Gwen wanted nothing more than for Ariana to get back together with Brian as soon as possible. After all, she and Igor would both benefit from Ariana's marriage to Brian too.Ariana raised her eyebrow and smiled when she saw how anxious Gwen seemed to be. "Yes.""Really? That's awesome!" Gwen exclaimed.She continued, "I knew it! I knew that Mr. Lodge still had feelings for you. Otherwise, he'd never have asked you out on a date!""Ms. Lambert, I think you're mistaken. Mr. Lodge met with me to discuss canceling the engagement.""Then…"Under Gwen's shaky eyes, Ariana punctuated each word she said next. "The wedding is off.""What? It's off?"Gwen nearly fainted when she heard what Ariana said. Igor hurried forward to hold Gwen up. Then, he yelled at Ariana, "Ariana, you're going overboard! How could you make your own decision about canceling the engagement without talking to us? Do you even care about us?""It's my engagement, so of course I'm the one calling the shots. There
"Ms. Torrey, these are all unimportant documents. I'm sure you won't be interested in them. Let me take you to the break room," John said with a smile.In other words, John just didn't want Ariana poking her nose into any of the company's affairs.Seeing this, Ariana immediately held her hand out and said, "Show me the documents.""But…""Mr. Wagner, are you implying that you are the boss of this company now?"Faced with such a headstrong question, John hurriedly denied it and said, "I wouldn't dare! Ms. Torrey, if you want to look at them, we will let you look at them. I'm just worried that you might not understand them…""How about this—we can forget about going to the break room and head over to the CEO's office straight away. In the meantime, I'll also be going through all the company's documents that need to be signed over.""Ms. Torrey…"Ariana cut John off without blinking. She then looked at Miranda and said, "Ms. Ziegler, right? Go and get the documents for me. Mr. Wag
"You don't have to. I'm just skimming through," Ariana said, starting to look as if she was going through the figures on the report meticulously.She purposely read through the report painstakingly slowly from the first page until the last page. Meanwhile, John was still standing opposite her, and he felt an immense pressure watching her. His legs had turned to jelly and he could barely stand upright.What did it mean for him to have embezzled tens of millions of dollars from the company? It would mean he had to spend the rest of his life in jail!Suddenly, Ariana threw the reports onto the table with a loud slam.John was so startled that he very nearly fell to his knees right then and there. However, to his surprise, he heard Ariana mumble, "What the heck are all these numbers? There are so many of them. Who'd know what they meant?"John froze when he heard Ariana say that. Did that mean she couldn't understand a thing on the report?Miranda also heard what Ariana said. She fro
"Ms. Torrey, are you just pretending to be a wolf in sheep's clothing then?" Miranda asked."Something like that," Ariana said. She continued, "Don't alert them of this just yet. We need to slowly collect evidence. The way that they embezzled the company's funds has undoubtedly affected the shareholders' returns. "Wait until we've got enough evidence and have gotten rid of their contacts in the company. That'll be the time when we send them to prison."Miranda stared at Ariana for a long while. She finally said, "Ms. Torrey, you seem different from before."The Ariana Miranda used to know was smart, too, but she didn't know anything about the business industry or how things ran. However, after hearing what Ariana had to say, Miranda figured that it made a lot of sense.Miranda couldn't help feeling amazed."Ms. Ziegler, you've been working for this company for a few years. My father even helped you financially before, so I hope that you'll take my side.""I'll help you, Ms. Tor
"If Ariana wants to see me, tell her I'm busy," Brian said."But Mr. Lodge, didn't you say that you wanted her to give in to you?" Emily asked."I want her to be helpless and desperate with no one else to help her."A cold glint appeared in Brian's eyes. He continued, "I want her to get on her knees and beg Evelyn for forgiveness."…At that moment, Ariana was busy purchasing some health supplements and skincare products. While she was on her way downstairs for a cup of coffee, she suddenly caught sight of a bodyguard in black shadowing her out of the corner of her eye.The black-clothed bodyguard stood out like a sore thumb amongst the other shoppers. Everyone's attention was on him.Ariana couldn't help shaking her head and chuckling softly to herself when she saw this.Brian was overestimating her by getting someone to shadow her like this. Was he worried that she would hurt Evelyn? Or was he just waiting to see if she would get desperate trying to save her company?Ariana
