The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella)

Chapter 1985

Dora nodded, "All right, I'll wheel you over to the elevator."

As they stood by for the elevator in the lobby, a well-dressed lady emerged from a nearby boutique perfumery, also intending to

catch the elevator.

Catching sight of Serena in her wheelchair, she scrutinized her for a moment, then uttered with a hint of uncertainty, "Serena?"

"Octavia." Serena hadn't expected an acquaintance from the Collins circle to acknowledge her.

She was the only person who had deigned to greet her all day!

Ever since Octavia's family business started associating with the Collinses, they had risen the social ladder. She was deeply

indebted to the Collins family, making visits and bringing gifts every holiday season, even treating Serena with presents.

Serena used to adore Octavia, who never held back her compliments, making her feel on top of the world.

"Is it really you?"

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Octavia took in Serena's current state, recalling the previous night's banquet where Louisa had branded her an ingrate. Her

expression grew instantly icy.

"Now that you're no longer the true blood of the Collins family, I'd like you to return all the gifts I've given you over the years."

Not just Serena, but Dora was taken aback. What? Gifts that were given could be reclaimed?

"The gifts were for the Collins’ heiress. Since that's not you, I'd like them returned."

Octavia's words left Serena mortified, struggling to believe that the swoman who used to lavish her with gifts and affection

would make such an impertinent request in public.

Serena struggled to maintain her composure, "I recall the gifts you gavewere not particularly valuable."

"They were still bought with my hard-earned money. Twelve bottles of perfume, forty-two lipsticks, four pairs of high-end shoes,

two luxury handbags, it all adds up to around fifty thousand."

"How could you?"

Dora was seething, but before she could speak up, Serena handed her a card, "Dora, go to the bank nearby and withdraw the

amount for me."

"Serena?"

"Just go."

Despite her outrage, Dora was primarily worried for Serena, "Wait here for me, I'll be back as quick as | can."

With that, she shot Octavia a contemptuous glance, positioned the wheelchair aside, and took the elevator downstairs.

Back in the lobby.

Octavia peered down at the seated figure, "It seems like someone else has taken pity on you after the Collins cast you out. To

casually hand out such a sum, your benefactor must be notably influential?"

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Serena sat stone-faced, "Octavia, today you've shownthe essence of opportunism."

"This isn't about opportunism, Serena. The Collins family showedkindness, and I'm simply expressing my support for them. |

don't even need that money, I'd rather donate it than give it to an ungrateful ingrate like you!"

"Do you think by doing this, the Collins will recognize your loyalty? That they'll offer your family more chances?"

"You're mistaken. | won't use exploit this situation for personal gain from the Collins family. They've already elevated my social

status. All | should do is show my gratitude. The Collins family invested years hiring tutors for you, teaching you so much, and yet

you turned out this way. It just goes to show, speople are just born bad, ungrateful to the core!"

Serena's anger flared, and she looked intently at the woman before her.

If she weren't restricted by her wheelchair, she might have given her a slap!

Undisturbed by Serena's intense gaze, Octavia even laughed softly and remarked, "Being angry won't change the facts. I'm only

speaking the truth."