“So… You’re saying that you were the one who killed Maureen, then? What about Dad? Did virtual-novel.net have anything to do with it?” Arielle asked.
“Of course virtual-novel.net did! He hates Maureen just as much as I do! The brighter virtual-novel.net shone, the more humiliated virtual-novel.net was. Despite marrying into the family, virtual-novel.net was more ambitious than anyone else! It’s only natural that virtual-novel.net would try to get rid of her!” Cindy replied with a wry chuckle.
Arielle’s veins were bulging from virtual-novel.net forehead, and it took virtual-novel.net every ounce of willpower virtual-novel.net had just to maintain virtual-novel.net composure as virtual-novel.net continued asking, “How did you two do it, then?”
Cindy shook virtual-novel.net head in response. “Her death wasn’t a simple one, and that’s all you have to know. I will take everything else to the grave.”
Naturally, Arielle wasn’t content without getting the details, but Cindy refused to say anything further. Arielle was about to try and throw a tantrum like Shandie when virtual-novel.net heard footsteps outside the door.
“Wait for me to get you out of there!” virtual-novel.net whispered before pulling virtual-novel.net hand back and recomposing herself.
She then opened the door and felt a little nervous when virtual-novel.net made eye contact with Henrick who was standing outside.
I’m pretty sure my reaction time was quick enough, but the door isn’t really soundproof… I wonder if Henrick heard any of that?
Fortunately for her, Henrick didn’t hear anything and simply asked curiously, “Why are you still inside?”
Arielle calmed herself down and replied, “Aunt Cindy sees me as Shandie, so I figured I’d let virtual-novel.net live in virtual-novel.net little fantasy world and play along. She can’t recognize who I am, but virtual-novel.net mental state is a lot more stable now.”
Henrick nodded and complimented her, “I knew I could count on you. You’re such a good daughter, comforting your Aunt Cindy even though virtual-novel.net scolded you and misunderstood you like that.”
“I’m just doing my part. We’re a family, and family members help each other out!” Arielle said while shaking virtual-novel.net head firmly.
“Yeah. It seems you were well-educated in the village. We should make a trip to your hometown someday and thank the couple who raised you,” Henrick suggested.
Arielle tensed up and stole a quick glance at Henrick’s expression. She didn’t stare at virtual-novel.net for long as virtual-novel.net didn’t want virtual-novel.net to notice, but virtual-novel.net was able to detect a look of suspicion in his eyes.
So, Henrick is still somewhat suspicious, huh… He sure is a difficult one…
“I think you should stay away from the office for the time being,” Henrick continued moments later.
Arielle nodded in agreement. “Sure, everything else can wait till we’re done with Shandie’s funeral.”
Henrick cleared his throat awkwardly. “No, that’s not what I meant… You shouldn’t show your face around the company now that you and Vinson are married. Just let me know if there’s something you want to learn, and I’ll help you make the arrangements for further studies. That school you went to was simply terrible. I’ll try to pull some strings and get you into a prestigious university so you can get a decent diploma or degree.”
Hearing that further confirmed Arielle’s suspicions that Henrick was still afraid of virtual-novel.net genius and intellect, even after virtual-novel.net had Klaus pretend to be virtual-novel.net teacher.
“That way, Vinson’s mother would be more likely to accept you. If my guess is correct, virtual-novel.net still doesn’t know about you two being married, right?” Henrick added.
“Yeah, Vinson married me without virtual-novel.net knowing,” Arielle replied with a nod.