The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 2102

"How did you get the people to help you? And where did you get the money?"

When Martin posed the question, Serena couldn't even muster the courage to meet his gaze. "It was all left to me by my father before he passed. Both the people and the money."

Even though Martin had suspected her all along, hearing the words fall from her lips and seeing the guilt etched across her face tore through him like a jagged blade.

Tears spilled from his eyes once again, his composure crumbling. He squeezed his eyes shut, trying to hold back the volcanic surge of emotion, but it was no use. With frustration lacing his tone, he pressed, "Is it really you?"

Serena was taken aback by his reaction. What did he mean? Did he have no actual proof and had all this been a ploy to trap her into a confession?

Had she been played?

The sound of a recording echoed in the room as Fitch played back her own words from his phone.

"You two?" Serena's eyes darted between Martin and Fitch, reeling from the realization that they had teamed up to trick her into spilling her secrets.

But now she had to swallow her pride; she couldn't lash out.

After all, Martin was her rock, her lifeline. If she lost him, she'd be left with nothing.

"Martin." Serena reached out to touch his hand.

"Don't you dare," Martin's heart shattered into a million pieces, his voice now ragged with grief and betrayal, "How could you be so cruel"