Her Stupendous Act Free Preview

It was raining cats and dogs on an uninhabited island.

On the shores of that island, was a thin figure holding a dagger, and she was working hard to whittle a piece of wood.

The rain had drenched her, but she didn't care at all.

That was Arielle Moore, the woman who had been separated from her family for a decade. It took her so much time and effort to learn that her father was Henrick Southall. Her initial plan was to go home and investigate the matter behind her mother's death and learn the truth about her being kidnapped and sold. However, to her surprise, the very people who claimed that they were there to take her home had tried to kill her.

She managed to retaliate, but the ship she was on broke apart in the process. Consequently, she ended up on that island.

It was the seventh day she was stranded on the island, and in all that time, she never saw a single vessel pass by. Hence, she had no choice but to build a simple raft on her own to leave the island.

Her raft was almost done when the rain suddenly poured. How unlucky of her...

Arielle stood up and was about to stretch a little when, from the corner of her eyes, she saw something dark hanging beside a boulder.

She got curious and cautiously walked toward that dark spot, which turned out to be a man.

He was pale and unearthly handsome, but he had a wound on his waist. His blood was mixed with the saltwater, giving his wound a strange afterglow.

Arielle checked the guy's breathing and confirmed that he was alive before she worked hard to drag him onto the island. She put him on her back and carried him all the way to the cave she had been sleeping in for the last few days.

“You're lucky you ran into me.”

Arielle picked some herbal medicine and was murmuring to herself as she reached out to take off the guy's shirt.

Hmm, this is an incised wound inflicted by a blade, and it is quite deep. I wonder if his organs are injured...

She was going to check his pulse when a huge palm suddenly gripped his wrist.

“Ahem... W-Who are you?” asked the guy in a weak voice after he coughed a little. He might be wounded, but his grip on her wrist was still strong.

Arielle shifted her gaze to the guy and calmly replied, “Who am I? I'm the person who rescued you. Let go of me now and let me treat your wound or I'll have to dig you a grave instead.”

The guy frowned without saying a word. Eventually, he shifted his gaze to the herbal medicine Arielle was holding.

“Why are you still sitting there and doing nothing? Take your shirt off. Do you need my help for that?” asked Arielle as she reached out once more.

“I can do it myself.”

The guy pushed her hand away in distaste and took off his shirt. However, his guard remained up as his dark brown eyes remained focused and alert.

It didn't take long for him to take his shirt off, and when Arielle saw his eight packs and his Apollo's belt extending all the way to the side of his pants... Okay, is it just me or is his figure a little too sexy?

She couldn't help swallowing her saliva before carefully placing the herbs on him while blushing hard.

“What is that?” asked the guy. His deep voice carried no warmth whatsoever.

“An herb that can stop the bleeding and inflammation.”

“Where are we?”

Arielle was shy in nature, but hearing those questions annoyed her and made her glare at him. “You may be strong enough to talk, but I highly recommend you lie down, get some rest, and shut up.”

She was frustrated because she wouldn't have been trapped for seven days if she actually knew where they were.

In an unpleasant tone, the guy challenged, “Is this the right tone for a doctor to speak to her patient?”

Amused, Arielle retaliated. “Oh, and is this the right f*cking tone for a survivor to speak to his savior?”

The guy frowned so much that he could catch a fly between his brows.

“Woman, you are uncouth.”

“And man, you are rude.”

The two of them glared at each other. One was stoic, while the other was aggressive, so tension rose quickly.

In the end, Arielle was the one who decided to stop arguing with an injured guy. She stood up and informed, “The rain is pouring now, and the temperature will drop drastically at night. I'll get a fire going. Rest here and don't move.”

She was about to leave when the guy called out to her from behind. “Hey.”

“What now?” asked Arielle as she turned around.

I need to work fast or we'll both freeze to death tonight.

His lips parted, but in the end, he simply said, “It's nothing.”

Arielle was speechless. She ignored him and went to start a fire.

They were in a damp place, so they had to use the ancient method of striking fire with a flint. Arielle spent over an hour on that task before the dried grass finally lit up.

Unfortunately, the strong wind outside the cave extinguished the fire almost immediately after.

“Hey,” called out the guy once more.

