The Princess and the Pauper

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. This content © Nôv/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

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?"

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 same woman 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 gave me were 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 I

can."

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

elevator downstairs.

Back in the lobby.

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

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

chances?"

"You're mistaken. I won't use exploit this situation for personal gain from the Collins family. They've

already elevated my social status. All I 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,

some people are just born bad, ungrateful to the core!" New chąpter avąilable oո NovelDrama.Org

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!