Chapter 104 Late Night
“Dad… you’ve really surprised me.”
Henrick continued to fix his icy gaze on Arielle. “Are you saying you don’t want to go?”
Arielle looked deeply into her father’s eyes before finally shaking her head. “No. I’ll go.”
Those words were like music to his ears as Henrick’s expression instantly brightened up.
“Sannie, are you serious?”
Arielle merely nodded in response, once again looking like the well-behaved daughter Henrick had always thought her to be.
Except her eyes no longer held the same warmth and sincerity she once had, thanks to Henrick single-handedly destroying what little affection she had left for him.
However, Henrick was utterly clueless to Arielle’s change in heart as he continued to beam in joy. “I knew you’d agree to it. You’re my best daughter, completely different from that useless Shannie. I’ll only dote on you in the future!”
No matter how much he praised her, Arielle felt nothing.
Instead, she asked plainly, “Time and place?”
“It’s the suite on the top floor of Jadeborough Hotel. I spent the whole night getting that room key, so you’d better not lose it. Mr. Nightshire is currently at a banquet in the hotel, and I’ve also talked it through with the banquet organizer. All you have to do is to wait patiently in his room.”
Just then, Henrick thought of something else and quickly added, “By the way, you should change your clothes too. Your usual get-up is too plain, and that won’t work. However, there’s not much time left. Just pick any clothes to wear to the hotel, and I’ll get someone to send a different outfit to the suite.”
It was only then that Arielle realized the real reason for Henrick to get home that late. It wasn’t because he was busy with work, but rather, he was running himself ragged getting a key to Vinson’s room.
So that’s how it is…
Just when Arielle thought she couldn’t feel any more disappointed with Henrick, his words once again felt like a stab to her heart.
As she had found out the hard way, one could never get used to the pain of being hurt, regardless of how many times it had happened.
Arielle found her mind wandering when the white hairs on Henrick’s head suddenly caught her attention.
Recalling what Vinson had told her before, she said, “Dad, you have a strand of white hair on your head. Let me help you pluck it.”
Henrick had wanted to turn her down, but seeing as how she had agreed to go with his plan, he decided to return the favor. As such, he lowered his head and bore with the pain as she plucked the strand of hair off.
Henrick chuckled afterward. “You didn’t have to pluck it, you know? White hair is common when I’m getting old. However, if you do succeed tonight, I reckon it’ll help shave a few years off my age.”
Unbeknownst to Henrick, Arielle had stealthily pocketed his strand of hair as she pretended to nod her understanding. “Don’t worry, Dad. I won’t let you down. How can I not repay you when you’ve treated me so well?”
Touched beyond words, Henrick felt like he was on the verge of tears.
He pulled Arielle into a tight embrace and muttered, “My darling daughter, I’m sorry to have to put you through this. You’ve done well for the family!”
Even though she had returned the hug, Arielle felt nothing but utter disgust toward her father.
“Dad, if we don’t hurry, Mr. Nightshire is going to return to his room before me.”
“Oh, gosh! You’re right!” Henrick exclaimed before rushing off to bark orders at his staff. He got the housekeepers to get a set of clothes and the driver to prepare to send Arielle to the hotel.
Even Cindy was startled by the commotion as she walked into the living room in her pajamas. “It’s already so late. Where are you going?” she queried, alternating glances between Arielle and Henrick.
Cindy’s appearance reminded Henrick of the mess Shandie had made, and he became visibly annoyed.
“It’s none of your business, so go back to your room! Also, you’re no longer allowed to visit Shandie. You’ll only be a distraction to her. After all the mess she has created, it’s time she reflects on herself!”
Cindy had planned on going to Louisa’s the next day to visit Shandie, but now that Henrick had dropped the bomb on her, her face immediately fell.
“Dear, Shandie’s our…”