"Ariana, did he apologize?" Belinda asked.With Belinda questioning her like that, Ariana purposely cocked her head to glance briefly at Brian.Seeing that Ariana was about to speak, Brian suddenly realized that she might be harboring ill will toward him and that she could spout nonsense to Belinda. So, he quickly rushed forward and grabbed Ariana by the arm, roughly yanking her to her feet."Grandma, I've got something to discuss privately with Ms. Torrey. We're going upstairs."With that, Brian tugged Ariana up the stairs with huge strides.Everything had happened so suddenly. By the time Belinda finally realized it, she shouted at Brian, "Brian, you imbecile! Ari is a woman! I'm not going to forgive you if you bully her!"Brian pulled Ariana to the second floor and threw her onto the bed. Then, he locked the bedroom door behind him."What are you trying to do, Mr. Lodge?"Ariana leaned against the side of the bed and looked at Brian, standing at the door, with mischievous ey
"So, does that mean we have no deal?" Ariana asked."What do you think?" Brian snapped.Ariana knew that Brian wasn't someone who took her threats seriously. The only reason why she came over today was to remind him that she had her boundaries as well. Even the tamest of dogs wouldn't hesitate to attack when faced with danger—what more herself? Furthermore, she wasn't going to be a pushover."Want to make a bet, Mr. Lodge?""What bet?""I bet that you'll meet your downfall very soon if you continue working against me."Brian didn't respond.Ariana got to her feet and turned to leave. At the door, she paused for a bit and said, "By the way, Mr. Lodge, I forgot to tell you that I haven't told your grandmother that you've been targeting me. Do you want to guess whose side she'll take once I tell her afterward?""Ariana Torrey!""Brian Lodge, the fact that I haven't told her that you're targeting the Torreys shows that I'm being sincere here. You'd better stop it with your stupi
"Since you're the one who made the promise, Ms. Lambert, then you should think of a solution yourself."Arian then turned to the maid by the side, Summer Sanchez, and said, "Summer, arrange for a hotel room for Ms. Piper here. Ms. Piper can stay there for however long she wishes to. However, she needs to know who the real head of this household is. Ms. Piper, don't you think so?"Ariana hadn't missed the look Fiona gave her earlier. When Fiona heard this, a look of fear came over her face at once. She looked toward Gwen for help.Gwen flew into a rage and yelled, "Excuse me, Ariana Torrey? You're not even the head of the household yet, and you're already throwing your weight around, I see. Don't forget that I always end up being in charge! How dare you say such a thing to us?""Ms. Lambert, I have always been the one in charge of things in the Torrey household. In the past, I only treated you with respect seeing that you were older than me, which was why I handed the reins to you.
The guests present all took in the scene before them. It was well known that Brian had always despised Ariana, but this time, he appeared visibly anxious about her in front of everyone.Ariana seemed unsurprised by the reactions of the guests around them. She withdrew her hand and said, "Thank you for your help, Mr. Lodge."Brian quickly realized that Ariana had just used him.Due to Lodge Co.'s stance toward Torrey Co., many had assumed that there was tension between the Lodges and Torreys. As a result, few corporate partners had been willing to initiate business dealings with the Torreys.Now that they have seen Brian and Ariana on better terms, many would likely approach the Torrey family."Ariana, did you just exploit me?" Brian had never realized just how cunning Ariana could be. He had always assumed she was clueless, but it was clear that he was the foolish one now."Didn't you say it yourself, Mr. Lodge? Mutual exploitation isn't a bad thing for either of us." Ariana shru
Ariana didn't refuse. After all, spending more time with Brian in public would be beneficial for the Torrey family."Mr. Lodge, I never expected that just one word from Mrs. Lodge Senior would be enough for you to put your pride aside and come see me," Ariana remarked.Her words dripped with mockery, and there were even some traces of disdain toward Brian. It was the same attitude that he'd used to have toward her.Alas, their roles were reversed."Ariana, do you really think it's a good thing that Grandma has taken an interest in you?" Brian asked.Belinda's intentions were clear to anyone with a sharp eye, and Brian knew that Ariana could tell as well.His eyes roamed over Ariana. Tonight, she was meticulously and elegantly styled in a long, gold-embellished gown. She was the very image of grandeur.When he looked at Ariana from the side, he frowned. Her appearance at the moment overlapped with the image of Susan in his mind.Suddenly, Brian halted in his tracks and firmly
Hushed whispers filled the surrounding area. Everyone wanted to know why Ariana had been invited to the Lodge family's gala.Inside the Royal Hotel, Emily knocked on the door of the second-floor break room. "Mr. Lodge, all the guests have arrived. We should head down now.""Got it," Brian replied and rubbed the bridge of his nose. The moment he closed his eyes, he could hear Ariana's words from the day before echoing in his mind.If it weren't for Belinda's insistence on hosting this gala, he wouldn't have wanted to see Ariana at all.…Meanwhile, downstairs in the banquet hall, all eyes were on Ariana the moment she appeared.It wasn't because of how extravagantly she was dressed, but rather the fact that she was now the sole heir of the Torrey family. Whoever married Ariana would stand to inherit everything she owned.If anything were to happen to Ariana, all of the Torrey family's assets would go to her husband, so every man in attendance had their eyes locked on her."Arian
