Chapter 189 Incorrigible
Cindy had dropped off the invitation earlier, and the butler had reminded Arielle several times about the party after that. It was utterly coincidental that Yvette’s birthday party fell on the following day.
Arielle was sure that it was a trap laid for her.
She had resolved to not only avoid it but to retaliate instead.
If Arielle missed this opportunity, she did not know when the next one would arise or if she would even be able to come by one. This was her best shot to clear the obstacles in her way.
Arielle thought about it and immediately dialed Vinson’s number on her phone.
Vinson answered almost immediately. “What’s up?”
Arielle replied frankly, “I have a birthday party to attend tomorrow, so I don’t think I can join you at the banquet. I’m sorry.”
Vinson contemplated this for a moment, then asked, “What time is the birthday party?”
Arielle glanced down at the invitation in her hand. “Seven.”
Unfazed, Vinson replied, “That’s perfect. The banquet I want to bring you along for is at four in the afternoon. I can accompany you to the birthday party after that.”
“Wouldn’t that be too much of a rush? Why don’t you find another girl to go with you?” Arielle stammered.
Vinson replied persuasively, “I’ve already gotten someone to tailor the gown to your measurements. It’ll be too late to ask someone else. Why don’t you come with me, and then I’ll keep you company at the birthday party after that?”
Vinson was afraid that Arielle would refuse, so he hastily added, “You did promise me, after all. Take it as repayment for what I did to get the diary for you.”
At the thought of how Vinson had risked his life for the diary, Arielle felt it was impossible to reject Vinson. Clenching her jaw, Arielle agreed reluctantly, “All right.”
“I’ll send a car over to pick you up at three in the afternoon tomorrow then,” Vinson said cheerfully.
“OK,” Arielle replied. She suddenly remembered her conversation with Susanne a few hours ago, and began, “Tonight…”
Arielle abruptly trailed off, deciding that it was of no further use to recount the conversation to Vinson. They had clarified matters between them, after all.
At the other end of the line, Vinson sensed Arielle’s hesitation. “What happened tonight?” he asked.
Arielle shook her head instinctively, then realized that Vinson could not see her. “It’s nothing. I’m a little tired tonight, so I’ll hang up first. Try to get an early night as well.”
“Sure, goodnight,” Vinson said tenderly. There was more like a note of affection in his voice.
Arielle found herself panicking slightly but steadied herself and grunted a reply. She then hung up immediately.
Arielle sat down on a chair, feeling upset. The image of Susanne leading that girl into the private room to have a cup of coffee together stirred up a vague feeling of discontent in Arielle.
“Forget it!” Arielle told herself firmly, forcing her mind not to dwell on the meeting that had happened that night. After washing up, she lay in her bed, anticipating the trap that Cindy must have designed for her.
Since Arielle believed that the trap lying ahead of her was at Yvette’s birthday party, Cindy and Yvette must naturally be conspiring with each other.
Yvette…She didn’t even hesitate to command her dog to bite me! It looks like she’s still looking to draw blood.
Arielle shut her eyes. As she let her thoughts wander, a clever plan suddenly struck Arielle like a bolt out of the blue.
Pleased with the ingenuity of the plan, Arielle fell asleep to the lullaby of the gentle breeze blowing in from the window.
The next day when she awoke, Arielle bumped into Henrick first thing in the morning.
Henrick had risen early in preparation to head to the office. Poring over the accounts last night had left Henrick satisfied with the returns, and he strode down the stairs with a beam on his face.
At the sight of Arielle, Henrick smiled fondly, then asked, “You’re up early. Why not sleep in a little longer?”
Arielle flashed him a bright smile. “I had an early night, and I’m well-rested. Dad, there’s something I’d like to discuss with you.”
Jovially, Henrick replied, “What is it? I’ll do whatever I can help you with!”
