Ch. 131..140
A Beauty With Multiple Masks Chapter 131
Henrick was finally relieved after receiving the much needed reassurance from Arielle. He queried further, “Did Mr. Nightshire say anything else?” Right when Arielle was about to answer, Henrick’s phone rang. He took a glance at it and quickly picked up the call. “Hello, Mr. Chance? Continuing the collaboration? Oh, how wonderful, thank you very much! Yes, even if we have any disagreement in the future, we should communicate more effectively.
Sure, you go ahead.” After hanging up, Henrick stared at Arielle approvingly. “That’s my daughter, smart and capable! The other party has confirmed their willingness to collaborate with us.” Arielle flashed a faint smile. Am I not smart and capable? I have to promise to make a ravioli feast for Vinson, in exchange for that business opportunity. Right when she wanted to respond to him, Cindy came out, all smiles. “I’ve heard… Shannie, thanks for saving my family.”
Arielle scrutinized Cindy’s expression and realized that she was truly glad. It did not look like she was faking it. Seems like Cindy’s plot is going well so far. She’s probably waiting to see how I’ll fall from the throne and into a quagmire. Arielle pretended not to suspect anything and smiled sheepishly. The next moment, Cindy held Arielle’s hand. “I’ve asked the kitchen to make some herbal soup for you. My heart aches seeing you so tired.
Go and drink it while it’s hot. Besides nourishing your body, it has other advantages too.” I guess the other benefit of the soup is to boost fertility, especially at this so-called critical moment. Arielle studied Cindy’s every gesture. She must be scheming something huge this time. Henrick was pleased to see how polite and courteous Cindy was. Maybe I shouldn’t sleep in the study room and neglected Cindy. No matter how misbehaved Shandie is, it’s got nothing to do with Cindy.I shouldn’t have blamed it on her. “Go ahead and finish your soup. Don’t waste Cindy’s effort. We’ll catch up thereafter,” Henrick advised. As he spoke, he held Cindy’s hand like a loving couple. If it was in the past, Arielle would have turned sour seeing such a scene. That was because she felt so sorry for her mother. Conversely, there was no negative emotions felt by her now. She could even smile sweetly at them.
“Sure, I’ll drink it now.” This couple deserves to be with each other, or they will harm more people. Then again, Cindy might not want to be locked down with just one man… With her own thoughts playing in her mind, Arielle strode toward the kitchen and drank the herbal soup. Cindy was not a fool to do something nasty to the soup which others knew was served by her. However, to be safe, Arielle smelled the soup first.
The herbs would be nutritious enough to supplement her body’s needs after receiving acupuncture treatments. When she was done, Henrick asked to see her. He requested for all the housekeepers to leave the room, keeping only Cindy by his side. Chuckling, he asked, “Last night… did Mr. Nightshire promise you anything?” Arielle nodded. “He did mention that Nightshire Group won’t terminate our projects.”
Henrick was rather frustrated. “No, I’m not asking about this. Besides this… is there anything else? Did he promise to marry you?” A mocking look flitted past Arielle’s eyes. Given an inch, he’s trying to take a mile.
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After obtaining the contract, Henrick wanted Arielle to marry into the Nightshire family. Concealing the expression in her eyes, Arielle shook her head. “No, he didn’t say anything else besides agreeing to this.” Sighing, Henrick was disappointed. “Forget it. As long as we’ve won this contract, it’s…” “How is that possible?” Cindy was enraged. “Sannie is a pure and innocent girl. How can we just let him be after our dear girl has lost her virginity to him? Dear, are you out of your mind? We must insist that he take responsibility for this.” Henrick was in a dilemma.
I do want him to pay for it, but it’s Vinson Nightshire we’re talking about. He’s no Tom, Dick or Harry. What if we accidentally step on his toes and get ourselves into deep trouble. We might lose more than just a contract. Is that worthwhile? Cindy continued to chime in, “Dear, you can’t just think for the sake of your company, you need to prioritize Sannie. Don’t you know that a girl’s dignity is of utmost importance? How should Sannie marry others if the word gets out?” Henrick fell silent. He did not consider anything else at that time, except for ways to save his company.
