Vinson pressed his voice and said, “Are you sure that’s your wish? I’ll give you another chance.” Arielle knitted her brows and looked at him. “You want to grant me another wish? Do you think you’re the magical Genie?” Everyone, including Shandie and Cindy, looked at Vinson and Arielle in disbelief. What’s going on? Does this beggar know Vinson? Vinson gazed into her eyes. When he was about to respond to her question, Henrick interrupted.
“Nice to see you, Mr. Nightshire! Why didn’t you tell me you’re coming?” All the guests’ jaws dropped when Henrick greeted Vinson. Cindy instantly closed her eyes as she dared not imagined what would happen next. What on earth is happening? Henrick finally noticed something was amiss and started looking around. A sudden frown warped his face the moment he saw Arielle. Henrick turned to Shandie and said, “Why did you invite a beggar to our birthday party?
Get her out of here!” Shandie froze for a moment even though deep in her heart she was pleased with his reaction. “Dad, she’s…” “Dad!” Arielle interrupted. “Don’t you remember me? I’m Sannie!” Sannie was Arielle’s nickname. “San…” Henrick raised his brows and widened his eyes in shock. “You’re Arielle?” “Yes, Dad.
I’m Arielle,” she walked up to him. Arielle did not remember anything that had happened a decade ago, but she remembered that familiar face. Upon hearing that, Henrick staggered. Fear was written all over his face as he was afraid that his secret would be exposed. Arielle knew what was going through his mind.
In a steady voice, she continued, “We have not met for years. I miss you so much!” Henrick was at a loss for words. He had no choice but to give her a pat on the shoulder. “Welcome back, honey, but… what happened to you and Mr. Nightshire? Why do the both of you look so messy?”
All the guests then started paying attention to Vinson’s clothes. They were so drawn to the man himself that they did not notice how wet his clothes were. Shandie cast a puzzled look at Arielle and Vinson. Is there something going on between these two? But she somehow dismissed her suspicion. Vinson falling in love with this country bumpkin? No way! Unless he’s blind! Upon seeing how awkward the atmosphere had become, Cindy stepped in and said, “I think it was Mr. Nightshire who brought Arielle home.” “Really?”
Henrick seemed to be a little less disgusted by Arielle after hearing that. Since she was still young and doesn’t remember a thing from her childhood, I guess she doesn’t exactly know what happened. Imagine the benefits we can reap if we could use her to get closer to the Nightshires. Henrick instantly plastered a smile to his face and looked at Vinson.
“So you’re Arielle’s friend? Thanks for bringing her back to us. If you don’t mind, would you like to stay back, clean up a little, and dine with us?” Cindy added, “Oh, yes. We have extra pairs of clothes for our guests.” Vinson initially wanted to turn down their offer, but he could not stand wearing that sea-soaked clothes anymore. Since Vinson did not reject his officer, Henrick extended his hand and showed him the direction to the guest room.
He then whispered in Cindy’s ear, “Clean Arielle up too.” Cindy and Henrick had been married for nearly a decade, so she understood what he wanted her to do. It was clear that Henrick wanted to use Arielle to get in the Nightshires’ good books. Damn it, why is luck on Arielle’s and not my daughter’s side?
Maureen had been oppressing Cindy when she was still alive. I’ll never allow her daughter to step all over mine! Cindy nodded and played along. She then pulled Shandie aside and said, “Bring her to the bathroom. She’s your older sister now, so be nice to her.” Shandie was able to read between the lines.
Arielle seemingly did not notice her expression. She responded with a gentle smile. “Thanks.” Does she really think I don’t know how to use the water heater? “Great. I’ll bring your dress over.” Sandie smiled and walked out of the room. After closing the door, the smile on her face disappeared almost instantly. She took out a handkerchief and cleaned her hands thoroughly before throwing it on the floor.
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