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.

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

Henrick’s features softened after glancing over at her.No man could resist Arielle’s puppy dog eyes, not even

his throat and consoled, "That’s quite alright.Take it slow and go at your own pace.There’s no need

"Thanks, Dad."

then cast an apologetic look whilst saying, "And I’m really sorry, Aunt Cindy.I’m sure

in Cindy’s

Cindy was better at tamping down her emotions compared to Shandie, so she

that this 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

"Thanks, Aunt Cindy."

"It’s nothing, child."

as if they

spirits instantly improved; the exhaustion he felt from work

goes, a family in harmony will prosper in everything; I’m content as long as they don’t pull any

Henrick thought so, Cindy parted her

have to tell you, dear.It’s about

Shandie’s name ruined Henrick’s

brat? Considering how grave her actions were, I’ve been more than merciful by grounding her for only

a suspicious

her to blurt

normally good at gauging situations before

she knows that this isn’t the best time to defend Shandie? What exactly is Cindy playing at? At that moment, Cindy’s

her, dear.It’s about something else.I’m

frown lifted slightly at

growled at a dangerously low pitch, "What’s the

pulled out a sheet of paper from

letter today.Remember the Crown Coffee Academy’s competition? Well, Shannie won it.She’s

"What!" Henrick exclaimed.

obviously knew about the

would obtain a brand ambassadorship contract with Soir Coffee—the internationally renowned coffee

snatched the letter from Cindy and went through

Vinson would be an

with trembling hands whilst

me earlier? The award

Cindy’s shoulders slumped exaggeratedly in

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

"That’s absurd!" Henrick protested.

she lost her mind? When he finally broke