Cindy added fuel to the fire. “Let’s go to the Nightshires! They can’t deny this. If they do, we’ll report it to the police. Dear, think carefully.” Henrick felt so uncomfortable and nervous at the same time; he could not seem to bring himself to do what Cindy had suggested. On the other hand, Cindy’s got a point. It’s the best time now to make demands from Vinson. If we drag it longer, the police won’t be able to test anything. In addition, Vinson can deny it all. Upon contemplating, Henrick finally decided to seize the opportunity and take action. He said righteously, “You’re right!
I can’t allow him to trample on my daughter’s dignity!” Arielle could see through the both of them. Cindy is paving the way for her vicious plan whereas Henrick is blinded by greed. They’re always up to no good. Henrick doesn’t realize that my reputation will be totally ruined once he makes a scene about this. Will the Nightshires feel threatened? Absolutely not! Unfortunately, Arielle would be the only victim in this incident.
Henrick’s plan could only work provided that Vinson did sleep with Arielle and treated her like a jerk thereafter. The more Arielle thought about this, the more she grew to hate them. The persistent Cindy continued to persuade Henrick. “Dear, do you want to do it now? Bring Sannie over to the Nightshires and gain the upper hand.”
His greedy eyes lit up. Yes, that’s right! Good point. Turning to Alfred, he ordered, “Ask the chauffeur to get ready. I’m going to see Mr. Nightshire.” Cindy quickly reminded him, “Although Mr. Nightshire is a brilliant man, I’m afraid it’s not his decision to make when it comes to marriage.
He has to obey his elders, so we should pay Mrs. Nightshire a visit.” Henrick hesitated at the sound of the suggestion. Susanne was well known for her peculiarity. She cared a lot about family backgrounds and would disregard anyone from a certain walks of life even if that individual was comparatively wealthy. “Is it a good idea to go straight to… Mrs. Nightshire? She’s… Um… You do know what her response was when I wanted to arrange you to play cards with her, right?” Cindy’s face darkened as she recalled a humiliating incident.
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Once, Henrick arranged for Cindy to meet Susanne at her regular card game place because Cindy wanted to get into the same social circle as Susanne. The latter did not even take a glance at her when she shooed Cindy away. Till date, Cindy was still scarred by Susanne’s scornful remarks, “Who in their right mind would think that a ragtag and bobtail can play cards with me?” From that day onward, it had never crossed Cindy’s mind to make any contact with Susanne.
Trying to shake herself off the bad memory, Cindy spoke assertively, “No matter how powerful the Nightshires are, I’m certain that they won’t like any gossips and scandals to taint their family name. We’re living in the Internet era. If this matter goes viral, she’ll no longer have the last say in this.” “You’re right. We should go to them now.” Henrick instructed Arielle, “Go and get changed into something more decent. We’ll head to the Nightshire residence right away.”
Arielle squinted her eyes and shook her head. “I’m not going.” Henrick furrowed his brows while Cindy rushed to speak first, “Sannie, don’t be stubborn. We are doing this for your sake. Marrying into the Nightshire family is the best option to ensure that you live a life of abundance and with dignity.” Cindy insisted to bring Arielle along to the Nightshires and force them to accept her. We have to make a big fuss about this, so that people will know that Arielle and Vinson are together.
Then, we shall expose her scandal with another man that will completely ruin her reputation. This is the only way for Arielle to get in the bad book of the Nightshires. Cindy rehearsed her wicked plan in her head. Henrick gave Cindy an approving look. Subsequently, he commanded, “Cindy is thinking for your sake. Go get ready!” Am I an obedient person who would just welcome any kind of oppression? Sorry, that’s not part of my characteristics. Surely, Arielle had sniffed out Cindy’s evil scheme. Although she was confident that she could tackle any of Cindy’s move, things would be very different once they stepped foot into the Nightshire residence.
Arielle did not wish to become the subject of everybody’s gossip. She only wanted to investigate her mother’s case secretly, without anyone’s knowledge. At least for this period of time, I must stay out of the limelight. She glanced at Cindy and smirked. “Dad, it’s not that I’m not willing to go, but there’s no reason to go.” Puzzled, Henrick asked, “What do you mean?” Arielle sighed. “Actually, I didn’t want to tell you earlier because I was still deciding.”
