A Beauty With Multiple Masks

Arielle watched Cindy bring Shandie upstairs with unsympathetic eyes. In fact, there was a solemn look

in them. It seems like the slap from Cindy is worth it. However, this will be the last time Cindy will be allowed to hit me. Once Shandie was gone, Henrick walked toward Arielle and said, “Sannie. I

remember you used to be called Sannie, right?” Arielle nodded. Her nickname had sounded like

Shandie’s name, so she did not like it much anymore. “What about this, Sannie?” Henrick sighed

before pursing his lips. Then, he said, “I’ve spoiled Shandie. It’s partially my fault that she has done

such a horrible thing. We should’ve called the cops, but she’s still your younger sister, and we’re a

family. Moreover, you’re fine, and she has reaped what she sowed. Let’s forget about this, all right?

However, I’ll still punish her and compensate you. Is that okay?” Arielle balled her hands into fists under

the sleeves of her pajamas. What do you mean by “you’re fine?” If I was really bitten by the snake, Shandie would have made sure no one knows about it. By the time the sun rises, my body would have gone cold. Yet, you’re asking me to pretend as if nothing has happened? You’re only grounding her for a month? At that very moment, Arielle knew what kind of person Henrick was. As long as it was nothing

threatening to him, he would not easily abandon Shandie. After all, the more daughters he had, the

more chances for him to cling to a wealthier family. Henrick was a man who would do anything to get

what he wanted. Arielle could not wrap her head around why her mother had fallen in love with

someone like him. Arielle was thoroughly disappointed. It did not matter to her that Henrick was her

biological father anymore. However, she showed none of that on her face. Instead, she plastered a

sweet smile on her face and nodded. “I can’t decide, so, Dad, I’ll just heed your words. Shandie’s still

young, so I won’t blame her for anything. I’ll pretend nothing happened, and I’ll still be a good sister to

her. I just hope Shandie won’t mind too.” “Don’t worry. I’ll ask her to forget about this as well. No one

will mention this anymore. I’m sure the two of you will be able to get along fine.” “Of course.” Arielle

smiled, her dimples emerging on both sides of her face. Anyone who looked at her would assume that

she was innocent and sensible. Henrick sighed in relief, feeling glad about the situation. Not only was

this daughter of his pretty and forgiving, but she was also obedient. She’s much more obedient than I thought she would be. That’s good. She’ll be easy to control. “It’s getting late. I’m sure you must have

been shocked today too. Rest earlier. Tell me what you need, and I’ll do my best to fulfill your requests.”

Henrick was in a good mood. For once, the miser was not stingy, for he handed Arielle another card.

“There’s one million in this. In total, you’ll have two million, including the other million I’ve given to you

earlier. You can spend it on anything you like. Once you’ve spent it all, you can come and ask for more.

You shouldn’t live as you used to in the village. You’ve got to act like the daughter of the Southalls. I’ll

ask Alfred to bring you to shop for clothes tomorrow.” “Thank you, Dad! You’re the best!” Ego stroked,

the upset from Shandie’s incident dissipated from Henrick’s mind. He then hummed a tune as he went

upstairs. The moment Arielle returned to her room, the sweet smile on her face disappeared. Even if Shandie’s stupid, she has Cindy watching out for her. On the other hand, I have no one. I only have myself. Balling her fists, Arielle slumped onto the bed, staring at the ceiling with lifeless eyes. Maybe there’s nothing bad with being alone. Moreover, it’s not that I’m alone. Dad and Mom overseas are very nice to me. And my brother, too. He’s dependent on me. He must miss me a lot while I’m gone. To

make sure they were not involved in the mess, Arielle had to temporarily cut ties with them. Yet, when

she thought about her brother, the corners of her lips curled upward. Right then, her phone rang. When

she picked up the call, she realized it was from a friend from Moranta. “Sannie, how are you?” the other

person on the line had an accent. “I’m quite fine, Vance. To be honest, I’m back at my old family home

in the country. Although I’ve encountered some minor matters, it’s been resolved now. Why are you

calling, by the way?” Arielle was speaking in fluent Ustranasion, as if she was born and raised

overseas. Sounding a little embarrassed, the other person continued, “You know I’ve been working on

an island project, but the ending part of the project costs a lot, and I’m having issues with the funds. I

was wondering if you could lend me some money, or perhaps invest into my project.” Arielle answered,

“I’m quite interested in your island project. What about this? How much do you need? I’d be happy to

join you.” “That’s great. We’d be even better with you joining us. I’ll be needing a billion. Are you all

right with that?” “No problem,” came Arielle’s swift response. Upon ending the call, Arielle contacted

her overseas personal financial advisor. She then used her computer to transfer a billion into Vance’s

account before asking her lawyer to sign the contract for the investment. When she was done, she then

glanced at the two cards Henrick had given to her and barked out a laugh. The next thing she did was

delete the history of the transactions on the computer. On the other end. After Cindy brought Shandie

back to her room, she finally cursed at her out loud. “You idiot! How many times have I told you not to

do anything rash before figuring out Arielle completely? Why won’t you ever listen to me?” As tears

streamed down Shandie’s face, she sobbed out, “I-I didn’t think things would turn out this way. But,

Mom, you have to believe in me. Arielle must have been the one to let the snake bite me! I’ve clearly

asked Janet to let the snake into her room.” “I know!” Cindy gritted out. At the harsh tone, Shandie

froze. Then, she muttered, confused, “Why aren’t you helping me explain the situation if you know the

truth? Arielle’s a wicked person.” Cindy sighed. “I’ve taught you so many things, but until now, you

haven’t been able to read the room. Your father clearly trusts her now. Moreover, you were the one to

put the snake into her room first. How are you going to explain that? Nothing you say will help you;

you’ll only make your father even angrier.” “Then what do I do? I can’t be slandered in this way! Have

you seen how the housekeepers look at me? Everyone in the manor thinks I deserved this.” At that,

Cindy was silent for a moment. “It seems like Arielle is much more complex and difficult to figure out

than I thought. I’ll try my best to find out her history. Before that, you’ll have to get along with her. Even

if it’s tough, you have to do it well. Pretend to admit to your mistakes and live in harmony with her for

now. That way, your father will be happy. You know he hates family conflicts and disobedient people.”

“But… I’ve been grounded. I can’t go out.” “Silly girl, have you forgotten about how you’re going to get

your certificate in a week’s time? Be patient for a week. Once you become a star at the ceremony,

everyone will forget about this matter.” “All right. I’ll work hard with practicing this week. I’ll definitely

stun everyone at the ceremony.” “I’m glad you can think this way.” In a blink of an eye, five days went

by.