A Beauty With Multiple Masks

Vinson answered almost immediately. “What’s up?” Arielle replied frankly, “I have a birthday party to attend tomorrow, so I don’t think I can join you at the banquet. I’m sorry.” Vinson contemplated this for a moment, then asked, “What time is the birthday party?” Arielle glanced down at the invitation in her hand. “Seven.” Unfazed, Vinson replied, “That’s perfect. The banquet I want to bring you along for is at four in the afternoon. I can accompany you to the birthday party after that.” “Wouldn’t that be too much of a rush? Why don’t you find another girl to go with you?”

Arielle stammered. Vinson replied persuasively, “I’ve already gotten someone to tailor the gown to your measurements. It’ll be too late to ask someone else. Why don’t you come with me, and then I’ll keep you company at the birthday party after that?” Vinson was afraid that Arielle would refuse, so he hastily added, “You did promise me, after all. Take it as repayment for what I did to get the diary for you.” At the thought of how Vinson had risked his life for the diary, Arielle felt it was impossible to reject Vinson. Clenching her jaw, Arielle agreed reluctantly, “All right.”

tomorrow then,” Vinson said cheerfully. “OK,” Arielle replied. She suddenly remembered her conversation with Susanne a few hours ago, and began, “Tonight…” Arielle abruptly trailed off, deciding that it was of no further use to recount the conversation to Vinson. They had clarified matters between them, after all. At the other end

grunted a reply. She then hung up immediately. Arielle sat down on a chair, feeling upset. The image of Susanne leading that girl into the private room to have a cup of coffee together stirred up a vague feeling

hesitate to command her dog to bite me! It looks like she’s still looking to draw blood. Arielle shut her eyes. As she let her thoughts wander, a clever plan suddenly struck Arielle like a bolt out of the blue. Pleased with the ingenuity of the plan, Arielle fell asleep to the lullaby of the gentle