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Chapter 101

Author: Cozy Season
"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
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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    "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

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    "Ms. Piper, please follow me.""No! Mr. Lodge, I know you're a kind man. For old time's sake, please save Aunt Gwen!""I believe I already told you not to show up at my home again."Brian's eyes were cold. A single glance was enough to send a chill down Fiona's spine.Evelyn had already spoken to him a few days ago, informing him about the rumors circulating at school about him and Fiona. He was no stranger to the games women played, but he was simply too lazy to deal with it. After all, Fiona had nothing to do with him. Anyone in the right mind would recognize the vast gap in their social standing, and there was no chance they would be together. Those rumors were merely stories that Fiona had fabricated. He absolutely despised scheming women like her. Fiona still didn't know that Brian was already aware of her deeds. She cried, "But Aunt Gwen's imprisonment is also related to the Torrey family. Are you really not going to do anything about it?"Ms. Weston, what did I say earl

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