Her statement made Henrick even more baffled. “Deciding on what?” “Before leaving the hotel today, Mr. Nightshire asked me to consider being his girlfriend,” Arielle said timidly. “What?” “Huh?” Both Henrick and Cindy snapped their heads upward instantly. One was shocked to the core whereas the other beamed with joy. Henrick interrogated her, “Are you serious? Is that true? What else did Mr. Nightshire say?”
Arielle continued to put on an act. “It’s true. Well, this is a private matter… I won’t lie to anyone about this. If you don’t believe me, you can ask Mr. Nightshire. I’ll give him a call now.” Arielle pretended to fish for her phone from her bag. “No, no, don’t.” Henrick stopped her instantly.
If Vinson has said so, Arielle absolutely has an advantage in this matter. Calling him would be redundant and make us look too petty. A girl should play hard to get in order to make the guy go crazy about her. Henrick was thrilled but pretended to be angry. “You’re such a nuisance. Why did you keep this important detail a secret? Between us father and daughter, you should come clean with me.”
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Wearing a naive expression on her face, Arielle replied, “I… I haven’t thought it through yet. After all, I’ve only known him for a short while. Won’t it be too reckless if I say yes to him hastily?” “That’s right! Don’t give him an answer now. Otherwise, he might think that you’re an easy target.” Henrick was super satisfied with his daughter. Luck favors the gullible one. Perhaps that’s what Vinson was attracted to, the sweet and ignorant type. Seeing how astonished Cindy was, a smug appeared on Arielle’s face. “Do we still need to go to the Nightshire residence?”
“No, we are not!” Of course not. We shouldn’t disrupt it since everything seems to be going well. We’ll shoot ourselves in the foot if we were to show our cards to early and demand benefits at this point. “Since we’re not heading out…” Arielle yawned. “Then, I’ll go upstairs and take a rest. I’m really exhausted. I have one more shoot this afternoon as the ambassador of Soir Coffee.” “Quickly go and have a good rest.” Henrick held her hand and asked with utmost concern, “Can you go up by yourself?” Arielle nodded. He said affectionately, “Rest well. I’ll make sure no one disturbs you until you wake up.”
“Thanks, Dad. I’ll go up now.” Arielle smiled. Before striding upstairs, she purposely said to Cindy, “Thanks, Aunt Cindy. I’ll remember your kind thoughts and return you the favor when I’m married into the Nightshire family.” Her words sent a cold chill down Cindy’s spine. At the same time, she was infuriated. How dare she threatens me! It’s such a pity to lose even before the game begins. Cindy could only faked a smile and gestured Arielle to go to her room. Henrick was grinning from ear to ear. After sending Arielle upstairs, he instructed Cindy,
“Henceforth, you should personally supervise the kitchen to make more nutrient-dense foods for Sannie every day. She’s been working really hard recently. Also, get her the best etiquette coach soonest possible.” Cindy’s smile stiffened. The best etiquette coach for that country bumpkin? What gives? My darling daughter has never even had one. While Arielle could enjoy scrumptious food daily, Shandie was suffering in the temple. Cindy almost broke down at the thought of it. I must think of a way to get Shannie back and destroy Arielle once and for all at Yvette’s banquet.
Clenching her fists, glints of hatred flashed across her eyes. You’re smug? It won’t be for long until you’re doomed, Arielle. Meanwhile, the exhausted Arielle removed her shoes and crawled into her bed the moment she entered her room. Although she was tremendously tired, she still spent some time recalling the series of events throughout the day, to check that there was no loophole. Then, she slept soundly. Three hours later, Arielle was woken up by the alarm clock.
She had applied for a half-day leave from Vinson. Therefore, she needed to complete the commercial shoot in the afternoon. She wanted to accomplish all the projects related to Soir Coffee and concentrate on her personal matters. Since it was still early, Arielle slept in a little bit more. She felt more refreshed after getting some shuteye. Picking up her phone, she realized that there was a text message from Iris. “Ms. Sannie, the filming set for today is confirmed to be at Southall Group.
It’s a stone’s throw away from where you’re at, so you can come over slightly later. By the way, I’ve got some news for you. The outrageous woman has been fired and replaced by a new person in charge. As to who that is… you’ll find out as soon as you’re here.”
