Chapter 16 Pinned Against The Wall

• Waves of jealousy were overflowing Shandie's gaze as she abruptly turned to look at Arielle.
• Likewise, Cindy appeared rather displeased as she clenched her fists tightly.
• Recovering from the shock, Henrick placidly said to the man beside Arielle, “Excuse me, I'm Sannie's dad. We're a family, so is it possible for us to tag along too?”
• The man answered with an expressionless look, “I'm sorry. Mr. Nightshire has only invited Ms. Moore. Besides, you three have upgraded your seats, leaving Ms. Moore alone in the economy cabin. Do you think that's what a family would do?”
• Henrick's face turned ashen as regret overwhelmed him.
• If I applied for an upgrade for Arielle just now, wouldn't that mean I'll get the chance to get on board Vinson's private jet?
• Without waiting for Henrick to respond, the man turned to Arielle and courteously said, “Ms. Moore, this way, please.”
• She nodded, and after telling Henrick that she would meet him again after touching down, she followed behind the man without looking back.
• Upon getting onto the extravagant private jet, Arielle immediately spotted Vinson, who had his head lowered, busy looking through a contract.
• The man beside her reminded, “Mr. Nightshire, Ms. Moore is here.”
• Vinson merely grunted a reply without lifting his gaze.
• Of course, Arielle could not help feeling a tad uneasy.
• Luckily, the man behind quickly helped to ease the atmosphere. “Mr. Nightshire is busy right now. You can head over the other side for a seat.”
• “All right.” Arielle nodded and passed by Vinson into a cabin inside.
• Surprise surged within Arielle as soon as she stepped in. “Rain?”
• A man with blond hair and blue eyes raised his head and exclaimed in amazement, “San? I can't believe I'll get to meet you here. You've returned?”
• “Yeah, I have just returned not long ago.”
• Rain pointed to the empty spot next to him. “Come sit here.”
• After settling down, he excitedly checked in on how Arielle had been doing before putting forth an invitation. “I'm going to Norham to attend the academy's award ceremony. Since you're the founder, I wonder if you're okay with attending the ceremony if you're free?”
• Rain was not only the dean of Crown Coffee Academy but also the world's top barista.
• Arielle had come together with him to plan about setting up the academy back then.
• Their original intention was to establish a place for all coffee lovers to learn and enhance their skills.
• Little did they expect it would gradually turn into a spot where socialites visit to put in an appearance and better promote themselves. Hence, Rain eventually only set ten slots for the advanced barista certificate so that only those with talent and capability would get it.
• Learning that he was heading over to issue the certificate to Shandie, Arielle lifted her lips instinctively. “What a coincidence. I'm heading there too...”
• Rain was delighted. “That's great! If the students know they have the chance to meet the founder, I'm sure they'll be over the moon!”
• “No.” Arielle shook her head. “I was thinking of asking you to keep it a secret for me.”
• Rain was baffled. “Why?”
• “I have my reasons.”
• “All right, then. I'm happy enough that you're coming.”
• Arielle only smiled faintly and did not say anything more.
• ...
• About two hours later, the plane arrived at the airport in Norham.
• When Arielle got off the plane, Vinson was no longer around.
• After bidding goodbye to Rain, she went to look for Henrick and the others.
• The four of them had agreed to meet upon landing. Yet, by the time she arrived at the airport hall, they were already nowhere to be seen.
• Despite so, Arielle stayed around to wait for them simply because she knew she still had value to Henrick, and there was no way he would leave her alone like that.
• Just then, a row of bodyguards in black-suit escorting a man walked past her.
• And the man was no other than Vinson!
• Despite being surrounded by those burly men, Vinson's figure remained exceptionally outstanding.
• The passers-by who caught sight of the man were astonished by his visuals and began discussing in agitation.
• “He looks so handsome. Could he be a celebrity?”
• “I don't think he's a celebrity. He would've been in the entertainment industry's limelight long ago if he were one. There'll no place for those influencers.”
• In contrast to the crowd's reaction, Arielle appeared cold and aloof.
• She briefly swung her gaze to the man and looked back on her phone screen to make a call to Henrick.
• But as soon as the call went through, it was rejected. Without thinking hard, Arielle figured Shandie must be the culprit.
• As much as Cindy is mean, she isn't so dumb to play such lowly tricks. Shandie must've wanted to see me fuming in anger. Since that's so, I shall take my time and wait patiently.
• Without haste, Arielle tightened her grip on the tumbler and strolled toward the pantry that she caught sight of not too far away.
• Just as she stepped into the pantry, the door behind her, following a loud thud, slammed shut.
• Instinctively turning around, a familiar yet refreshing scent wafted into her nostrils, and in the next moment, she found the towering man pinning her against the wall with his body.