The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella and Romeo) novel Chapter 1595

"Spotted something you like?" Carol noticed her friend pausing; linking arms with her, she suggested, "Shall we go in and have a look?"

The mannequins were adorned with tags that declared "New Arrival".

"See anything you fancy, just try it on. It's on me today!" Carol declared with a generous laugh.

"Did you come into some money?" Arabella asked with a light chuckle.

"A bit," Carol whispered, "Splurging on a few outfits isn't a big deal."

Arabella had known for a long time that Carol mastered the "Deadly Seven Steps" - a drug she had once used against Arabella. So Arabella guessed, "Pharmaceuticals?"

"Nope, but how did you know I dabble in little concoctions?" Carol said; then suddenly remembering something, she laughed again, "It was my artwork, actually. Sold a piece on the underground market for 50 grand. You know, my foster parents were teachers; they loved painting and calligraphy, and I picked up a bit from them growing up."

Though they weren't masters of their craft, her artwork and calligraphy could fetch a decent sum.

"I also sold a calligraphy piece for 30 grand, so today you pick whatever you want, my treat!" Carol's smile had just begun to bloom when a girl shot her an unfriendly glare.

"Carol?" The girl's voice dripped with disdain, "What are you doing in a place like this? Dad's been giving you too much pocket money so you dare to shop here?"

"Let's head over there," Carol took Arabella's hand, eager to avoid a pointless spat.