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Arielle really liked Iris—an active girl who treated everyone sincerely. She did not ask further but just simply acknowledged her text message, knowing that Iris wanted to keep her in suspense. After washing up, she went downstairs calmly. She was guessing Henrick would be waiting for her since the location of the shoot was at Southall Group. Just as she had expected, the moment she walked into the living room, Henrick was already there, reading newspaper on the couch.
Alerted by the footsteps, Henrick turned his head, all smiles. “My darling daughter is up? Soir Coffee contacted me an hour ago to ask for my permission to use our premises as a filming set. Fortunately for them, it’s not a hectic period at the office, so I gave them the green light. I’ll go to the company with you and take a look at how the shoot will be done.” Arielle responded obediently with a sweet smile, “Sure.” She scanned the living room and Cindy was nowhere to be seen. “Where’s Aunt Cindy?” “Oh… She’s been learning how to do business with me over the years.
Now that I’m accompanying you to the shoot today, I’ve deputized her to monitor some projects.” “She… as your deputy? Dad, I don’t know if I should say this…” Arielle said with a hint of dread. “Go ahead.” He looked at her with a gentle gaze. Arielle shared, “When I was in the countryside, I’ve seen many women betrayed their men after having a taste of wealth and power. Dad, you should take note of these things and don’t hand over all of your business to others. I’m not doubtful of Aunt Cindy’s character, but isn’t it safer to remain wary than to be sorry later?
What do you think?” Henrick waved his hand. “Rest assured that your Aunt Cindy only has a soft spot for me. Whatever you’ve said won’t happen. I know what to do. Don’t worry about these things.” Even though Henrick said so verbally, he was reminding himself deep down to be more vigilant. It’s funny how a gullible girl like Arielle can think of such things whereas I’ve not paid attention to it. Perhaps it’s time to watch out for Cindy.
“That’s great.” Arielle pretended not to take the matter to heart. However, she knew that her analogy would sow a seed of suspicion in Henrick’s heart as he had always been a skeptical person. With this seemingly unintentional reminder, Arielle believed that Henrick would start to be more cautious around Cindy. When the time is right, Arielle would expose the love affairs between Cindy and Matthias and send the Southalls into a frenzy of rage. “Oh, yes, there’s one more thing I forgot to tell you. Mr. Nightshire suggested for me to acquire some knowledge in business if I were to be his girlfriend.
Do you…” “That’s easy!” Henrick interrupted her, “Come with me to the company once you’re done shooting for Soir Coffee. As his fiancée, you should indeed learn about trading. This will equip you to help him out in the future.” At that moment, Henrick had completely forgotten how much he loathed for women to get involved in business back then. Marrying any ordinary rich man was incomparable to marrying into the Nightshire family.
Though Henrick had suspected something between Arielle and Vinson, he never took it seriously. It was something he could only dream. Thinking that the faint thought in the past could now become his dream come true made him unbelievably happy. Needless to say, learning something other girls don’t know will give Arielle that added value and advantage to be married into the Nightshires, an extraordinary family.
In his excitement, he was tremendously satisfied with his daughter, Arielle. He then thought about Maureen. That woman was so strict. She never consumed any salty or oily food, and we’ve only slept together once from the day we got married till the day she died. Yet, she’s given me such a pleasant surprise, my good-natured daughter.
A Beauty With Multiple Masks Chapter 136
Henrick regretted not making a police report in order to save his reputation. He should not have delayed his search for this gem-like daughter. He stroked Arielle’s hair lovingly. “Let’s go. I’ll take you to work and give you a tour around the company. You haven’t seen it since you came back, right?” Arielle nodded with an excited expression and followed Henrick into the car. Soon, they arrived at Southall Group. Staring at the skyscraper, bits and pieces of memories started flooding back to her. Sannie, I’m going to a meeting. You stay in the office and do your homework, okay?
Don’t roam around. She recalled how Maureen would not leave her alone at home and brought her along to her office. She also remembered the secret compartment in her mother’s office, which had a lot of things kept inside. She wondered if the secret compartment was discovered when it changed hands from Moore Group to Southall Group. she might be able to find some clues about her biological father if the compartment still existed. “Sannie, what’s wrong?” Henrick walked to her after noticing that she had not followed behind him.
