“If I had known she’d make those mistakes, I’d have been stricter on her from young!” Cindy lamented.
“You shouldn’t blame yourself, Aunt Cindy,” Arielle replied. “After all, she’s only your adopted daughter. From what I’ve heard, adoptees usually have personality issues. If you find her to be a handful, we can always disown her, can’t we?”
Cindy stared wide-eyed at Arielle as her face turned pale with rage.
If she didn’t have a plan to follow, Cindy would’ve blown her top at Arielle. Regaining her composure, she forced a smile and nodded her head. “You’re right. But I can’t bear to let her go, especially since she’s been with me for so long. You, on the other hand, have suffered so much while you were overseas. Even though you’re finally home, you haven’t been able to enjoy much peace, have you? I’m sorry. I’ve truly let you down.”
Arielle shook her head. “You’re not to blame, Aunt Cindy.”
“You’re a good kid…” Cindy whimpered as she pretended to wipe a tear away. “The thing is, there’s a party I was supposed to attend with Shannie. Many socialites from Jadeborough will be there, and getting invitations to it wasn’t easy at all. But, with Shannie being such a letdown, there’s no way I can bring her with me now. I was thinking of bringing you along instead and use the chance to introduce you to everyone. What do you think?”
Arielle’s eyes lit up immediately, unable to hide the excitement on her face. “Really? Come to think of it, Dad hasn’t formally introduced me to the other socialites, so this would be the perfect chance. I shall go along with you then, Aunt Cindy. I’d still need your guidance when I’m there, though, in case I make a fool of myself.”
Arielle was so quick to agree that Cindy heaved a sigh of relief.
She may be scheming, but deep down, this slut is just like any other girl. All they want is to mingle with and be a part of Jadeborough’s high society.
“Don’t worry. I’ll guide you along,” Cindy assured. Her smile radiated warmth on the outside, but inside, she was cold as ice.
She was ready to destroy Arielle’s reputation and make her the laughing stock amongst Jadeborough’s most famous socialites. Let’s see how much disdain Henrick would have for his precious daughter when that happens!
Arielle’s lips curled upward as she studied Cindy’s every move.
A party? I can’t wait to see what Cindy has in store for me then.
It was almost ten when Henrick finally got home and called Arielle to his study.
Henrick had been under so much stress and fatigue that Arielle could see his bloodshot eyes and graying hairs. Seeing him in such a state made her heart sink.
If her mother’s death had nothing to do with Henrick, Arielle would be more than happy to help him grow Southall Group.
Her wish would be to let Henrick enjoy his twilight years without having to worry about anything.
After all, despite Henrick’s character flaws, he was still Arielle’s father and her only blood relative.
“Dad, don’t push yourself too hard. No matter what, your health should always come first,” Arielle said, her voice gentle and filled with concern.
Henrick merely sighed in response. “I can’t afford to slack when this household depends solely on me. What would all of you do without me?”
Hearing that, Arielle’s heart sank even more.
She had always found Henrick to be a terrible father, only to realize that she hadn’t been a good daughter either since coming back.
The more she thought about it, the more she was overcome by guilt.
Arielle was about to come clean to Henrick about her having money to help him when he held her hand.
“The truth is, our company is in distress. So many of our projects have fallen through, including the major partnership project with Nightshire Group. I had hedged my bets on that partnership to get the company back on track, but then your sister had to do what she did…”
Before Arielle could blurt out her true identity, Henrick continued, “As such, I don’t have a choice but to place all my hopes on you. Here, this is Mr. Nightshire’s room key. Take it.”
