Devoted Love:The Billionaire's Precious Wife

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?"

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!"

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!

Serena's glare was so intense it seemed her eyeballs were on the verge of popping out of their sockets.

"If it weren't for your stupidity, you'd be the one lounging on the Collins family's plush sofa right now,enjoying the comfort of family, living the high life with designer clothing and gourmet food. If I were you,

I would have cozied up to Rosemary the moment she stepped back into this place. Not for anything else, but simply because she's better than me, and worth learning from."

Serena let out a cold laugh, "She won't befriend just anyone. You don't know her at all."

"Really?" Octavia skeptically didn't buy it, her smile widening, "At yesterday's live stream, her friends occupied several tables. I guess it's only you who can't reconcile with the idea that someone's

outshining you, who can't bear to see someone doing better, who refuses to make friends with the top dogs."

Serena was fuming with humiliation and anger.

Just then, a sneering voice drifted over.

"Octavia, why waste your breath on a lost cause?"

Hearing that voice, Serena had a sinking feeling.

Alma and her entourage, laden with shopping bags, were heading their way. Upon spotting Serena,their faces twisted into smug smirks.

"Alma, are you out shopping too?" Octavia turned and her expression softened instantly.

"It's the holiday season, how could I not pick up a little something for my Rose?" Alma approached Serena, looking down on her with disdain, "What happened to the high-and-mighty girl of yesteryear?

How did you end up like this?"

Serena turned her face away, not wanting to engage.

"What's the matter, did you break your leg? Have you become a cripple? No servants to escort you out and about?"

Alma's words prompted a chorus of giggles from her friends.

"Oh, Alma, you're well aware as we do, she was kicked out by the Collins family.How would she get servants from now."

"She's probably struggling just to make ends meet. You did say her birth parents were nothing more than a butler and a maid."

"You know, the nerve of some poor folks these days. To give their daughter a better life, they'll go to great lengths."

"Look at her in this mall, not buying a single thing, likely just here to reminisce about the once lavish lifestyle of her days as a rich debutante."

"Alma, for old time's sake, since she once called you sister, why don't you help her out? Give her a little something. Otherwise, how will she get by?"

Pretending to be sympathetic, Alma responded, "All right, since you all insist."

She opened her wallet, pulled out a hundred-dollar bill, and tossed it at Serena's face with contempt.

Serena instinctively swatted it away, and the bill fluttered to the ground.

"Oh, Alma, she's accustomed to living like a princess, one hundred bucks is nothing to her."

"She's longing for jewelry, designer dresses, and handbags."

"Desiring the life of a princess without the pedigree."

"She should hydrate more and reflect on her character when she reflects in the water."

The group erupted in laughter.

Serena couldn't bear to swallow her pride. She reached for the control on her wheelchair, set to wheel away.

But in the next instant, Alma kicked her wheelchair, spinning her back to her starting point.

"She's angry, hahaha." they jeered, refusing to budge, eager to see her flushed with indignation.