“What do you want now?”

Arielle turned around impatiently. When she did, she heard a soft click. Something metallic had fallen onto the ground, and she saw a branded lighter sitting right next to her foot.

Arielle was speechless for a long while before confusion and realization hit her.

She remained quiet for a few seconds before she lost her temper and cursed at him. “You a*shole.”

Why didn't he hand me the lighter sooner? Ugh, I wasted so much time and energy trying to get the fire going. He is really an a*shole.

The guy slowly closed his eyes and ignored her. His lips, however, curved into a small, virtually undetectable grin.

That night...

The two of them slept in different parts of the cave. Arielle woke up in the middle of the night when she heard a troubled moan.

She opened her eyes and saw that the pale guy had somehow become paler. He had curled up and was sweating profusely.

“Oy, a*shole, are you okay?”

Arielle walked to him and poked his muscular arm, but he did not respond.

That prompted her to check his temperature, which made her realize that he was burning up.

His wound must've been infected and that infection must've caused a fever to develop.

If they were anywhere else, she could simply get him some pills, and he'd be fine. But there's no way to get him the pills when we're stranded on this island.

In the end, Arielle had no choice but to resort to an alternative method to lower his temperature.

The bad news was that it worked too well. Even though he stopped burning up, he began trembling from the cold. He even mumbled about being cold, despite being only partially conscious.

Arielle had no choice but to drag him to the spot right beside the fire. Unfortunately, that didn't help.

“Ah, I hate this...” complained Arielle softly. She had no choice but to take off her clothes, lie down, and hug him tightly. Her body temperature should be able to heat the guy up.

Even the life of an a*shole is too precious to lose.

The old wives' tale claims that saving a human life would bring good luck. If the deities really exist, then I pray for them to help me return safely to the Southall family.

The very people who were there to pick me up turned out to be assassins. That proves there is something wrong within the Southall family, and I will not show them any mercy, even if it turns out that my own father is the culprit.

Arielle hugged the guy as she thought about her problems. Before she knew it, she was already asleep.

She heard footsteps right outside the cave when she woke up. She also heard someone conversing.

Is someone here?

Arielle's mind cleared up right away, and she realized that a man's coat was draped over her. However, the guy was nowhere to be seen.

Arielle stiffened. She quickly put her clothes back on and cautiously left the cave.

She had just reached the cave's entrance when she saw a group of bodyguards in black outfits standing in single file.

The stranger she rescued the day before turned his attention to her when he heard the noise she made.

That was the first time Arielle saw the guy's face clearly under the bright sun. His handsome facial features, his dark brown eyes, his incredible aura... Aside from being a little pale, he looks no different from an ordinary guy.

Huh, he's recovering well. I guess he is much stronger and more resilient than the average guy.

“You...”

Arielle's lips had just parted when the guy interrupted her and asked, “What do you want?”

“Huh?” asked Arielle. She hadn't realized what had happened just yet.

The guy had a stoic expression on his face when he clarified, “You saved my life, so I will grant you a wish. What do you want?”

Arielle was speechless. “My gosh, you are so rude. I saved your life, so will it kill you to thank me?”

As soon as she finished speaking, every bodyguard stationed there turned to her and stared in surprise. It was as though she had actually said something strange.

The guy, on the other hand, remained unmoved. He acted as though he had seen every strange thing in the world and pointed out, “You will regret it if you let this opportunity slip out of your grasp.”

Arielle was so angry that she was losing her mind, but the terrible circumstances at the time didn't allow her to lose her temper. She knew her raft might break apart before she reached the land.

She gritted her teeth, then replied, “My wish is to go home.”

The guy was surprised to hear that. “That's it?”

“What else would I want?”

The guy stared as though he was looking at an idiot. After that, he turned around and walked toward the helicopter.

At the same time, in the Southall residence.

Luxurious decorations were everywhere to celebrate someone's birthday.

Shandie, who was wearing a beautiful gown, was surrounded by her friends and was praised.

“Shandie, your gown is so beautiful. It's as though you have the entire galaxy stitched into your gown.”

“Is that the limited edition gown from this season? How did you manage to buy it? I can't even rent it! Your dad is so nice.”

