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
Ariana glanced at the diamond necklace displayed on the stage and frowned. "The necklace once worn by the Queen of Eaton?" She remembered this necklace vividly. In her past life, Evelyn had adored it, and Brian had gone to great lengths to secure it for her at the auction. It had become a heated bidding war when Victor, smitten with Evelyn at first sight, had joined the fray, driving the price sky-high.But why was Victor suddenly bringing up this necklace now?"Actually the necklace is not particularly special," Victor said nonchalantly. "But it caught my eye. The starting bid is ten million. No matter how high the price goes, I want you to win it." Ariana's expression darkened upon hearing his words. Win it at any price? With her current financial situation, ten million was a daunting figure. Was Victor deliberately testing her limits?"What's wrong? You can't do it?" Victor asked, his voice tinged with amusement. "If you can't, I'm sure we can find alternative ways for you t
"Does Ariana think I don't know how much money she has?" Brian said coldly. "Keep raising the bid." "Yes, sir."90 million!" As Emily lifted the paddle, the room erupted in murmurs of disbelief. This was nearly ten times the necklace's actual worth!Ariana turned to Victor. "You planned this, didn't you?"Victor knew from the start that Brian wouldn't let this necklace go. By pitting Ariana against Brian, Victor had set the stage for this bidding war. After Victor had humiliated Evelyn earlier, Brian's pride was already bruised. There was no way he would back down now, not with his dignity on the line."Don't forget what you promised me," Victor said lazily, leaning back in his chair. "I want that necklace, no matter what." "You…" Victor was deliberately cornering her, leaving her no way out. Fine. If he wanted to play, then she would play along."100 million!" Gasps rippled through the room as Ariana called out the staggering figure.It was only the beginning of the auct
Ariana and William's intimately close interaction quickly caught Brian's eye."Ariana!"A deep voice, tinged with anger, reached Ariana's ears. She turned around and saw Brian striding toward her and William, his expression grim."Looks like you're in big trouble." William, standing beside her, spoke with a mocking tone.Ariana lowered her voice as well. "Don't worry, Mr. Kingsman. If I go down, you won't be doing much better."Hearing that, William's lips curved into a faintly amused smile.Brian walked up to Ariana and noticed the necklace she was still holding, the one she'd just won at the auction.Brian sneered, "Mr. Kingsman is really generous. He didn't hesitate to spend 150 million just to give you this necklace.""It's all right," Ariana replied. She lifted the necklace in her hand and said, "I saw that you seemed to like it too, Mr. Lodge. What's the matter? Planning to give it to Ms. Granger?"That one remark turned Brian's tone even colder. "You already know the an
Brian instinctively released his grip. Ariana turned and walked downstairs."Emily, follow her," Brian ordered."Yes." Emily stalked after Ariana. When Ariana took the stairs, Emily also opted for the stairs. Once they reached the pharmacy, Ariana realized she didn't have a bag to carry the medication and had to take it with her hands.One hand wasn't enough to carry all six medicines. As expected, the medicines fell to the ground. Ariana bent down to pick them up, only to see Brian stop before her.She took a deep breath. He was everywhere!"Emily, pick them up," Brian said."Yes." Emily bent down and gathered all the medicines.Ariana straightened up. "Do you find this amusing?""I think it's quite entertaining." Brian was enjoying Ariana's disheveled state.Ariana hurled the medicines at Brian's face. "You think you can see me embarrassed? Never!"Ariana turned on her heels and stomped away. But Brian grabbed her arm and snarled, "I've told you! You're nothing if you'r
"Are you done yet? I have other things to do later." The academic advisor sounded impatient.Ariana glanced at the academic advisor outside the door. She was painfully aware of her situation. Anyone could push her around as they pleased.She turned to the doctor. "I understand. Doctor, please prescribe the medicine for me.""Alright." The doctor quickly prepared the prescription and explained how to use the medicine. Once everything was settled, Ariana picked up the form and stood up.Outside, the academic advisor impatiently asked, "Are you done? If so, I need to leave.""Mr. Runes, Mr. Kingsman asked me to give you the report." Ariana handed him the injury assessment report.The academic advisor shoved it into his pocket. "If that's all, let's go. Don't waste my time!"The academic advisor walked ahead. Ariana said, "I still need to pick up my medicine. Mr. Kingsman mentioned that it's inconvenient for me to carry it alone, so he asked you to help me. What am I supposed to do
"Um, Ms. Torrey and her peers got into a minor conflict. She went to the hospital to treat a hand injury…" Christopher muddled through.He continued prodding, "Mr. Lodge, Ms. Torrey can't always be taking time off school. The college is a place for studying. Do you think…"All Christopher wanted was to get onto Brian's good side. After all, Ariana must have offended Brian for him to call off the engagement.Anyone in their social circle was keenly aware of the situation. As the college dean, Christopher felt the need to express her stance.With one word from Brian, he could immediately expel Ariana from Glea College."Don't you even care when one of your students was hurt on campus?" Brian's voice was as cold as winter.The remark caught Christopher off guard. He could not wrap his head around Brian's anger. Ariana was the one who offended Brian. Wasn't it normal for everyone to be throwing stones at her?Still, Christopher obliged and said, "That's true. Mr. Lodge, you're right