Regaining her senses, Arielle replied, “It’s my first time here, so I want to take a good look… After being kidnapped, I had a high fever and lost some memories about the past.” “I heard. It’s okay if you can’t recall the past. What’s more important is to live in the present. I’ll make it up to you.” Henrick’s gaze was filled with fatherly love, yet Arielle saw something more than that. She saw greed in it. Arielle was well aware that Henrick was not being genuine to her. She was not what he valued, but rather, the genie in the lamp that he had found. “Yup, I know you’re the best to me.”
In contrast to her warm and submissive smile was her icy-cold heart. He caressed her head again. “At first, Soir Coffee could not find an ideal location for the shoot because it’s a challenge to rent an entire building like this where many people work in it. When I heard about it, I made a majority of the employees go on paid leave and rented the premises to your team. I did that for you. Therefore, enjoy your day at work.”
“Thank you, Dad.” Arielle tried her best to suppress her disgust whenever Henrick touched her. Pretending to be gleeful, she followed him into the building. The layout of Southall Group felt so familiar yet distant to Arielle. Her memory was fragmentary. Besides Maureen’s former office, she could not remember much about anything else. Upon entering the lobby, she saw Iris waiting for her at the reception desk. “Ms. Sannie, you’re here.
I was about to give you a call.” Arielle nodded. “My dad was heading to the company too, so I came early. Where’s everyone?” Iris greeted Henrick and then answered Arielle, “The rest of them are at the highest floor. You’re playing two roles today; a CEO and a white-collar worker. We’ll shoot you as the CEO first and the scene will take place at the highest floor.” Arielle blinked. “That means I’ll have to do it at the CEO office?”
“Yes, that’s right.” Iris smiled politely. “Mr. Southall has been so kind and cooperative. He’s asked someone to tidy up his office. They are now setting up the filming equipment and tools.” Both of them chatted as they walked into the elevator. Henrick pressed the button for them but did not enter.
A Beauty With Multiple Masks Chapter 137
Confused, Arielle asked, “Dad, didn’t you say you want to keep me company? Aren’t you coming in?” Henrick coughed. “Your team is very professional, it’s best I don’t disturb your flow. I’ll go and check on your Aunt Cindy. She isn’t familiar with certain things, so I’m afraid she can’t handle it on her own. Call me when you’re done, I’ll treat your team to a good meal.” At that moment, Arielle realized that Henrick started having dubious assumptions about Cindy. That was a good chance for Arielle to find out if the secret compartment in her mother’s office was still there.
“Okay, you go ahead. I’ll look for you when I’m done.” She smiled. “Sure, have a good time. I’ll get going.” Henrick said as he turned to leave in a rush. Obviously, he had no trust for people around him, including his wife. A comment from others would easily sow a seed of doubt in him. Arielle thought that it would be quite easy and yet challenging to attack people who were not resolute. She could not give herself away in front of Henrick, otherwise, she would be suspected too.
The smile on her face remained until Henrick disappeared from her sight when the elevator door closed. Iris did not notice the changes in Arielle’s expression. She teased her, “Ms. Sannie, do you remember my text message? There’s a new person in charge today. Do you want to know who it is?” Arielle’s response was slightly delayed as she was not paying attention. “Who?” To her, she could not be bothered about the new personnel. All she wanted was a smooth day at work. Iris chuckled. Before she could say anything, they had arrived at the top floor.
The elevator door opened, revealing a towering figure. That man outside the elevator was exceptionally good-looking. He had a pair of deep-set eyes, a chiseled face, a defined jawline, and outstanding features. Who else could it be if it’s not Vinson? Arielle was so stunned to see Vinson showing up at the elevator. The next moment, she turned to Iris as she recalled her text message. Iris giggled. “Ms. Sannie, Mr. Nightshire is the person in charge of today’s shoot.” Arielle was flabbergasted. Why is he the person in charge? As the CEO of Nightshire Group, is he that free?
Vinson was planning to go downstairs and pick Arielle up. Seeing that she had arrived, he took a step back and cast a look at Iris. Instantly, Iris got the cue. Keeping her head low, she scurried away and left them alone. Confused, Arielle asked, “How did you become the person in charge? You don’t have anything to do in your company?” Vinson replied casually, “It’s just a simple shoot that won’t take up a lot of my time.
