Chapter 256
Arielle showed no signs of authentic emotion on her face in response. Instead, she shrugged
innocently and uttered, “Dad. Shandie. You’re both mistaken. I called out to him not because I wanted
to stop him from visiting the doctor but because of the black gown incident. I suspect that Alfred is
involved in this matter as well.”
Upon hearing her words, Shandie felt a little embarrassed. Darn it! Arielle has
taken advantage of a loophole once again!
Henrick softened his expression slightly after listening to those words and said to Shandie, “You
shouldn’t doubt Arielle at the drop of a hat every time.”
He then shifted his gaze toward Alfred, his expression instantly chilling. “Are Sannie’s words true?”
Feeling a chill running down his spine, Alfred explained hurriedly, “H-I know nothing about that, Mr.
Southall!”
Arielle smirked when she heard those words and responded, “Frankly speaking, Alfred was the person
who brought me this gown, Dad. Because the size was too big for me, I gave it to Shandie since she
was going to Yvette’s birthday party. As I’m from the countryside, how could I have known that black
was a taboo color for Mr. Actonward? It’s also understandable for Shandie since she has only returned
from the monastery and had no idea about Mr. Actonward’s return to the country. However, Alfred has
already worked here for so many years. How is it possible for him not to know this kind of stuff?”
Those words from Arielle caused Henrick’s countenance to darken even more as he glared at Alfred
intimidatingly.
Alfred could not help but tremble in fear at that glare as he noticed the murderous intent in Henrick’s
eyes.
Since he had worked for the Southalls for many years, Henrick had always trusted Alfred. Sure
enough, Henrick had never glared at him in such a manner before.
“H did nothing but receive the gown on Ms. Arielle’s behalf. I didn’t have a clue what color it was back
then…” Alfred tried to defend himself in panic.
“Nonsense! Don’t believe in his words, Dad. I suspect that Yvette bribed him from the
very start. When I opened up the parcel of the gown, he urged me to wear it to the Actonward
residence no matter what. I didn’t give it too much thought back then, but I feel like something is very
fishy the more I think about it now. You have to investigate this matter thoroughly. Having a spy from
another family sneaking into our family is not a desirable thing. You know that.” Arielle spoke to Henrick
with a cold tone.
In response, Alfred shook his head vehemently. “I-It was only a coincidence! I didn’t even have a clear
look at it! You can’t declare me guilty because of Ms. Arielle’s speculations, Mr. Southall! I’ve served
you for so long! You should know my character!”
To Alfred’s dismay, his defense of himself failed to dissipate the iciness from Henrick’s expression.
Henrick had always been a skeptical person and would never tolerate any wrongdoings.
Besides, he had nothing to be wary of since Alfred was only a subordinate.
He then commanded his bodyguard to pin Alfred down and requested his assistant to Investigate
Alfred’s bank account.
The pale-faced Alfred’s pupils constricted in shock as he protested, “Y-You can’t look into my bank
account just like that, Mr. Southall! You’re invading my privacy!”
When he heard that remonstration, Henrick narrowed his eyes. “The investigation hasn’t even started
yet. Is that a demonstration of fear out of guilt? Do you still have the nerve to say you have nothing to
do with this matter? How can you work with outsiders to frame my daughter when I’ve treated you
decently all these years?”
Those words rendered Alfred utterly speechless.
Not long after, Henrick received a return call from his assistant and turned on the phone’s speaker. “I’ve
looked into his bank account, Mr. Southall. There are quite a few large transactions from a card he
rarely uses. The most recent remittance was yesterday. The amount is, um, two hundred thousand.”
For a butler who had a salary of around ten
thousand a month, two hundred thousand was a lot of money.
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