A Beauty With Multiple Masks

Neither Shandie nor Cindy did anything.

Likewise, Cindy no longer begged Henrick to shorten Shandie’s punishment.

Cindy even took increasingly good care of Arielle, which Henrick approved.

That incident with the venomous snake was explicitly banned.No one was allowed to utter a single word about it.

Hence, the manor’s inhabitants resumed their following days as if nothing happened.

Likewise, Henrick returned to his and Cindy’s bedroom after five days of sleeping in the study.

By the sixth day, Henrick headed out with a bounce in his step; even Cindy had a glowing and cheery expression.

It wasn’t hard to guess what happened the night before.

Things became so amiable that Cindy offered an entire drumstick to Arielle during dinnertime.At this, a delighted smile crept onto Arielle’s face.

She responded in a sweet tone, "Thank you, Aunt Cindy."

"Call me Mom from now on."

Cindy beamed back as she continued, "I’ll look after you as my own child.Just like Shannie.She’s not my biological daughter, but I’ve always cared for her like she is.So, don’t hesitate to ask me if you ever need anything."

Arielle scoffed inwardly.

Not your biological daughter? I don’t believe it one bit.

Shandie is only a couple of months younger than me, which means that Henrick had an affair with Cindy during my mother’s pregnancy.

Henrick obviously won’t allow this scandal to leak.

Cindy must be up to something.Why else would she suddenly suggest that I call her "Mom"? 

Still, she’s got some nerve asking me to call her that.I only have two mothers: my biological mom and my adoptive mother.No one else is worthy of that title.

Skeptical, Arielle looked at Henrick for help.

"Dad.I-it’s too soon.I’m not used to calling her that…"

She flashed a pair of puppy-dog eyes at him.Her eyes rounded and became slightly moist as she put on a pitiful act.

were an award show, Arielle believed that she would have won the title of Most

glancing over at her.No man could resist Arielle’s puppy dog eyes,

and go at your

"Thanks, Dad."

look whilst saying, "And I’m really sorry, Aunt Cindy.I’m sure I’ll eventually

in Cindy’s

How dare she refuse to call me Mom! Even so, Cindy was better at tamping down

must be difficult for you.Please don’t apologize.I should be sorry for pressuring you.Don’t worry, dear, take all the time you need to adjust.After all, we’ve got the rest of our lives as

"Thanks, Aunt Cindy."

"It’s nothing, child."

played out a harmonious pretense as if they were happily getting along at the

instantly improved; the exhaustion he felt from work faded

goes, a family in harmony will prosper in everything; I’m content

thought so, Cindy parted

I have to tell you,

of Shandie’s name ruined Henrick’s

good word for that brat? Considering how grave her actions were, I’ve

suspicious glance

uncharacteristic of her to

at gauging situations before

that this isn’t the best time to defend Shandie? What exactly is Cindy playing at? At

pleading on behalf of her, dear.It’s about something else.I’m just not sure

lifted

he still growled at a dangerously low

sighed dramatically, then pulled out a sheet of paper

"I just received a notice letter today.Remember the Crown Coffee Academy’s competition? Well, Shannie won it.She’s the

"What!" Henrick exclaimed.

knew about

brand ambassadorship contract

from Cindy and went through its

that Vinson would be an honorary guest, greed flitted

trembling hands whilst

you tell me earlier? The award ceremony is tomorrow

Cindy’s shoulders slumped

that rash mistake that Shannie made.When I told her about the ceremony earlier today, she wasn’t keen on attending.She wanted to stay home and reflect on her

"That’s absurd!" Henrick protested.

lost her mind? When he finally broke out of his thoughts, he happened to meet Arielle’s innocent