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.

this were an award show, Arielle believed that she

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

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

"Thanks, Dad."

look whilst saying, "And I’m really sorry,

welled in

me Mom! Even so, Cindy was better at tamping down her emotions compared to Shandie,

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

"Thanks, Aunt Cindy."

"It’s nothing, child."

a harmonious pretense as if they were happily getting along at

from work faded away at

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

Henrick thought so, Cindy parted her lips

have to tell you, dear.It’s

of Shandie’s name ruined Henrick’s

me 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

a suspicious glance at

her to

at gauging situations

What exactly is Cindy playing at? At that moment, Cindy’s face scrunched up

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

lifted

a dangerously low pitch, "What’s

then pulled out a

"I just received a notice letter today.Remember the Crown

"What!" Henrick exclaimed.

obviously knew about

contract with Soir

overjoyed.He snatched the letter from Cindy and went through its

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

hands whilst

tell me

Cindy’s shoulders

ceremony earlier today, she wasn’t keen on attending.She wanted to stay home

"That’s absurd!" Henrick protested.

a once-in-a-lifetime chance to mingle with influential figures! How can she not go? Has she lost her mind? When he finally broke out of his