“Happy birthday, Shannie. I heard you just signed the movie contract with Mr. Sleight. I bet you'll be the most popular actress this year. Oh, don't abandon us when you become famous, okay?”

Shandie couldn't help grinning proudly after hearing all that praise. The glow in her eyes shone with glee. “Thank you, girls. Ah, I better go check and see if the cake is here.”

Shandie made her way back into the mansion and dragged her mother, Cindy Moore, right out via another exit. After that, she softly asked, “Mom, have you heard anything from the assassins? It's my twentieth birthday, and I don't want others to know that there is a yokel from our family who has been kidnapped and sold.”

Cindy sweetly helped Shandie adjust the edge of her gown. “I haven't heard anything, but that is a good sign. Don't worry. There's no way she can make it home. Even if she comes back, she is still just an idiot who grew up in a distant village. What can someone like that really do, anyway?”

Shandie kind of agreed with her mother, and suddenly, she prayed that the idiot would actually return.

I'll look even more graceful if someone uncouth is here.

“Oh, no! Mrs. Southall,” reported the housekeeper while running toward them. “The Nightshires' helicopter just landed on our field.”

“The Nightshires?” asked Shandie. Her eyes shone. “Mom, did you and dad invite Vinson to my birthday party?”

Cindy was actually surprised to hear what the housekeeper said as well.

It was true that the Southalls owned one of the best companies in the country and was at the top of Jadeborough.

However, the Nightshires were globally recognized and they were in another league. Vinson was the heir of Nightshire Group, so the Southalls didn't have what it took to invite him to their daughter's birthday party.

Maybe the business deal the two companies are collaborating on got Vinson to drop by?

“Let's go check things out,” suggested Cindy. She was curious as well, but more than that, she was pleasantly surprised.

If the Southalls were to get acquainted with the Nightshires, the former would never need to worry about anything ever again.

By then, all the socialites of the city had already gathered near the field.

When Shandie showed up, the ladies surrounded her.

“Shannie, you actually managed to get a member of the Nightshires to show up? Wow, you're so incredible.”

“A member of the Nightshires is here to celebrate Shandie's birthday. That practically makes her the princess of Jadeborough.”

Shandie grinned calmly when she heard those words, but the glee in her heart had spread out.

Vinson must've fallen for me when we met at the party last month. Yes! I am about to be the honorable Mrs. Nightshire.

Just then, the door to the helicopter slowly opened.

A woman in a tattered outfit showed up and hopped out of the helicopter as everyone stared.

She had a thin waist, but her face was dirty with dirt all over. There was no way to see who she was, and her hair looked as though it hadn't been washed in a month. In short, she looked disheveled.

“How...?”

Everyone turned their attention to Shandie. Some of them had something against her, so they dissed, “Shannie, is this your VIP? A beggar?”

Shandie was instantly infuriated. She walked to the stranger and demanded, “Who the hell are you? Why are you here at my birthday party?”

“Birthday party?” repeated Arielle. She recognized the proud woman right away.

That's Shandie Southall, the girl my aunt, Cindy, adopted.

Arielle also knew the truth, though. The private detective she hired told her that Shandie was actually the illegitimate child her father, Henrick Southalls, had with Cindy.

His actual daughter is missing and could be dead, but he's here throwing a party for his illegitimate child... Oh my, how ridiculous!

“Who am I?” said Arielle. She looked right at the woman in front of her and answered, “The owner of this house...”

“You...”

Shandie was about to lose her temper when Arielle calmly added, “Is my father.”

The look on Shandie's face froze immediately. The guests, on the other hand, grinned as they sat back and watched the show.

Shandie finally came around. In a surprised tone, she asked, “Y-You're Arielle Moore?”

That country bumpkin?

Cindy reacted faster than most. She stepped forward and asked, “Arielle, is that really you? We've been waiting for you for so long. Oh, my poor child. You're finally home.”

Arielle grinned and asked, “Aunt Cindy, how has life been?”

She might have been grinning, but the insult in her tone was obvious.

My mom died under suspicious circumstances, and her sister married her husband. My gosh, a brother-in-law marrying his sister-in-law? How crazy can things get? It's so obvious that those two have something up their sleeves.

