A Beauty With Multiple Masks

Chapter 103

Arielle was perplexed as she looked down at the room key Henrick had shoved into her hand All the pity and sadness she had felt earlier disappeared in an instant, leaving her in stunned silence. When Arielle still didn’t say anything, Henrick thought she had gone into shock. “Sannie, being innocent and naive isn’t a bad thing, but that’d only work if you were still living in the countryside. Now that you’re in Jadeborough, you have to learn our ways, no matter how underhanded they might seem. There are times when making sacrifices is necessary.” Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

Arielle’s face had gone pale as she mumbled, “Are you telling me to use this room key to get into Vinson’s bed?” Henrick wrinkled his nose as if Arielle had offended him. “It’s not as bad as it sounds, Sannie. Once you’ve gotten together with Mr. Nightshire, you’d officially be part of their family and the Nightshire Group. Imagine the fame and fortune you’d have! Not only is this for our family, but it’s also for your future. Marrying into the Nightshires is something many people won’t even dare to think about, and now, you have the chance to that life!”

Arielle felt nothing but a lump in her throat. No matter how nicely Henrick put it, his intention was still for her to sleep with Vinson. Arielle laughed bitterly at the whole idea. “Dad, if word got out about what I had done, I’d be mocked and looked down upon by everyone.” Henrick immediately retorted, “No, you won’t! Those cowards only bully people who have a lower status than them. Once you become Vinson’s wife, nobody would dare criticize you!” Even with his reasoning, Arielle’s gaze turned even colder. “Then, what happens if Vinson doesn’t marry me and tosses me aside?”

Henrick shook his head with a smile. “Don’t worry. I can tell that Vinson has feelings for you. You ought to have more confidence in yourself, Sannie. Seize this opportunity, and you’ll have a bright future ahead!” Henrick might not have said it out loud, but he was very confident in Arielle’s looks. Even as a father, he had been blown away by Arielle’s beauty the first time he saw her all dolled up. There was no doubt that other men would also feel the same.

Alas, the determination on Henrick’s face only hurt Arielle even more. She thought she had learned enough about Henrick, yet he never failed to surprise her with something new. Regardless of how his daughter felt, Henrick could send her to another man’s bed as long as he could benefit from it. Arielle tightened her grip around the room key so much that it was cutting into her palm. Even so, she was numb to the pain.

After all, the physical pain could never compare to the heartbreak she felt. It was painfully clear to her that Henrick had never treated her as his daughter or as a person. In his eyes, Arielle was nothing but a pawn. To think I had almost told him my truth and even wanted to help him. Arielle chuckled bitterly, tears welling in her eyes.

“Sannie…” Henrick said, a little flustered at her reaction. “My good girl, our family can’t end like this. If not for yourself, do it for the rest of us! I know you’re the kindest and most obedient. You’ll do what I say, won’t you?” Arielle pursed her lips and suddenly asked, “What if I don’t want to go?”

A deep-set frown immediately formed on Henrick’s face, and Arielle could feel the anger emanating off of him. After a moment’s hesitation, he coldly replied, “If you don’t want to, then I won’t be able to keep you here!”