Moreover, I can continue working from here. I’m more worried about your performance as the ambassador. This is a project that I place great emphasis on, don’t you mess it up.” Arielle assumed that he came because of her. After hearing his explanation, she pursed her lips. I knew it! Thankfully, I’m aware that he doesn’t have any feelings for me. Had I not known that, I might have thought in the wrong direction. She answered, “I can guarantee that I won’t let you down. Let’s get started!” She had to complete quite a bit in the afternoon due to the fact that she had requested for a half-day leave in the morning.
It should not be too stressful to look through the to-do lists for both the morning and the afternoon tasks in the absence of the woman who liked finding fault with her. Soon, both of them entered the CEO’s office one after the other. When she was passing by an office, she could hear children’s laughter. She stopped in her tracks and queried the staff, “Why are there children at the office?” The staff replied, “This is our company policy.
Working parents are allowed to bring their children in and stay in the kids playroom. With a specialized person taking care of the children, employees can be more devoted to their work.” Arielle nodded. When the staff left, she turned to Vinson and commented, “I didn’t expect that my dad is quite… humane to his employees.” “Humane?” Vinson chuckled as if he had just heard a joke. Dumbfounded, she asked, “Why? What are you laughing at? Did I say anything wrong? It’s not easy for females to find a suitable job after becoming a mother.
He’s willing to hire them and accommodate their needs by setting up a kids playroom. Isn’t that a humane move?” Vinson shook his head. “That’s what you think when you don’t know the full story. Henrick did employ working mothers, but he pays them according to part-time wages although their workloads are more than full-time staff. This isn’t a humane move, but an act of oppression. Do you really think that the playroom has a conducive environment?” As soon as Arielle heard that, she opened the door to the playroom and was immediately greeted by a pungent stench of pee and poop lingering in the air. Some of the kids were playing by themselves but a majority of them were crying.
The so-called ‘specialized staff’ was seen sitting at the side, playing games on her mobile phone. Arielle was dumbfounded. There’s nothing humane about this whole situation. In fact, it’s a form of oppression in disguise. She was horrified at the sight. Yet, she was not too surprised that it happened because it did seem like something Henrick would do. How selfish and immoral could he be to recruit employees through such despicable means? Arielle made a firm decision to reorganize Southall Group back to what was originally Moore Group.
Regardless of whether Mom’s death has anything to do with Henrick, it’s an indisputable fact that he has snatched away Mom’s business empire. I must take possession of Southall Group! “Let’s go.” Arielle’s face darkened as she went ahead to the CEO office. Vinson had no idea why she suddenly looked glum; he suspected it was related to Henrick. He blurted, “If you beg me when I’m in a good mood, I can help you teach Henrick a lesson.” “No need. I can handle it myself.” Arielle appreciated Vinson’s good intentions even though she did not express it so.
The CEO office was the last room at the end of the hallway. It was extremely spacious and nicely decorated with French windows and potted plants. Compared with the dirty and smelly playroom, they are worlds apart. Iris quickly approached Arielle. “Ms. Sannie, the equipment have all been set up. Please come with me to get changed. Your clothes have been carefully selected for you.” Arielle nodded and followed Iris to go get herself ready.
Watching Arielle leave the room, the director could not help but voice his concerns to Vinson, “Mr. Nightshire, although Ms. Sannie is a gorgeous girl, do you think that something is missing if she were to assume the role of a CEO? Something about her aura.” “Aura?” The director nodded. “Yes, you know, an air of dignity that netizens talk about. She’s such a goody two shoes. So, I’m afraid that she’s not able to play the role well. Consequently, it will have an adverse effect on the commercial. I’d rather we select another person to play this role.”
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“That’s not necessary.” Vinson smirked and said confidently, “She can do a good job. Just wait and see.” The director hesitated and made no more effort to justify his point. He mumbled inside. I’ve not seen a CEO that looks so pretty. It’s all about the charisma, not the looks. Someone who’s young and lovely will never be able to portray that well. This is literally testing my patience and skills. Ten minutes later, Iris opened the door to the CEO office. Grinning, she introduced loudly, “Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome our CEO, Ms. Moore.” The director scoffed without lifting his head.
