Arielle showed no signs of authentic emotion on her face in response. Instead, she shrugged
innocently and uttered, âDad. Shandie. Youâre 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.â
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, âYou
shouldnât doubt Arielle at the drop of a hat every time.â
He then shifted his gaze toward Alfred, his expression instantly chilling. âAre Sannieâs words true?â
Feeling a chill running down his spine, Alfred explained hurriedly, âH-I know nothing about that, Mr.
Southall!â
Arielle smirked when she heard those words and responded, âFrankly 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 Yvetteâs birthday party. As Iâm from the countryside, how could I have known that black
was a taboo color for Mr. Actonward? Itâs also understandable for Shandie since she has only returned
from the monastery and had no idea about Mr. Actonwardâs 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?â
Those words from Arielle caused Henrickâs 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 Henrickâs
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.
âH did nothing but receive the gown on Ms. Arielleâs behalf. I didnât have a clue what color it was back
thenâ¦â Alfred tried to defend himself in panic.
âNonsense! Donât 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 didnât 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.â Arielle spoke to Henrick
with a cold tone.
In response, Alfred shook his head vehemently. âI-It was only a coincidence! I didnât even have a clear
look at it! You canât declare me guilty because of Ms. Arielleâs speculations, Mr. Southall! Iâve served
you for so long! You should know my character!â
To Alfredâs dismay, his defense of himself failed to dissipate the iciness from Henrickâs 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
Alfredâs bank account.
The pale-faced Alfredâs pupils constricted in shock as he protested, âY-You canât look into my bank
account just like that, Mr. Southall! Youâre invading my privacy!â
When he heard that remonstration, Henrick narrowed his eyes. âThe investigation hasnât 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 Iâve treated you
decently all these years?â
Those words rendered Alfred utterly speechless.
Not long after, Henrick received a return call from his assistant and turned on the phoneâs speaker. âIâve
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.â
For a butler who had a salary of around ten
thousand a month, two hundred thousand was a lot of money.