"Ms. Serena, please," the leading servant gestured with a beckoning hand.
Tears streaked down Serena's cheeks as she forced a bitter smile. Once upon a time, these very servants would have rushed to her
aid had she stumbled. Now, they stood before her, impeccably lined up, clutching her belongings, not a hint of intention to help her
up.
How quickly the tables turn.
In truth, the servants were too scared to approach, fearful of losing their jobs in the face of Mrs. Collins's wrath. But to Serena, it
was clear they were fair-weather friends, keeping their distance now that she had fallen out of favor, no longer the attentive
helpers they once were.
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With great effort, Serena pushed herself off the ground. A light drizzle fell, and the chill wind cut through her, as cold as the
attitudes around her.
Bruised from a beating the previous night and further injured from her fall, she staggered to her feet, her clothes stained and
disheveled, a picture of utter disarray.
"What's happened to Ms. Serena Collins? Where are they taking her?"
"Didn't you hear? Ms. Serena Collins was caught bullying Ms. Arabella Collins, and Mrs. Collins found out. She's been sent to the
guesthouse to reflect on her actions."
"What? Ms. Serena Collins always seemed so sweet. How could she bully Ms. Arabella Collins? Is there smisunderstanding?"
"You're new here; you wouldn't know. Ms. Arabella Collins is the real gem."
"Ms. Serena Collins was the apple of Mr. and Mrs. Collins's eye since childhood. For her to be sent away to the guesthouse, it must
mean she really crossed the line this tand angered them."
"Ms. Arabella Collins is their red line, and Serena crossed it."
Limping along, Serena absorbed their discussions.
"Ms. Serena Collins's been sent to the guesthouse, and if she doesn't improve her behavior, she'll probably be thrown out next,
right?"
"Really? Is that true?"
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"Could it be that the Collins family will have no place for Ms. Serena Collins anymore, only Ms. Arabella Collins?"
"Raised with a silver spoon, can Ms. Serena Collins even survive without the Collins family's support?"
Serena couldn't believe they were already thinking so far ahead.
Didn't anyone wish her well? It was just too much!
That evening.
When Kenneth and Louisa returned, Edith greeted them at the door, "Mr. and Mrs. Collins, Ms. Arabella Collins won't be joining us
for dinner tonight; she had other engagements. It will just be the two of you dining."
Louisa's eyes dimmed slightly. She had hoped to have a heart-to-heart with her precious daughter, but it seemed that would have
to wait for another day.