The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 2118

Serena’s subordinates guarding the hostages was about to retreat when Arabella lunged at one of them, snatched his knife, and plunged it decisively into the top of Chester's head.

Atop the altar, Serena chuckled as if she found Arabella's efforts futile.

"This Chester is an upgraded version from before. Attacking the top of the head is useless against them."

In short, their vulnerability wasn't there.

As the two Chester advanced with their mechanical strides towards Kenneth and Louisa, Arabella quickly rushed to their rescue. She pushed Chester back several steps and slashed through the ropes binding her parents with the knife in her hand.

No sooner had Kenneth and Louisa been freed than three more Chesters headed towards her grandparents, and another trio made their way to the bodyguards tied to the pillars.

Arabella couldn't possibly save them all at once.

Luckily, Stinger caught her eye and decisively cut through the ropes binding Bernard and Cornelia, pulling them to safety behind him.

Since the Chesters were programmed to kill Bernard and the others, they wouldn’t attack Stinger, assuming he was one of their own.

And Arabella took this opportunity to run to the three bodyguards tied to the pillars, slicing through their ropes swiftly.

As Stinger and Arabella stood shoulder to shoulder, protecting everyone behind them, Serena's face twisted with surprise and anger, "Stinger, you dare betray me??"

Stinger looked up at the girl on the altar, his voice cold, "For years, I served your father loyally, risking my life to do his bidding. But behind closed doors, he tormented my parents, made them live lives worse than animals, and they died in disgrace. Tell me, with whom should I settle this account??"

Serena's brows furrowed, "Is it Arabella who's been sowing discord? Telling you these things? Her words can’t be trusted."

Her father would never do such a thing.

"Her words are far more believable than yours," Stinger said, and then he made a break for the figure on the altar.