The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella and Romeo) novel Chapter 1328

Serena slid to the floor, her body unable to support her any longer after she hung up the phone.

Through the call, she could feel Bard's genuine concern. It wasn't just a show for appearances' sake.

But as much as Bard cared about her, as close as they had always been, she now felt a vast distance between them.

All because of Arabella!

Clutching the snow in her fists, Serena thought bitterly that if it weren't for Arabella, she would still be the darling princess of the Collins family, adored by all. Her brothers wouldn't despise her, her aunt wouldn't have struck her, and she could still be acting coy with her uncle like before.

How wonderful those days were?

It was all Arabella's fault that she had fallen into such a state!

The cold snow melted in her palm, but she couldn't feel the chill, her eyes brimming with hatred towards Arabella.

Her phone rang repeatedly until she snapped back to reality and answered it.

"Sorry, Serena, the traffic was a beast, I'm just downstairs at the restaurant now. Where are you?" the driver apologized profusely over the phone.

"I've already gone back to the hotel," Serena replied icily, cutting off the call. She didn't want the driver to see her in such disarray, lest it get back to Martin and make a bad impression.

As the snow continued to fall, she struggled to her feet and made her way back to the hotel, step by step.

Along the way, she remembered her aunt mentioning that she had bought Arabella a welcome gift worth $3 million. Serena's heart swelled with discontent, fueling her disdain for Arabella.

The next morning.

Just as Arabella finished getting ready to head downstairs, a nervous servant suggested, "Miss Bella, perhaps you should get some more rest. Or maybe take a stroll in the garden through the back staircase. It's best not to pass through the living room."

Puzzled, Arabella glanced up and asked, "Why?"

"Bess Griffith is here, and she's a real piece of work." the servant whispered. "Mrs. Griffith is already dealing with her. If you can't go back to sleep, Miss Bella, why not enjoy the garden? Shall I bring your breakfast out there?"