With that face, she’s more suited to act as a beautiful secretary instead of a CEO… We’ll probably have to make a lot of post-production editing to get that desirable effect. He was still adamant and did not bother to pay any attention to Arielle when he heard the photographers surrounding him sang praises about her beauty. “You look amazing!” It’s already a known fact that Arielle is good-looking. However, we’re shooting a CEO. There must be something more than meets the eyes. However, the chattering grew louder. “How attractive! What an imposing look!”
“That’s right! This is my first time seeing how a girl with long hair could look so cool in a suit!” “Ms. Sannie is a born model, isn’t she? She is what she wears and she can basically be any character. If she enters the entertainment industry, she’ll definitely put all the actresses to shame.” “Oh my gosh, I’m tearing up! She’s exactly how I envision a CEO to look like. I hereby declare that Ms. Sannie is my husband, no one should compete with me.” Following the discussions, the director was utterly lost for words. The team is aware that Arielle is Vinson’s friend, the one whom he has shown extra favor upon.
There isn’t a need to exaggerate and butter Vinson up though he’s in our boss, is there? I want to see with my own eyes what Arielle looks like as a CEO. As the director slowly lifted his head and casually gazed at Arielle… Arielle’s hair was tied up neatly into a simple ponytail. Her eyes were cold yet sharp while her brows were slightly knitted together as if she was thinking about a big project. Arielle looked dapper in a black suit.
The dress pants accentuated her long legs, giving an illusion of her towering height. She looks just like a domineering CEO! The director gaped in disbelief! How… How is this possible? He could not believe his own eyes; rubbing them again and again to give himself a reality check. When he opened his eyes, he saw Arielle walking toward him. At that moment, he felt an overwhelming and intimidating presence engulfing him.
It’s not my imagination. Arielle does have a domineering presence, unlike most females. Her aura is comparable to Vinson who’s standing next to her. There’s no wonder Vinson was so certain that she could play the role well. When she gets serious, she can take up any role! Had I not seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn’t have believed that a sweet-looking girl that usually depicts a standard image of a secretary could act so well as a cool and domineering CEO!
The director’s hands trembled as he came into realization of what Arielle was capable of. I’ve underestimated her. I should grumble no more! Vinson gave her a once-over and curled his lips upward. Arielle… never disappoints me. He turned to seek the director’s opinion. “Do you believe me now that she can handle the role?”
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The director opened his mouth wanting to say something, but uttered only two words, “I’m impressed.” He was in awe! Faced with an ambassador like Arielle who could easily transform into any roles, he felt blessed to have found such a rare gem. Arielle had no clue what the two men had spoken about. She approached the director and asked, “I’ve gone through the script. We can start now.” Recollected himself, the director scrutinized Arielle and gave her an approving nod. “All right, let’s roll the camera!” He became so motivated and energetic as he strongly believed that the commercial would undoubtedly send the entire nation into a frenzy.
It might even gain unimaginable popularity globally too. As the director of the commercial, he felt extremely honored. Within an hour, all of the shoots were carried out successfully. While everyone was busy changing the set, Arielle treaded the office floors leisurely, pretending that she was touring around. In actual fact, she was examining every nook and cranny. Henrick was very thrifty. Ever since the day he took over Moore Group and developed it into Southall Group, the internal decorations still remained the same.
To Arielle, that was a good news. Without any renovation, no one would’ve discovered the secret compartment. She made a big round around the office and finally stopped in front of a safety deposit box. If I’m not mistaken, it’ll automatically open once the correct passcode is keyed in. When the safety deposit box has unlocked, key in the passcode one more time, and the switch controlling the access to the secret compartment will appear. She stared intensely at the safe. I’ll return when no one is around. She had a hunch that something inside the safe was what she needed.
While she was trying hard to recall the passcode, a voice questioned her abruptly, “What are you looking at?” Startled, she shook her head. “Nothing…” Vinson took a glance at the safety deposit box, knowing that Arielle did not tell him the truth. Anyhow, he did not query her. Who doesn’t have any secrets? He did not intent to pry into her privacy, likewise, he hoped no one would do the same to him too. Vinson retracted his gaze from the safe and said, “If you’re ready, let’s get to the next filming set, the lobby at the ground floor. All of the employees present today will be included as extras.
