A Beauty With Multiple Masks

Chapter 21

The girl on stage had defined, exquisite features and flawless looks on that most perfectly oval-shaped face to go with her almost nine-head tall frame. Her package practically reduced Shandie beside her to a figurative ugly-duckling.

Never mind the ugly-duckling, even ordinary swans would be put to shame before the real swan- princess.

Most significantly was the fact that she wore no make-up. There was no telling how breathtaking she would be if she had put some color on, as a girl like her could overshadow even the female stars in the beauty-laden entertainment industry.

No one dislikes beautiful women. Not even the girls present at the ceremony whose eyes glistened in awe.

By just standing there, Arielle was that brightest light who condemned Shandie to a mere wallflower, drawing away all the attention that ought to have belonged to the latter without exception.

Vinson’s eyes, too, were riveted as well, as if everyone else had become non-existent to him.

The manner in which Shandie’s eyes reddened in jealousy did not elude Arielle. The former’s rage and anguish were exactly what she wanted, but she quickly averted her gaze and walked right up to Vinson. “Why did you…”.

Then, Vinson interjected, “I haven’t decided whether to marry you, so consider this a little forwarding of interest.”

Arielle was stumped, as she wondered whether it was solely for the payment of interest that he decided to hand such a critical endorsement role to her.

She had no idea what was going on inside Vinson’s head, but she felt that that role would be worth taking up just to see Cindy and Shandie throw a fit.

Vinson took up the microphone. “As you may understand, Soir Coffee has always picked the winner of the coffee competition to be our spokesperson, but I’ve decided that this year, we’ll only choose the one whose image best represents our brand. That, I feel, belongs to Ms. Moore. So, why don’t you come forward and say a few words to all our friends out there?”

Arielle took over from Vinson and was about to speak when someone rushed out and snatched the microphone from her.

“I won’t stand for this!”

When Arielle reflexively turned around, her gaze collided head-along into Shandie’s, whose reaction came as no surprise to her.

Arielle’s brows perked up, questioningly. “What are you doing, Shandie?”

Shandie ignored her and addressed the crowd directly instead. “The brand ambassador of the coffee shop has always been selected from amongst those who have proved themselves to be the most proficient at latte art. How could someone with no knowledge of it was chosen this year? This is just unacceptable!”

Cindy was the first to take to her feet.

“That’s right, Mr. Nightshire! Your decision is too arbitrary and unprecedented, and we should have been informed even if you wish to make an exception to this. How can you have a country girl who isn’t even a coffee drinker become your brand ambassador?”

Cindy’s words had the entire hall uproarious.

“A girl from the countryside? This chosen ambassador can’t carry the image of an international chain like Soir Coffee!” Nôvel(D)rama.Org's content.

“Disregarding the fact that she’s from the country, but not even a coffee drinker? That’s a little too much.”

Emboldened by the supportive crowd, Shandie spoke into the microphone again, “Don’t tell us that you’ve seduced your way into this role, Arielle?”

Arielle’s dagger-like icy stare gave Shandie quite a fright, while Vinson’s even colder glare unnerved the latter so much that she dared not even look at him twice.

She took a deep drawl and a moment to collect herself before she continued, “Otherwise, kindly explain to us how someone who doesn’t even drink coffee managed to snag this endorsement role.”

“Who told you that I don’t drink coffee?” Arielle retorted calmly.

That drew a sneer from Shandie. “Then, do you dare accept my challenge? If you could beat me at latte art, then I’d willingly give up the role of brand ambassador to you!”