A Beauty With Multiple Masks

If I can’t even do that for her, what’s the point in coming back?” To Arielle’s surprise, the expression that flitted across Susanne’s face was one of approval. However, it quickly faded and was replaced with a look of helplessness. “I’m sorry, but I can’t help. I couldn’t uncover anything ten years ago, and it’s definitely more difficult now. If there was any proof then, it would most probably have been destroyed by now.” Arielle had not expected to get anything out of Susanne. It was sufficient that her suspicions regarding Maureen’s suicide were confirmed.

“The second question,” Arielle prompted, taking out two pieces of paper from her pocket. She held them out towards Susanne. Susanne took them with considerably less impatience than before and peered at them closely. When she finally read the last line, Susanne froze. She then raised her head and looked at Arielle in bewilderment. The shock on Susanne’s face was even more obvious than it had been compared to the revelation of Arielle’s identity. In a quivering voice, Susanne stammered, “You…You’re not Henrick’s daughter?” “That’s right,” Arielle said soberly, lifting her head to meet Susanne’s gaze levelly.

mother’s diary but could get no answers out of it. I know that you were her good friend. You must know something!” The blood had drained from Susanne’s face entirely. She looked at Arielle with a gaze of mute horror. Susanne nodded instinctively, then shook her head violently when she recollected herself. “I don’t know. I don’t know anything. Your mom kept most

more than you’re choosing to say. What do you know? Why are you so afraid?” Susanne’s eyes darted nervously from side to side. She then hastily leaned forward and whispered, “Shh! Stop talking! If you want to stay alive, don’t ever mention that ever again!” Susanne picked up the two pieces of paper that contained proof of Arielle’s kinship and ripped them into a million tiny pieces. Arielle was too taken

at Susanne, “Ms. Stone! What on earth are you doing?” Susanne grabbed Arielle’s slender arm tightly. With a grave look on her face, she said emphatically, “I’m doing this for your own good. Listen to me! Stop pursuing this matter any further!” Arielle looked cynical. Seeing that she was about