"Mr. Lodge, can you at least tell me where we're going now that you've made me change into this outfit?" Ariana murmured. "This isn't something you wear to an ordinary event.""Come with me to the charity gala tonight," Brian replied curtly.Hearing this, Ariana frowned. "Why not take Evelyn instead?""You want me to take Evelyn?" Brian asked, his tone laced with irritation."That's not what I meant. I just think Ms. Granger is a better match for you," Ariana retorted."Ariana, are you trying to push me away?""What do you mean, Mr. Lodge? You and I are just doing this as a business arrangement, and a temporary one at that. It's perfectly normal for us to lead separate lives. Everyone knows you're into Evelyn– it's hardly a secret in our circle. So, why bother taking me to the charity gala?"Every word Ariana said seemed designed to test his limits. Brian's expression turned cold. "Have separate lives, huh?" Seems like you and William are having quite the time.""Not as much
Evelyn frowned. In the past, she had always accompanied Brian to these kinds of events.This charity gala wasn't just any gathering– it was a major event, and word had it that Victor Smith, the infamous figure from overseas would also be attending.Everyone in Gleaston knew what Victor represented. He had been the undisputed kingpin of underground dealings abroad. Having his support didn't just mean invincibility overseas– it ensured that even within the country, no one dared to stand in your way.Yet, Brian had chosen to bring Ariana to such an important occasion.Bang!Evelyn hurled the glass of water in the hand, her expression dark and stormy."Have they left?" she asked."Yes, Ms. Granger. They've left."Hearing this, Evelyn glanced at her reflection in the mirror. Her makeup was half done, but all she could feel was bitter irony."Ms. Granger, should we… continue with your makeup?"Everyone had assumed Brian would naturally bring Evelyn to the gala. They'd started her m
Brian thought to himself that once Ariana had enough of being humiliated, she'd come running back to him.Meanwhile, Ariana lifted the hem of her gown and started walking through the hall. She had barely taken a few steps when she overheard a mocking voice nearby. "Well, well. Isn't this Ariana Torrey? Did she walk into the wrong party by mistake?""Doesn't look like it. Who knows what tricks she pulled to get Mr. Lodge to bring her along? Look—he's already left her alone, not even sparing her a glance.""Everyone knows Mr. Lodge only has eyes for Evelyn. She's just embarrassing herself at this point." The snide remarks were loud enough to reach Ariana's ears, but she had no intention of engaging with them.In her previous life, she hadn't attended this gala with Brian, but she'd heard that Victor had been utterly captivated by Evelyn's dance.Ariana had seen Evelyn's dancing before. She was considered decent within this circle, but far from professional. Ariana, however, had
The two guards exchanged hesitant glances, clearly uncertain."Apologies, Ms. Granger. Why don't you give Mr. Lodge a call? If he comes to escort you personally, we'll be happy to let you in," one of the guards said."You…!" Evelyn couldn't believe the two security guards had the nerve to give her attitude. Left with no choice, she pulled out her phone and dialed Brian's number.The phone rang and rang, but no one picked up. Frustrated, she tried calling Emily next, only to be met with the same result.At that moment, a few ladies walked out from the hall chatting loudly. "Wow, Ariana really knows how to put on a show. Did you see how entranced Mr. Lodge looked while watching her dance?" "I thought Mr. Lodge was completely devoted to Evelyn. Since when did he get so close to Ariana?" "Who knows? Ariana must have some serious tricks up her sleeve. No man can resist a woman throwing herself at him like that." …Their gossip hit Evelyn like a slap, igniting a fresh wave of an
