The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 2092

His wrists were raw and bleeding from the rope's cruel bite, but he seemed impervious to pain, still deluding himself with thoughts of escape.

With a swift jab, Jack landed a punishing blow to his stomach, forcing him to double over in agony, finally stilling him for a moment.

"The truth is, that grave was just a show for you. Your parents aren't dead. Erik has them locked up, tormenting them daily. He even taunts them with photos and videos of you, calling the enemy 'Dad,' just to punish them for leaving the organization, to twist the knife of their suffering."

Stinger couldn't believe what he was hearing, his gaze at Arabella laced with hate, doubt and belief.

Hate for her having his parents' grave dug up.

Doubt because she might be sowing discord.

Belief because if it was all a lie, how could she craft such a convincing story, as if she had witnessed it all herself.

"We found someone, a witness to what happened back then," Arabella glanced at her watch, "He'll be here any minute."

Stinger's eyes remained a mix of conflict and distrust.

The wait was only a few minutes, but to Stinger, it felt as long as a century.

Finally, when Jones appeared with a man in tow, all eyes snapped to the newcomer.