A Beauty With Multiple Masks

Her hair accessories were all out of place and her hair was disheveled. The woman, who was

supposed to be in the spotlight, turned pale and was in a pathetic state. Shannie!” Cindy exclaimed as

she rushed on stage. Even though she was extremely worried, Cindy did not forget about Arielle and

used her shoulder to nudge Arielle aside. Arielle was wearing heels that were four inches high and was

standing on the edge of the makeshift stage. The force of Cindy’s push sent Arielle tumbling sideways

as she lost her balance and was about to fall off the stage… However, she reacted swiftly and

protected her head with her hands. That way, even if she had fallen down, it would lessen her chances

of having a concussion. However, to Arielle’s surprise, she did not land on the ground. Instead, she felt

a strong hand supporting her back steadily while another hand was wrapped around her waist as she

was being carried off stage. After Arielle stood firmly on the ground, she instinctively turned to look at

the person who had saved her. What greeted her was a cold and perfectly sculpted face. Frowning, the

man said, “Why are you wearing such high heels? Are you planning to fall to your death?” I didn’t have a choice! Arielle wanted to retort but controlled her mouth. After all, that man was just concerned about

her safety. If not for him, she might have already been badly injured from the fall. Arielle swallowed her

words and was about to thank him when Henrick rushed over. “My darling daughter! Are you hurt? Dad

was going to help you just now but Mr. Nightshire was a step ahead of me… Mr. Nightshire seems to

treat you really well!” Henrick said meaningfully with a concerned expression. On the other hand,

Henrick did not even look at Shandie, who was being carried upstairs. That was interesting to Arielle.

Regarding her dad… she had almost believed that he was a loving dad who doted on his daughter.

What Arielle could not understand was, why would her mother, who seemed so perfect on paper,

choose to marry a man like Henrick? Since she was back, she was determined to find out the reason,

as she suspected there was more to that than meets the eye. There had to be a secret that she did not

know. “I’m fine, dad. You should go upstairs and take a look at Shandie. I’m not sure what was going

on but she suddenly fainted just now. Hopefully, it isn’t anything serious that we should be concerned

about.” Arielle’s expression was soft and serene as she spoke, without a hint of the disgust she felt

towards Henrick. She behaved exactly like a sensible and obedient daughter, which Henrick was

extremely satisfied with. The man could even be convinced that he must have saved the universe in his

past life to have such a perfect daughter! Henrick quickly replied, “You’re right. I’ll go and take a look at

Shandie right away and shan’t disturb you and Mr. Nightshire. Mr. Nightshire, please make yourself at

home!” A crease appeared between Vinson’s brows when he heard that. Make myself at home? Do the Southalls really think that we are on the same level? The man took a glance at Henrick but decided to

spare him the ridicule. After Henrick left, Vinson said, “I’m not here to attend the function. I only waited

until now to make sure that there are really no wishes you want me to fulfill for you. Are there?” Arielle

was feeling somewhat helpless. The truth was that before she returned to the country, she had only

gathered detailed information on the Southalls and knew nothing about the economic situation in the

country. However, the Nighshire family had such a powerful influence in the country that one would

have heard of them even without research. Besides, from the guests and Henrick’s reactions, it was

apparent that Vinson was definitely a big shot in the country. However, Arielle had only performed the

duties expected of a medical personnel on the island and nothing more. Except for the fact that… they

had slept together. But the woman would rather believe that nothing of that sort had happened. In a

determined manner, Arielle replied, “Vinson, I appreciate your kind offer, but there’s really no need for

that.” If there was really something she wanted, she was fully capable of getting it herself. The woman

had never depended on anyone else. The crease between Vinson’s brows deepened when he heard

Arielle’s words. “Woman, do you know what you have just turned down?” Vinson did not believe that

there was anyone who would reject such an offer from him—any wish that he would grant. As such, it

did not make sense to him that Arielle kept rejecting him. Vinson wished he could check if there was

something wrong with that woman’s brain! Looking at how serious Vinson was with regards to granting

her that wish, for some unknown reason, Arielle couldn’t help but feel amused by it. She shrugged and

replied, “Maybe you could enlighten me on what I have just turned down? Was it my Mr. Right? Oh,

also, my name is not ‘Woman’.” “What’s your name then?” “My name is… Sannie.” Sannie was Arielle’s

nickname given to her by her overseas adopted parents. “Got it. You still haven’t told me what your

wish is.” Seeing how insistent the man was, Arielle joked, “If you really want to repay me, why don’t

you… marry me?” Vinson was speechless after hearing Arielle’s “wish” and had a complicated

expression on his face. Seeing how tensed the atmosphere had become, Arielle cleared her throat and

tried to ease the tension. “I was just joking. Anyway, just forget it. There’s really nothing I need.” “I can

do that,” Vinson suddenly spoke. “What?” Arielle was stunned and asked in disbelief, “What can you

do?”. Vinson regained his composure and with his usual cold expression, he replied, “I can grant you

your wish, but I have to discuss it with my family first as it does not concern me alone.” “Hold on…”

Arielle widened her eyes in shock and was at a loss for words. “You didn’t take my words seriously

right? I’ve already said that I was just joking!” “Well, sometimes people disguise their true thoughts as

jokes.” “But I really meant it as a joke! I’m not interested in you at all!” Vinson looked lost for a moment

before he replied, “Why? Every girl in Jadeborough dreams of marrying me.” “But that doesn’t include

me!” “Anyway… I’ll be giving you my answer later on. I’ll get going first.” Vinson left after he finished

speaking, obviously not trusting that the woman was really just joking. After Vinson left, his

bodyguards, who were waiting at one corner, followed behind him. “Hey! Stop right there! We haven’t

finished talking yet!” Arielle shouted behind Vinson as she chased after him. However, she was blocked

by the man’s bodyguards. “Sorry, Miss, you can’t go there!” “But I’ve something important to tell him!”

However, the bodyguards did not allow her to pass. Apparently, without Vinson’s permission, no one

was allowed to get near him. That was also the reason no one dared to approach Vinson, including the

socialites who admired him and other men who want to make use of him to climb up the social ladder.

As such, Arielle had no choice but could only watch as Vinson left in his helicopter, feeling frustrated

that the man seemed to have taken her joking statement seriously. However, her worries dissipated

soon after. After all, no one in their right minds would take that seriously. Repay someone by marrying her? Such ridiculous practices are non-existent in the modern era! It’s just not possible that anyone would really consider that proposal seriously. That guy must be just joking with me. I almost fell for it as he looked so serious! I guess that’s just his unique style. Arielle pouted at that thought, quite certain

that she had been tricked by Vinson! As such, she was no longer fretting over how she should explain

to the man. Instead, she started wondering about the manor that used to belong to the Moores. What actually happened that wiped out the Moores who got replaced by the Southalls?