The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 2048

"Arabella." Martin's voice trailed off in disbelief as the girl before him stood her ground, unyielding.

"No matter who he sends, they won't even lay a finger on me," Arabella said with a confidence that was both fierce and calm.

"But did you ever think about the people around you?" Martin couldn't help but blurt out. "They don't all have your strength."

"You try messin' with Bella's folks, see what happens!" Sean barked, his temper flaring at the thought.

"That mystery guy, he's not just after you. If he can't get to you, he'll target those close to you. It's a no-brainer."

"Even if I save Serena, he'll still come after me, then why the hell should I bother?" Arabella's retort left Martin speechless.

"Let him come," Arabella said coolly as she climbed into her car. "I'm curious to see what tricks he's got up his sleeve."

Martin watched her drive away, the Collins family's cars disappearing one by one from his view.

In the end, all he could do was turn to Dr. Pierce.

"I'm just a dean here; saving lives is a job for the doctors." Dr. Pierce managed the hospital but wasn't remotely as skilled in medicine as the big-shot doctors.

Martin's gaze lingered on Dr. Pierce's retreating figure, a sense of disappointment washing over him.

Then, his phone rang.

"Martin, you think you're clever, teaming up with the Collins family against me. You can forget about getting any antidote from me!" The mysterious caller hung up in a rage before Martin could even respond.

Martin had knelt outside Barton's mansion for ten freezing hours, but the dean had left on his private jet without a word, clearly unwilling to save Serena.

Desperate and helpless, Martin could only watch as Serena suffered, the ordeal draining him of all his strength.

"Martin, say something." Serena pleaded, her voice weak, sensing his guilt and sorrow. "Is it true? Have the doctors given up on me? Are you unable to find anyone? Am I really going to die?"

Tears filled Martin's eyes as he whispered, "I'll find a way."

"The previous doctors, none of them knew what's wrong with me." Serena's tears flowed freely, "Is Arabella really my only hope..."

Arabella had her cornered, demanding that she beg for forgiveness and the antidote.