As Brian and Evelyn turned to leave together, the onlookers who had been watching couldn't suppress their laughter."This is just too funny. Ariana danced her heart out for nothing. Ms. Granger showed up, and she's already out of the game." "I told you. To Mr. Lodge, Ms. Granger and Ariana are worlds apart. Ms. Granger is like a cloud in the sky, while Ariana is nothing but dirt on the ground. She deserves to be treated like this!" "Ariana, do yourself a favor and stop embarrassing yourself!" …Their mocking voices were loud and unrestrained, dripping with disdain for Ariana.Ariana, however, remained unfazed. After all, her performance hadn't been meant for Brian in the first place. Whatever he thought of her didn't concern her in the slightest.Instead, she focused on her real target. She noticed a figure descending the stairs from the second floor. Ariana strolled over to the group of mocking women and asked, "Were you just talking about me?" "Of course we were. Who else
The crowd collectively sucked in a sharp breath. Everyone knew this was Victor's event, and his actions were a clear warning that no one should cross him.Even Brian and Evelyn were drawn to the commotion. When Brian saw Ariana in Victor's arms, his eyes darkened with displeasure.Next to him, Evelyn spoke softly, "Ms. Torrey certainly has her ways. It's only their first meeting, and Mr. Smith is already standing up for her." Evelyn's words were intentional, and they deepened the frown on Brian's face.Was Ariana so desperate to latch onto a new sugar daddy?"Thank you, Mr. Smith," Ariana said, trying to step away from his embrace, only to feel Victor's arm tighten around her waist. He clearly had no intention of letting her go.Ariana looked up and met his icy, penetrating gaze. She softened her tone and said, "Mr. Smith, you're hurting me…" Hearing this, Victor leaned in closer, his low and cutting voice brushing against her ear. "Don't play games with me. I can smell prey whe
"Brian, don't be angry." Evelyn murmured, gently holding onto Brian's arm. She cast an apologetic smile toward Victor and said, "Mr. Smith, I'm so sorry. I'm sure you don't know about Ms. Torrey's status…" Then, turning her attention to Ariana with a slight reproach in her tone, she added, "Ms. Torrey, you're Mr. Lodge's fiancée. What do you think you're doing, pushing and pulling with Mr. Smith like this in front of everyone? Come over here, now!" Evelyn made a move to pull Ariana back, but Hunter swiftly stepped in between them, blocking her path. He clearly didn't want Ariana to comply. Evelyn froze, her outstretched hand hanging awkwardly mid-air. Her expression stiffened with embarrassment. Seeing Evelyn's attempt to play peacemaker, Ariana chuckled lightly. "Ms. Granger, I couldn't help but notice how closely you were walking with Mr. Lodge earlier. I almost thought… You didn't know Mr. Lodge had a fiancée." Ariana's remark left Evelyn speechless. Indeed, everyone knew Ar
"Yes, Mr. Smith." Hunter replied.Hearing this, Evelyn's face turned pale. Seeing Hunter stride toward her, she quickly stepped behind Brian, her voice trembling slightly as she called out, "Brian…" Brian shielded her, his expression grew colder. "Ariana! That's enough!" "Mr. Lodge, what does this have to do with me? I haven't said a word," Ariana replied innocently, though she subtly moved closer to Victor. Her actions made Brian's anger flare even more.Why must it be on this occasion? Did she truly intend to embarrass him in such a public setting?Victor's voice cut through the tension, calm and deliberate. "Hunter, didn't you hear me?" "Yes, sir." Hunter moved forward again. Evelyn immediately turned her plea toward Ariana. "Ms. Torrey, I know you don't like me, but you can't let Mr. Smith do this to me! I am Brian's partner tonight. Do you have a problem with me, or with Brian?" Her words clearly implied blame, accusing Ariana of deliberately refusing to stand up for
