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.

Arielle believed that she would have won

man

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

"Thanks, Dad."

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

in

so, Cindy was better at tamping

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 a family for you to

"Thanks, Aunt Cindy."

"It’s nothing, child."

if they were happily getting along at the

from work faded away at the sight

everything; I’m content as

Cindy parted her lips

have to

of Shandie’s

his spoon onto the table and thundered, "Let 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

suspicious glance at

of her

normally good at

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

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

frown lifted slightly

at a dangerously low

then pulled out a sheet of paper from her

just received a notice letter today.Remember the Crown Coffee Academy’s competition? Well,

"What!" Henrick exclaimed.

obviously knew about

a brand ambassadorship contract with Soir Coffee—the internationally renowned

from Cindy and went

that Vinson would be an honorary

clutched the letter with trembling hands whilst his voice

tell me earlier? The award ceremony is tomorrow

Cindy’s shoulders

the 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

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