The guests whispered among themselves. “I heard that the previous Mrs. Southall is actually the current Mrs. Southall's sister.”

“That must be the legitimate daughter, Ms. Moore, who was kidnapped a decade ago.”

“Back then, the Southalls were known as the Moores. This place belonged to the Moores too, and Mr. Henrick Southall was just the guy who married into the family. They only changed the name after the former Mrs. Southall passed away.”

Cindy was embarrassed to hear those comments. She cleared her throat a little and said, “I'm just glad you're back. Come, let me take you inside, so you can clean up. What happened anyway? Why are you all dirty? I'm sure your life in the poor village must've been difficult.”

At a time like that, Cindy felt compelled to remind everyone that Arielle was from a poor village. It'd be too merciful if I didn't do that.

Arielle was about to refute when someone with a deep voice suddenly called out. “Hey.”

Everyone turned their attention to the owner of that voice and was flabbergasted when they saw the person hopping out of the helicopter.

That's Vinson Nightshire! The guy who can topple the entire world's economy is actually here!

“Mr. Nightshire? A-Are you here for my birthday party?” asked Shandie in a surprised tone as she stepped forward.

Happiness shone in her eyes, and a hint of shyness showed up on her cheeks.

At first, she thought that Vinson would simply send someone to congratulate her. She never imagined that he would show up in person.

Everyone stared at Shandie with envy burning in their eyes.

She might be adopted, but her life will be set if she marries him.

However...

“Who are you?”

Vinson frowned and stared curiously at the woman who talked to him.

“Pfft...” Some guests couldn't stop themselves from laughing aloud.

“What is this? I thought that Mr. Nightshire is here to wish Shandie a happy birthday. Turns out that he doesn't even know who she is.”

Shandie was stunned on the spot. Her face turned pale, then red with embarrassment.

Fortunately, Cindy reacted much faster. She stepped up and eased things for her daughter. “Mr. Nightshire, it's our honor that you visit us. Today is my daughter's birthday. That's why she mistook the situation and thought that you are here to wish her. I guess you're here to talk to my husband about the business project the two companies are collaborating on instead. He's inside, so please go in for a drink.”

The guests stopped staring with distaste glowing in their eyes.

Getting Vinson to show up to talk about business was a rather amazing feat as well.

Yet, Vinson once again responded with...

“Do I know you?”

Cindy's arm stiffened in the air.

Err... Mr. Nightshire... doesn't recognize me either?

Some spectators, who had been suppressing their laughter, lost control and snickered even louder.

Those two are really jokers.

Cindy felt so awkward that she wanted to die.

He doesn't recognize me either. Then, why is he here?

That was when Cindy suddenly recalled something important.

The person everyone, including herself, looked down on, Arielle, had just hopped out of Vinson's helicopter.

Arielle showed up too suddenly, and she was in such a terrible state that Cindy didn't put her and Vinson together until moments ago.

Does she know him?

That thought had just popped into her mind when she saw Vinson circling around her and walking toward Arielle.

In a deep voice, Vinson asked, “Are you sure this is your wish? It's not too late to change it.”

Arielle stared strangely. “What? Are you a genie or something? I told you. I simply need you to drop me off here.”

Everyone, including Cindy and Shandie, stared at Arielle and Vinson in disbelief.

What is going on here? Does that beggar know Vinson Nightshire?

Vinson had his dark brown eyes on Arielle. He was about to say something when Henrick's excited voice came. “Mr. Nightshire, why didn't you call me and tell me you're dropping by? I would've come to welcome you sooner.”

As soon as he finished speaking, he realized that everyone was looking at him as though he were an idiot.

What is going on?

Henrick finally realized that something was wrong, so he scanned his surroundings suspiciously.

When he saw Arielle there, he frowned right away.

“Shandie, why did you invite a beggar to your birthday party? Chase her out of here. Don't scare Mr. Nightshire.”

Shandie pretended to be troubled, but she was secretly happy to hear that. She said, “Dad, this is...”

“Dad, don't you recognize me? I'm Sannie!” said Arielle who interrupted Shandie right away.

Arielle's nickname was Sannie.

“San...” said Henrick. His frown parted, and after a few seconds of shock, he asked, “You're... Arielle?”