Since when did Ariana need someone with gastritis to teach her how to eat?"At night, you can eat less, but you can't skip it entirely. Two meals a day is unhealthy. From now on, whenever I have dinner, you should too," Brian said."Brian, I'm really not used to eating dinner. You're making things difficult," Ariana retorted.He coolly answered, "If you eat dinner every night on schedule, I'll pay you one million dollars a day."Ariana almost thought she misheard him. A million a day? Was he out of his mind?Brian noticed her skeptical look and frowned. "Is that not enough?""How about two million?" Ariana asked, testing the water.She looked up to gauge his reaction. She could tell it was too much."Alright, one million it is," she conceded."Skip dinner even once, and I'll deduct two million. If you eat properly every night for a month, you'll have a guaranteed 30 million."With that, Brian started eating. He preferred mild flavors, and he was extremely picky about food. Ve
Hearing Emily's words, Brian was momentarily stunned.Had something like that really happened before?He had no memory of it, because in those days he barely paid attention to Ariana or anything she did for him.Hearing this now, Brian found it hard to believe. Had he really been so mean to Ariana in the past and done something so unreasonable?"Mr. Lodge, Ms. Torrey has every right to be upset with you."No one liked having their efforts dismissed, and Ariana was no exception. Emily had noticed her habit of skipping dinner, but Brian, her own fiancé, hadn't.Brian frowned. He lost his appetite.Seeing Brian get up, Emily was about to follow him. But he said, "Postpone tonight's work. You can leave now.""Yes, Mr. Lodge," Emily replied.Brian went upstairs. Ariana was still in that room, casually telling the workers what to do.At some point, she had even donned a cap and was helping out in person. She looked nothing like a pampered socialite, showing none of that usual reser
"Yes, Mr. Lodge."Emily quickly left to get the exhaust fans.Downstairs, Brian wore a simple white robe and went to check the fridge. There were indeed a few simple dishes waiting, but he could tell at once that Ariana hadn't prepared them.He remembered how Ariana used to make all kinds of creative dishes for him when she stayed at the Lodge residence. She was worried he might lose his appetite.Back then, he would decide whether to eat or not depending on his mood. But now, he had to beg Ariana to cook, and she still refused.He had no desire to eat anymore, so he slammed the fridge door shut.Seeing this, Emily asked, "Mr. Lodge, are these dishes not to your liking?""What do you think?"He clearly looked displeased.Emily was puzzled. It shouldn't be. Brian had always liked Martha's cooking. Why didn't he like it now?"Mr. Lodge, should I order takeout for you?""No need."Brian frowned. "Has Ariana eaten anything tonight?""I believe not.""Tell her to come down and
Evelyn couldn't just sit and do nothing.She couldn't just watch Ariana seize Brian from her.With that in mind, Evelyn quickly took out her phone and dialed a familiar number."Hello, I want you to come back to the country. I need you to help me with something!"In the evening, Brian returned to the Lodge residence.He found only one lamp switched on in the living room, and the sound of moving furniture was coming from upstairs.Frowning, he asked, "They're still not done?"Emily answered, "Ms. Torrey is quite particular. She's already sent back three batches of furniture this afternoon.""Where is she now?"Emily said uneasily, "She's... probably in there giving instructions.""Giving instructions? What exactly is she instructing?"Brian's face darkened as he headed upstairs, wanting to see what Ariana was playing at.The moment he got to the second floor, a cloud of white dust blew right into him.The worker immediately apologized. "Mr. Lodge, I'm so sorry. Ms. Torrey w
Might not be true?Evelyn had heard it clearly.Brian had forced a kiss on Ariana, and the Lodge residence was being revamped for her.Thinking of this, Evelyn headed straight to Brian's office.When she reached the door, Emily stepped forward to stop her. "Ms. Granger, Mr. Lodge is in a meeting. He can't see anyone right..."Before Emily could finish, Evelyn pushed the door open.Inside, Brian was wearing a headset and speaking to an international firm via video call. He shot Evelyn a frown for barging in.He swiftly ended the call with a few short words."Eve, I'm working."Evelyn would never have been this impulsive before.Brian put down his headset and looked at her.Evelyn lowered her head and said, "I... I didn't mean to interrupt you.""What's the matter?" Brian asked."I came to pick you up from work," Evelyn replied, forcing a smile that looked incredibly stiff.Brian didn't seem to notice anything unusual about Evelyn's mood. "I've got something going on tonigh
