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

over at her.No man could resist Arielle’s puppy dog eyes, not

consoled, "That’s quite alright.Take it slow and go at your own pace.There’s no need to rush into calling

"Thanks, Dad."

an apologetic look whilst saying, "And I’m really sorry, Aunt

in Cindy’s

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

you.Don’t worry, dear, take all the time you need

"Thanks, Aunt Cindy."

"It’s nothing, child."

if they

spirits instantly improved; the exhaustion he felt from work faded away at the sight

harmony will prosper in everything; I’m content as long as they don’t pull

Henrick thought so, Cindy parted her lips

something I have to tell you, dear.It’s

of Shandie’s name ruined Henrick’s

guess, you’re trying to put in a good word for that brat? Considering how grave her actions were, I’ve been more than merciful by grounding her for

a suspicious glance at

of her to blurt

good at

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

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

frown lifted

growled at a dangerously low pitch, "What’s

then pulled out a sheet of paper from her

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

"What!" Henrick exclaimed.

knew about the

contract with

the letter from Cindy and went

noticed that Vinson would be an honorary guest, greed flitted across

hands whilst his voice quaked with

didn’t you tell me earlier? The award ceremony is

Cindy’s shoulders slumped exaggeratedly in

because of that rash mistake that Shannie made.When I told her about the ceremony earlier today, she wasn’t keen on attending.She

"That’s absurd!" Henrick protested.

mingle with influential figures! How can she not go? Has she lost her mind? When he finally broke out of his thoughts, he happened to