The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 2116

"Release them first," Arabella commanded, her voice as cool and detached as ever.

Serena’s smile vanished, replaced by a venomous glare and the thunderous fury of a storm brewing, "You dare to bargain with me now? Open your eyes and see clearly. Those bound up here are your grandparents, your parents! And soon, your five brothers will join you in death."

As the thought crossed her mind, Serena's twisted smile returned, "You still have a chance to beg for mercy."

Arabella curled her lips in a mocking smile, saying dismissively, “Beg for mercy? For a quick death?"

"Well, that's not guaranteed." Serena's laughter grew even more jubilant, "But if I'm in a good mood, I might make their deaths quick."

Arabella's gaze shifted to her grandparents beside her. There were only two men guarding them, one named Stinger, the other unknown, but probably with average skills.

"Don't even think of playing tricks." Serena seemed to read Arabella's thoughts, chuckling, "I'm confident enough to guard them with just two men because today, none of you will escape."

"You're quite confident," Arabella looked at her nonchalantly, asking calmly, "So, what do you want to talk about?"

Without any hurry to save her family, Arabella stood there casually, looking up at the towering figure of Serena on the altar.

"When you first left me with the Collins family, did you want to outshine me, or was it a show for your family, to make them think you were kind and understanding?"

Under normal circumstances, Arabella wouldn't have wasted a breath on such a foolish question, but today, she patiently said, "I just didn't want to break my family's heart. They've lived with you for eighteen years; there's bound to be deep affection."

If Arabella had come home and immediately pushed Serena out, her parents might not have said anything, but they would have felt for Serena, experienced sorrow and loss. And that's human nature.

“For this reason, you agreed to let me stay in this family? To treat me as an equal with you, as a Collins lady?" Serena was incredulous.

Arabella didn't mind.

"It's you who's been swayed by slander, acting erratically, one moment sane, the next hysterical."

"How dare you call my mother's words slander." Serena exploded, as if a landmine had been triggered, "You have no idea how much I regret not listening to her."

"Not listening to her? While the Collins family still held affection for you, to use them as a stepping stone to another wealthy household?"

Serena's eyes widened in astonishment; how did Arabella know what her birth mother had said?

"While the family still adored and trusted you, you aimed to milk this household for all it's worth to raise your own status. or perhaps, to find an opportunity to kill me and return to your life of unrivaled adoration and unlimited glory?"