?"

At that moment, a hand reached out to her. Glancing at the closed elevator doors, the newcomer's face came into view.

"Ms. Luna, you're here?" said Alice, concern in her voice.

"I saw someone push you. Are you alright?" Luna helped her up, dismayed. "Who does something like that? So rude."