“Yeah, dad,” replied Arielle as she stepped forward.

It had been a decade, so she no longer remembered anything, but his face still looked familiar to her.

However, when Henrick heard what Arielle said, he instinctively took a step back.

There was fear on his face.

Arielle was observant, so she noticed it. She didn't show any displeasure or act as though she was suspicious of him, though. She simply said, “It's been so many years, Dad. I miss you so much.”

Henrick's expression was rigid but he forced himself to tap on Arielle's shoulder and said, “I'm glad you're home. Everything is okay now. Still... What is with your get-up? And Mr. Nightshire, you too. You look... erm... not so clean.”

That was when everyone realized that they had been too focused on Vinson's power and aura. It got to the point where they never even noticed the terrible state of his clothes. It looked as though he had been drenched earlier.

Shandie's eyes glowed with suspicion when she observed the way Arielle and Vinson interacted with each other.

Are they an item?

Shandie dismissed that idea soon after, though. Vinson is a powerful man, so there's no way he'd be into an ugly and stinky woman like Arielle.

Cindy noted that things were getting a little awkward, so she quickly said, “Mr. Nightshire is the one who brought Arielle back to us.”

“Really?” asked Henrick. After hearing that, the distaste in his eyes lessened when he looked at Arielle.

Arielle was just a kid when it happened, and rumor has it that she has amnesia. There's no way she could remember what happened. Still, if she can help us get acquainted with the Nightshires...

Henrick smiled at Vinson right away and asked, “Ah, so you know my daughter? Thank you so much for taking her home, Mr. Nightshire. If it's okay with you, I'd be happy to offer our place for you to clean yourself up. Also, would you like to have a meal before leaving?”

Vinson was going to turn that offer down, but he was a germaphobe and had been wearing his dirty clothes for a while. The discomfort was biting into his nerves.

Henrick noted that Vinson never verbally turned him down, so he immediately gestured for Vinson to get in. After that, he turned to Cindy and said, “Help Arielle clean up.”

Cindy and Henrick had been married for about ten years, so she immediately received his implicit message.

He wants to marry Arielle off to the Nightshires. No! That privilege should go to my daughter, not Arielle. I lived under Maureen's shadow when she was alive, and I will not let my daughter live under her daughter's shadow.

Cindy pretended to agree to help out, but she secretly took Shandie to the side and spoke in a meaningful tone. “Help Arielle clean up. From now on, she is your sister, and the two of you should love each other dearly.”

Shandie immediately understood what her mother was saying. She turned around and smiled at Arielle. “Come on, Arielle. I'll help you clean up.”

Arielle didn't think that the two of them actually wanted her in their lives, but she acted as though she were oblivious to their malicious intents. She smiled innocently and said, “Okay, Shandie.”

Then, the two of them entered the mansion soon after.

All the guests in the garden began gossiping among themselves. They wondered what Vinson was there for.

Regardless of the situation, his arrival meant that they would have to be even nicer to the Southalls in the future.

In the guest's bedroom on the second floor.

Arielle relaxed when warm water hit her.

She was stranded on the island for a week and could feel herself rotting away.

As warm water rained down on her face, the soot and mud slowly fell to the floor and revealed her beautiful skin.

It didn't take long before someone knocked on the door and said, “Arielle, I placed the gown and heels right outside the door. Put them on after you are done.”

“Okay.”

Shandie turned around and left after that. Her eyes glowed with a hint of malice.

That was a luxurious branded gown and was even more expensive than the one Shandie had on. She actually spent a lot of effort getting it.

Unfortunately, she couldn't fit in it after she bought it.

The design of the gown was close to perfect, so only those with the perfect figure could wear it.

The cutting made it so that only supermodels with huge breasts could fit in and look good. Ordinary women would just look fat in it.

Shandie's shoulders were a little too broad, so she couldn't fit into that gown. That was why she had to choose another gown.

Everyone will surely laugh their heads off after they saw that ugly woman in the beautiful gown. A woman from the village will always look stupid, even if she were to wear the most expensive gown. Plus, those heels are ridiculously tall. Arielle is from the village, so I'm sure she has never worn heels before. Who knows? Maybe she'll trip and fall when she walks down the stairs.