Brian knew exactly what Belinda's words meant. In the past, his engagement with Ariana had been purely due to her suitable family background. But now, marrying her would mean gaining control over the entire Torrey family. At that moment, the things that Ariana said to him earlier today played back in his mind. His sense of pride flared once again. "Grandma, you don't need to concern yourself with this matter. We have already annulled our engagement, and there is no way I'll propose to her again." With that, he turned around and headed upstairs. Belinda was well aware of Brian's character. Her expression darkened. Since he was unwilling to let go of his pride, then she would make the necessary arrangements for him.The next day, the news of Gwen's imprisonment and Igor's expulsion from the Torrey family spread like wildfire within the high society. As the sole heir of the family, Ariana successfully assumed full control of the Torrey family. As the turmoil at school also began
"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
"Then let me make it clear to you, you aren't the heir of the Torrey family, and you aren't my father's son. From a legal standpoint, you and your mother have nothing to do with our family. You'd better accept the fact, Mr. Igor."Ariana's voice was full of mockery. In her past life, she had foolishly handed over the company Carson left behind to Gwen and Igor. But in the end, the company went bankrupt in less than three years. Worse yet, Gwen had even fled with Igor and John.This time, she swore she would never give Gwen and Igor the slightest chance to entangle themselves with Torrey Co. "Take him away." Ariana's voice was cold.The bodyguard swiftly grabbed Igor and dragged him toward the front gate. Still wearing his slippers, Igor was ruthlessly dragged out of the Torrey residence, unable to resist."Pack up all of Igor and Gwen's things and toss them out.""Yes, Ms. Torrey."To prevent Igor from making a fuss, Ariana deliberately stationed him at the security post by the e
It was already evening, and Igor had been waiting at home for Arian's call, but it never came. It wasn't until he saw a car from Torrey Co. pull up outside the gate that he immediately rushed out. The moment he saw Ariana get out of the car, he immediately snapped, "Why didn't you answer my call? Do you even know what has happened at home? Hurry up and come with me to the police station to bail my mom out!" Igor spoke in a commanding tone as he grabbed Ariana's hand and dragged her in the direction of the police station. But to his surprise, she pushed him away. Caught off guard by her move, Igor stared at her in disbelief. He sneered, "Ariana! Have you lost your mind? How dare you push me?" Igor had always had his way and never expected that Ariana would dare push him away.Just as he was about to grab Ariana again, Miranda stepped forward. With a simple move, she easily restrained Igor, rendering him unable to resist. "Ms. Ziegler! Have you lost your mind too? How dare you
Looking over the money and goods in his possession, Jeremy nodded in satisfaction. He left the Torrey residence with his group of lackeys.Gwen's legs finally gave out and she collapsed onto the floor. She had only borrowed money from the loan sharks just once. She couldn't believe that it would lead her to become completely penniless.Meanwhile, Ariana, who was still at the office, received a call from Jeremy."Ms. Torrey, it has been done. All that's left is to wait for the goods to be exchanged into cash.""I understand. Thank you for your hard work.""You're welcome. We were just following Mr. Smith's orders."Ariana smiled lightly. It was indeed all thanks to Victor's efforts. Without Victor's help, she wouldn't have been able to reclaim all of Gwen's and Igor's wealth and assets so easily. This was the wealth and assets that rightfully belonged to her father.Ariana lifted her head to look at Miranda after she disconnected the call. "It's done. Start the next phase," she s
"Ms. Lambert, this is all so sudden. Did something happen?" Ariana asked.No matter how terrible the circumstance she was in, Gwen would never tell Ariana that she had borrowed money from loan sharks. It was part of the Torreys' principles to never come into contact with them.If word about this got out, Gwen would never be able to live it down. Ariana might even use it against her to kick her out of the family.Ariana knew from the beginning that Gwen would never come clean to her about the loan sharks. She just smiled and said, "I'll send a contract to you. Once you put your signature on it, the contract will immediately go into effect. I'll have someone in the finance department transfer the money to you. "However, Ms. Lambert, please be informed this also means that you and Igor will give up the right to all of the inheritance my father left behind."Being face to face with the terrifying loan sharks, Gwen couldn't even spare a moment to think about the consequences of signin