Brian thought Ariana was hinting at something. He said, "We're engaged. It's perfectly normal for us to share a room. My bed is big enough for three, so if you want...""Mr. Lodge, if you're trying to take responsibility for what happened earlier, there's really no need. I understand you acted on impulse because you were angry. It was just a kiss. I don't care at all."Hearing Ariana's words, Brian thought he must have misheard. "You... You said you don't care at all?""Of course. It's the 21st century. A kiss isn't a big deal. I'm not going to lose sleep over it."Brian was momentarily speechless. Ariana's words made him so angry that he just laughed.So, he was the only one who still cared about it?"You're right. I thought you cared about your chastity more than anything. Looks like I was wrong. Forget what I said before."Brian felt something tighten in his chest. He went upstairs, then stopped halfway, remembering he had come back specifically to talk about their relationsh
At that moment, Brian's voice came from behind Ariana. "Alright. I agree."Hearing this, Ariana turned around. She hadn't expected him to come back at this moment.She turned too fast and bumped into his chest, banging her nose against the badge on his suit. She stepped back, rubbing her nose. "Mr. Lodge, did you really agree to all that?"From what she remembered, he was never so easy to deal with.Brian said calmly, "What's wrong? Now that I've agreed, you're not happy about it?""If you're on board, of course I'm happy."With that, Ariana acted as though she was afraid he might change his mind. She said to Emily, "You heard it, Ms. Weston. Mr. Lodge is fine with everything. I'll leave the arrangements to you.""Yes, Ms. Torrey."Emily hurried off to prepare Ariana's new room.Ariana looked at Brian. "Mr. Lodge, if there's nothing else, I'd like to go get some rest.""Hold on." Brian suddenly grabbed her arm.Ariana frowned and glanced at his hand, wishing she could slice
Belinda had seen Gwen's true colors a long time ago. Yet, because Gwen was Ariana's stepmother and the lady of the Torrey family, Belinda treated her with courtesy.But when Belinda thought of Igor's disgraceful behavior from the previous night, she had no desire to humor Gwen any further.She asked indifferently, "Mrs. Torrey, how much money are you hoping to borrow?""Not a lot... just 90 million."Belinda froze. 90 million? That was a bold request indeed."Mrs. Lodge Senior, I know the Lodge family has immense resources. 90 million is just a drop in the bucket for you. Please have mercy on us. We really are facing a crisis, or else I wouldn't be begging for your help."Gwen was anxious to redeem the Aurora Pearls. The seller had said the price would rise again in a couple more days. If she waited too long, even 90 million wouldn't be enough."Mrs. Torrey, you're quite brazen. Do you think we're just a convenient ATM for the Torreys?"Belinda was already displeased with Arian
Ariana's eyelid twitched as she asked, "Emily, what does this mean?""It's a gift from Mr. Lodge. He asked me to apologize for his impulsive behavior earlier..."Before Emily could finish, Ariana shut the door in her face.Emily called out urgently, "Ms. Torrey! Mr. Lodge really is sorry! He even sent someone to pick you up! Please don't make this difficult for us! We're just following orders! Ms. Torrey!"Inside, Ariana ignored Emily's shouts.However, Gwen hurried downstairs. She pointed at Ariana and snapped, "What's wrong with you? You dare turn away Mr. Lodge's secretary?"Since Igor had offended the Shaw family, Gwen was desperate to latch on to Brian now. She couldn't afford to offend him.Putting on a flattering smile, Gwen opened the door and said to Emily, "Ms. Weston, don't mind Ariana. She's just shy. I'll make sure she goes with you!"Ariana found it laughable to see Gwen currying favor with Emily.Gwen still owed Ariana money, yet she shamelessly suggested sendin