Shandie truly looked forward to seeing Arielle showing up in front of everyone in that gown and embarrassing herself.

She wanted everyone to know that her so-called sister was not worthy of being a socialite at all.

Vinson and Arielle will be even less likely to get together after this.

Inside the washroom.

Before Arielle even began showering, she searched the guest's bedroom and found a simple sewing kit.

She had already guessed that Shandie wouldn't be that nice and get a gown that would actually fit her. That was why she planned on altering it on her own.

To her surprise, she saw that she fit stunningly well into that gown when she looked into the mirror.Arielle was naturally tall and had thin shoulders.

On top of that, she had been stranded on an island for a week, so she became even thinner. Her regal aura merged perfectly with that gown after she put it on, and it was as though the gown was made for her.

Is Shandie actually that kind?

Arielle was certain that her instinct was right, so she examined the gown once more.

Five minutes later, she confirmed that there was nothing wrong with the gown. She also noticed that only tall, thin women with large breasts could possibly fit into that gown. She would not have fit into the gown if she were an ounce heavier.

The only upside was that the person who could fit into that gown would look even more beautiful and attract all the attention.

Arielle grinned calmly. Ah, so that is what Shandie was planning. Looks like I am about to disappoint her.

My bad...

On the floor below.

Shandie preponed the event for the night and turned on the lights in the hall to show off the luxurious decorations there.

Every guest had a glass of champagne with them and was staring at Shandie as she delivered her speech.

Vinson had already cleaned up and was waiting.

He was not interested in a spoiled, rich brat's birthday party, but... That woman saved my life after all, so it's only right that I leave after I bid goodbye to her... even if she is uncouth and not feminine at all.

Shandie walked up the stage with a microphone.

She noticed that Vinson stayed on even after he was done cleaning up, and she assumed that he was truly interested in her.

He is a powerful man, so maybe he feels bad about admitting that he is interested in me. That would explain why he pretended to not recognize me. He is working so hard for us to get together, and I can't possibly let him do everything.

Those thoughts were why Shandie started her speech by greeting Vinson.

“Hello, Mr. Nightshire. Welcome to my party. I-I am so happy to see you on my birthday,” said Shandie as she stared lovingly at him.

Vinson found that to be odd.

Who is this woman? Why does she talk as if she knows me? Ugh, that is so disgusting... Well, why hasn't that uncouth woman showed up?

On the other side, Shandie kept circling the topic back to Vinson and acted as though she was worried that the guests would miss the fact that he came for her birthday party.

That was when a housekeeper showed up and secretly reported, “Ms. Moore is walking down the stairs now.”

“Good. Turn on the lights by the stairs.”

Shandie wanted everyone to see just how ugly Arielle was and embarrass the latter.

“Understood,” replied the housekeeper before doing as told.

The lights on the stairs were suddenly turned on, and anyone who was standing there would be the center of attention.

Shandie was eager to embarrass Arielle, so she timed it perfectly. She held the microphone and announced, “The truth is that today truly is an amazing day. It's not just my birthday. It's also the day my half-sister came home. Ten years ago, kidnappers took her away, and she had been missing for so long. She had to grow up in a poor village, but she is home today, and I am so happy.”

As soon as she finished speaking, she heard a series of footsteps from the stairs.

Click! Click! Click!

It was the sound of the high heels clicking against the floor.

Shandie worked hard to suppress her smile and waved her hand to gesture toward the stairs.

“Now, please clap and welcome Arielle.”

Everyone clapped unenthusiastically because they were not interested in some random beggar from a village.

Arielle heard everything Shandie said while she was on the second floor.

She raised her brows and a hint of amusement flashed past her eyes.

She's that eager to see me, huh? Then, I'd better grant her that wish...

Arielle lowered her gaze and schooled her expression into a calm mask. Then, she raised her dress and took a steady step down the stairs.

The crowd first saw an elegant foot clad in Jimmy Choo's heels.

The open-toe heel revealed her dainty toes and slender ankles. Under the soft illumination of the lights, her skin seemed exceptionally radiant.

A mere glance of her foot had the crowd's imagination running wild.