"That works. See you, Mr. Kingsman!" Ariana gave him a grateful nod before leaving campus.Meanwhile, Belinda was throwing a fit at the Lodge residence."Ridiculous! Who gave you the permission to carry it out?" Belinda slammed her fist on the table. Never had she expected Brian to host a press conference to call off his engagement to Ariana when she wasn't paying attention.Brian sat on the couch without a word. Emily chimed in, "Mrs. Lodge Senior, what happened was—""Shut up!" Belinda snapped at Emily. "I made you work for Brian so you could keep an eye on him! But look at you! You're letting him do as he wishes. How could he not discuss such a serious decision with me? "Brian, do you still see me as your grandmother?""Grandma, I've never liked Ariana. She was the one who suggested calling off our engagement. All I did was to grant her wish," Brian revealed in an icy tone.Belinda nearly choked from the anger. Emily hurriedly held her. "Mrs. Lodge Senior, calm down…"It
William did not even once look at Evelyn. The words got caught in her throat. She realized that William was not going to be nice to her.If she continued explaining, she would only humiliate herself.William reached out and took Ariana's waist. A frown crept onto his brows when he saw the awful bruises on her skin. "This is serious. You need to go to the hospital."Maddie didn't want to be implicated, and she shot Evelyn a look, asking for help. "I-I didn't step hard on her hand at all!"Evelyn chimed in, "Maddie accidentally stepped on Ms. Torrey's hand. We will pay for her medical fees.""This is not a problem of medical fees," William sneered. "I will obtain the security footage of the library. If you have intentionally hurt Ariana, I shall make a police report. The college will penalize Maddie according to the police's assessment.""Mr. Kingsman, I didn't do it on purpose! I—" The color drained from Maddie's face when she realized the gravity of the situation.Her family had
"Look who I've bumped into—Ariana Torrey, who's just been dumped by Brian Lodge!" Lila deliberately raised her voice, attracting everyone's attention in the otherwise silent library.Ariana did not want any drama. She bent over, ready to pick up her books, but Maddie stepped hard on her hands with her high heels. As if that weren't enough, Maddie smugly ground her heel down with a cruel twist of her ankle.A searing pain shot through Ariana's body. She struggled to get up—not that Maddie would let her.Lila smirked. "You've flaunted your status as the future Mrs. Lodge on campus. Now that the engagement has been called off, why aren't you showing off as Ariana Torrey instead?""She is a nobody now. Everyone knows the Torreys are on the brink of bankruptcy. Their family business is on the verge of failing. She's reached her end after Brian Lodge called off all their business partnerships and their engagement. I bet she can't even pay her tuition fees." Maddie put on a mocking smirk.
"If that's what you think, suit yourself." She said nonchalantly, "You've always seen me as a gold digger. Mr. Lodge, you described me as a vain and greedy social climber. Of course, I'll go to a richer man. Mr. Smith is a much more compatible candidate than you."At least Mr. Smith loves me and doesn't flirt with other women. And he doesn't have any children out of wedlock."Brian had never clarified the rumor that spread in Gleaston about Evelyn going through an abortion for him. Everyone in their social circle merely assumed that Evelyn was pregnant with Brian's child.In Ariana's past life, she was mocked as the baby-making machine of the Lodge family. She was nothing but a joke compared to Brian's beloved Evelyn."Who told you I had a child with Evelyn? Ariana, you—"Emily immediately went up to stop Brian. "Mr. Lodge, Ms. Torrey is only saying that out of anger. Please stay calm.""I don't care whether or not you and Evelyn shared a child. You love her; that's the truth. If
"Go on.""I have no clue about any illegal activities you're involved in.""And?""Shouldn't you offer me a safe exit, now that you've dragged me into this mess?""Are you saying I have to vindicate you after I'm sent to prison?""I'm not guilty in the first place!""So, what are you talking about?""You—"Ariana was baffled. Victor was playing dumb and betting on her to not overtly mention the money laundering.The moment she let slip, she would become an accomplice of his, and she wouldn't be able to defend herself if she got arrested.Amused at her flushed face, Victor quipped, "Just now, you claimed you were unafraid of me. What's with the sudden fear? "The higher the risks you take, the higher the returns. Fear will only make you a pawn in the game, and people take advantage of that. It's been a dog-eat-dog world since the beginning of time."Ms. Torrey, you need to grow stronger than Brian Lodge if you wish to call off the engagement. Else, you'll get married and be
"Ms. Torrey, please enjoy." Victor gestured at the dishes before them.Staring at the T-bone steak with blood seeping out of the meat, Ariana lost her appetite."Mr. Smith, I'm not hungry." Technically, she would never eat dinner. Apart from the few times she had to attend social events, she usually did not take dinner.Victor sat from across her and placed his slender fingers on the table. He gently swirled the contents in the wine glass, saying, "Do you know what happened to the last guy who tried to read my mind?"She remained silent.He went on, "I hate it when people try to read me. I despise those who think they're smart. You should feel thankful that I decided to work with you instead of getting rid of you.""Well, I'm beyond grateful to you." Ariana couldn't even force a smile. She had tried to get Victor to work with Evelyn, but he pulled her into this mess instead.She wondered what Victor saw in her. Although Evelyn was the only daughter of the Granger family, Evelyn