All of you will be required to hold a cup of Soir Coffee and walk around the lobby.” “Okay, noted.” Nodding, Arielle exited the office. When the filming is over, I’ll find an excuse to come up here again. At that time, there should be no one in the office and it’s the best time to access the secret compartment. The group then went to the lobby together. Around fifty to sixty of the employees who clocked in on that day had already gathered there.
When the director was giving instructions to the extras, a thunderous explosion was heard from upstairs. Bomb! The ground started shaking and everyone jumped out of their skin. “It’s rattling! Is it an earthquake?” “No, that’s not it. It seems like something has exploded upstairs!” “It’s an explosion! I can smell the smoke. Run for your life, everyone!” Someone initiated a panic-stricken response and triggered everyone else to dash toward the exit and flee from danger.
Unfortunately, Arielle was in the dressing room and did not know what happened outside. The make-up artist said calmly, “I think the director has arranged for some fireworks.” Right when he finished his sentenced, the makeshift door was kicked open. Thud!
A Beauty With Multiple Masks Chapter 140
Vinson barged in looking very serious. Shocked, Arielle stood up. “You…” “There’s an explosion, hurry up and get out of here!” He grabbed her hand and ran away as fast as he could. The people at the dressing room were stunned for a second and then scrambled out of the place at once. By the time Arielle got out of the dressing room with Vinson, there was chaos everywhere and flames were seen blazing from the stairwell.
“Gasoline! Someone spilled gasoline!” A staff screamed at the top of his lungs as he ran past the dressing room. While running toward to exit, Arielle asked Vinson, “What’s going on? Is this a prank?” Before he could answer, his phone rang. It was Carter. He answered the call. A nervous Carter spoke over the phone, “Vin! Where are you? That dude escaped, leaving a note behind which says stop wasting effort because it’s doomsday for us.” “Okay, make a police report now. There’s an explosion here at Southall Group.” “What? An explosion? Darn it! It must have been those who helped that dude escape.
They knew you’re there, and… Are you all right? We’re on our way.” “Don’t worry, I’m okay for now. I’ll hang up now.” Vinson continued running as he updated Arielle, “It’s not a prank, but an attack. Hurry up!” She did not ask further. Holding his hand tightly, she quickened her steps. When they were about ten meters away from the main entrance, they realized that the crowd stopped moving. “What’s happening? How do we get out?”
Vinson asked fiercely. Iris approached them, crying breathlessly, “The entrance… It’s locked. None of us can get out of here. The fire is spreading fast. Nobody knows if there will be more explosions. Mr. Nightshire, Ms. Sannie, are we going to die here?” Arielle released Vinson’s hand and held Iris’ hand to comfort her. “Rest assured that we won’t die here. If the entrance is locked, then break it open!” When there’s a will, there’s a way. I’m not going to die today, not here, not now. She asked Iris to stay on the spot while Vinson and her squeezed themselves through the crowd to get to the entrance.
There were a few security guards trying to pry the door open. A few desperate employees even lifted the stool and smashed it on the glass door. To their dismay, no matter how hard each person tried, the seemingly fragile glass doors showed no signs of damage. One of the security guards even tossed away the tool in his hand and lamented hopelessly, “It’s useless… After the terrorist attack in another country two years ago, the glass doors in our company have all been replaced with A-grade tempered glass which is harder than diamond.
Even a bomb can’t break it, let alone the chair.” Arielle walked toward the security guard and reprimanded him, “Don’t utter anything negative! How is this door shut tight? With a lock? If so, pick it.” Dejected, the guard shook his head. “It’s not so simple. This is a smart door. I’ve tried it a few times at the security room just now. The smart system has been destroyed and it can’t detect anything. There’s no way we can open it…”
Vinson interrupted, “Where’s the security room?” The guard revered Vinson and pointed at the floor above them without any further ado. “It’s the first room on the first floor…” Vinson nodded and informed Arielle, “Someone must have modified the program. Stay here, I’ll go and take a look.” “No, I’ll go with you!” “Don’t take the risk. Stay here!”