Even Shandie was dumbstruck. She instinctively observed the guests' reactions and noticed that some of the men were seconds away from drooling.

She looked at Vinson next, and his gaze was affixed to the striking foot as well.

Fear briefly gripped Shandie's heart, though she quickly reverted to her earlier anticipation of Arielle's downfall.

It's just a foot. Wait till Arielle makes her way down the steps. You'll all be appalled! Come on! Get on with it, Arielle! I hope that country bumpkin has a spectacular fall from those sky-high heels. It'll be even better if she rolls down the stairs!

To her surprise, Arielle walked quickly and stably with nary the slightest sign of stumbling.

Shandie had no idea that Arielle had once walked an international runway in a mask for a supermodel friend. Arielle was no stranger to heels fifteen centimeters tall. The Jimmy Choos she wore now merely featured ten-centimeter-tall heels, which were a piece of cake to Arielle.

By now, Shandie could see Arielle's waist, which was extremely slender.

Long, slim arms settled on each side of Arielle's striking figure.

Shandie was bewildered. When has Arielle been this thin? Well, there's no use in being thin. With that ugly face of hers, men could only fall for her in the dark.

Alas, as Arielle's defined collarbones and slim neck came into view, Shandie's nails began digging more painfully into her clenched fists.

Finally, Arielle's face was revealed to the crowd.

It was as small as a man's hand and adorned with flawless features. Her beauty was absolutely breathtaking.

Arielle's eyes, in particular, sparkled like a pair of priceless gems.

Oh my, she looks absolutely breathtaking!

The exclamation involuntarily surfaced in Shandie's mind.

Still, even those words could not capture the extent of Arielle's beauty.

This... is Arielle? How does she have such a beautiful face?

Shandie's expression twisted with indignant fury.

Why did I give Arielle such an expensive gown? It perfectly complements her beauty!

Shock, frustration, and jealousy churned in Shandie's chest. She thought she would explode any second.

Meanwhile, her face had turned crimson with fury. Shandie turned toward the audience to gauge their reaction.

Everyone stared at Arielle as though they had been bewitched. Their gazes followed Arielle like a hawk.

Even the typically stoic Vinson seemed affected. Shandie could not decipher the expression on his face.

Is he dumbstruck? Even him?

Cindy was equally stunned. While she was always aware of her late elder sister's incomparable beauty, Cindy had never expected Maureen's country bumpkin of a daughter to grow up into a knockout even more beautiful than her mother.

At this rate, Arielle's going to overshadow my daughter with her face alone! This won't do! I can't let her rob everything that belongs to my daughter and me!

Meanwhile, the first thing Arielle saw after descending the steps was her stepsister's expression.

Shandie's fury and jealousy were palpable. If not for the crowd, she most definitely would have lunged at Arielle.

Arielle pretended not to understand Shandie's expression and approached her stepsister with a bright smile. “Happy birthday, Shandie. What's wrong? You don't look too good. Are you feeling unwell?”

Her voice was as lovely and soothing as a spring breeze. Sadly, it sounded just like the noise of a chainsaw to Shandie.

Shandie mustered every bit of self-control to maintain a normal expression on her face. “No, I'm quite well.”

“That's great. Oh right, this gown you've lent me is gorgeous. It's very fitting.”

Arielle purposely stressed the word “fitting.”

The word struck Shandie right where it hurt most. Shandie was immediately incensed.

Arielle said that on purpose!

“You...” Shandie had barely muttered a word when she blacked out, fainting from sheer anger.

“Ah! Shandie!”

Shandie's fainting was out of Arielle's expectations as well. She instinctively stepped forward to help her, though she deliberately slowed her steps.

Consequently, Shandie fell to the ground with a heavy thud.

“Shannie!” Cindy immediately rushed onto the stage.

Despite her concern, she did not forget about Arielle. Cindy gauged Arielle's position on the stage and deliberately knocked the young woman with her shoulder.

Arielle happened to stand on the edge of the stage in ten-centimeter-tall heels.

She lost her balance after Cindy's shove and fell off the stage.

She quickly placed both hands around her head to minimize her injuries during the fall.

To Arielle's surprise, the pain she had expected never came at all. Instead, a strong hand held her back...