Arielle noted that Henrick was in high spirits and smiled demurely at him. “Actually, I received invitations for two events tonight. The first is for a banquet that Mr. Nightshire is also attending, and the other is for Yvette’s birthday party. However, the timing between them is rather tight, so…” Without a second thought, Henrick replied, “Of course you should go to the banquet with Mr. Nightshire! Sannie, Dad knows that you’re still young and naive, but you should know how to differentiate important events from the less significant ones.” “I know,” Arielle said, nodding.
“Isn’t Yvette engaged to Jordan, though? Besides, she sent the invitation to me, and if I don’t show up, I’m afraid that the Bakers might say…” At that moment, Henrick was still unaware that the Bakers had decided to withdraw from the marriage arrangement with the Actonwards. Henrick’s expression thus looked rather uneasy. The Actonwards were a large and distinguished family but were no match for Vinson. However, the matter took on a more delicate nature with the Bakers in the picture. Henrick was torn between both choices.
Arielle pretended to weigh both options equally, then concluded, “I thought of a plan. We can get Shannie to come back and attend Yvette’s birthday party instead! We’ll avoid offending either party, then.” Henrick’s face immediately turned dark when he heard the mention of Shandie’s name. He vividly recalled that he had almost lost Nightshire Group as a client because of her. Testily, Henrick retorted, “That foolish, incorrigible girl! She’ll only embarrass herself and the rest of us if she represents us at the birthday party.” Arielle then innocently replied, “You can’t leave Shandie at the monastery forever though.
She’ll have to get married eventually. Aunt Cindy might be able to reflect somewhat, but it’d be better if you bring Shandie home to keep a watchful eye on her. Who knows if Aunt Cindy is tainting her mind with all sorts of irrepressible ideas over there?” Henrick felt himself wavering. During the process of purging the company, Henrick discovered that Cindy had bought over multiple directors. Indeed, she might corrupt Shandie instead of teaching her how to behave properly.
If Shandie took after Cindy’s wicked ways, it would be an uphill task to find someone who would be willing to marry her. Henrick soon became convinced that bringing Shandie back home was the most sensible solution. Having thus made up his mind, Henrick nodded fervently. “All right, let her come home then! If she refuses to mend her stupid temper and behave accordingly, I’ll ship her back to the monastery so she can spend the rest of her life there!” Arielle immediately praised Henrick’s decision, flattering him by saying, “Dad, I knew that you always had your children’s best interests at heart.
I’m sure that Shandie has turned over a new leaf. I’ll go and bring her back home myself.” Henrick looked at Arielle with pride. I’m glad Arielle isn’t petty. After all, family members shouldn’t bear grudges against each other, Henrick thought approvingly. Henrick nodded, smiling affectionately at Arielle. “I’m glad that you’re so mature, Arielle. Go on and fetch her. Don’t tire yourself out on the journey!” “Sure, Dad. I’ll leave once I’ve gotten changed,” Arielle replied, already turning to head back up the stairs. “OK, I’ll get the driver to wait for you at the door.
I’ll be off to work now,” Henrick called, getting to his feet. “See you, Dad!” Arielle chirped, waving at him. She watched as Henrick shut the door and got into his car before ascending the stairs. Arielle did not truly want Shandie’s return, of course. However, Cindy and Yvette had already laid the trap, and Arielle needed a substitute to take the fall. Once Shandie returned, she would take up her position in Arielle’s perfect scheme.
Arielle had barely shut the door when the butler came rapping sharply on it. She flung open the door and was unsurprised to see Alfred standing outside. Larissa, the maid who Arielle had secretly bought over, had once given Arielle a list of Cindy’s secret allies. Alfred’s name had been right at the top of that list. Arielle put up a naive face and asked, “Alfred, is there anything I can help you with?”
