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Chapter 157
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A Bride’s Revenge: No Longer the Backup Chapter 158
Ariana glanced at Gwen. "Ms. Lambert, what does his birthday have to do with me? If he has broken the law, don't expect me to show any mercy.""Ari!" Gwen quickly grabbed Ariana's hand. "Let's talk this through... There's no need to get so angry. Igor was in the wrong, and I'll apologize on his behalf. Or... Wait! I have a few pieces of jewelry I've been meaning to give you..."Seeing that Gwen was trying to buy her off, Ariana quirked a brow curiously.Of course, she didn't plan to stir up trouble before Igor's birthday. After all, she had another scandal prepared for the celebration, and she wouldn't ruin the perfect stage for it. However, using this opportunity to pressure Gwen and gain some benefits wasn't a bad idea.Ariana remembered how Gwen had hoarded much of her mother's jewelry after marrying into the family and said, "If I remember correctly, most of the jewelry in your possession belonged to my mother, right?"Gwen grew awkward at the accusation. "Well... Those were o
A Bride’s Revenge: No Longer the Backup Chapter 159
Seeing how clearly Ariana remembered the Aurora Pearls, Gwen slapped her forehead. "Oh, my memory is awful! I can't even recall where I put those pearls. But you're right, I think I do have them somewhere. I must have forgotten. Don't worry, Ari. I'll send them to you in a couple of days.""All the other jewelry is here, except for those pearls." Ariana smiled coldly. "Ms. Lambert, you didn't sell them, did you?"Gwen's face fell.Ariana knew the truth. Gwen had once lost a lot of money to gambling. She was desperate for funds and unable to leave the gambling den. So, she pawned the pearls she was wearing at the time. Unfortunately, her luck didn't turn, and she never managed to reclaim them.Gwen feared Ariana might expose her gambling habits and the truth about the pearls. "How ridiculous. I would never sell your pearls! They were your mother's, and she left them to you.""That's good to hear." Ariana glanced around Gwen's room. "The house isn't that big so it shouldn't take muc
A Bride’s Revenge: No Longer the Backup Chapter 160
Including the ten million dollars and the money needed to reclaim the Aurora Pearls, Gwen was now forced to cough up all the wealth she had hoarded from the Torrey family over the years."I'll wait for the results tomorrow, Ms. Lambert." Ariana smiled. "Igor will return safe and sound once the pearls are in my hands."Gwen nodded and forced a smile. "Yes, I'll have the pearls ready first thing tomorrow morning and deliver them to you."Ariana left Gwen's room.Gwen's smile vanished as soon as the door closed. It was replaced by a look of anxiety and helplessness.Those pearls had long been pawned during one of her gambling losses! How could she possibly reclaim them now?"That brat! She's so greedy!" Gwen muttered angrily to herself.But things would spiral out of control if Ariana went to the police. Gwen had no choice but to call the man she had pawned the pearls to during her gambling days."Mr. Stone, remember the Aurora Pearls I pawned to you back then? I want to reclaim t
A Bride’s Revenge: No Longer the Backup Chapter 161
Ariana handed over a contract she had prepared in advance to Gwen. Seeing that Ariana had already arranged everything, Gwen's expression darkened.Ariana, however, remained unfazed and continued, "Ms. Lambert, I've already reviewed the contract thoroughly. All you need to do is sign it. Within seven days, I expect that pair of Aurora Pearls to be delivered to me. Seven days should be enough time for you to retrieve them, right?""Of course…" Gwen replied, though she couldn't stop the faint trembling in her heart.It was 80 million dollars! Where was she supposed to find that amount of money? Even after years of skimming from the Torreys and the company, it hadn't added up to 80 million!But for the sake of her son, Gwen gritted her teeth and signed the contract. As Ariana took the signed contract, a satisfied smile spread across her face."Ari, I've signed the contract, so you can trust me. Please, rescue your brother first. What am I supposed to do if something happens to him w
A Bride’s Revenge: No Longer the Backup Chapter 162
Ariana quickly arrived at the entrance of Lodge Co.As she stepped out, the employees outside the building instinctively moved aside, trying to avoid her. Their peculiar gazes made her feel as though she was some sort of fearsome beast.Ariana ignored their stares and walked toward the entrance with her head held high. Within moments, Emily walked out of her office and quickly approached her."Ms. Torrey," she said politely, "Mr. Lodge is currently in a meeting. Perhaps you could wait here for a moment?""Wait here?" Ariana glanced around.All eyes were now fixed on her, and the atmosphere was thick with anticipation. They were clearly curious to see what drama was going to unfold.Everyone here knew her reputation. Over the years, Ariana had caused quite a few spectacles at the office, and gossip about her "chasing after" Brian was widespread. Seeing her here now, it was clear that there was some drama about to unfold."You mean to tell me that the Lodge Co. doesn't even have
A Bride’s Revenge: No Longer the Backup Chapter 163
Ariana wasn't so narcissistic to think that Brian's actions were an act of love.She glanced at the time on her watch and said casually, "By the way, tonight is my brother's birthday banquet. A lot of prominent figures will be attending. If Mr. Lodge refuses to release him, I suppose we'll just have to tell everyone that his future brother-in-law was invited to the Lodges for a drink and hasn't been allowed to leave. What do you think of that excuse, Emily?"Emily's expression darkened instantly. Brian's status and Igor's were worlds apart. The idea of Brian "inviting" Igor for tea was laughable—and humiliating. If such a rumor spread, it would undoubtedly tarnish the Lodge family's reputation.Yet, considering Gwen's shamelessness, Emily couldn't completely rule out the possibility. That mother-son duo was capable of anything."Ms. Torrey, please… Follow me this way," Emily said while gesturing for Ariana to follow her upstairs.The surrounding employees watched in shock as Arian
A Bride’s Revenge: No Longer the Backup Chapter 164
By now, everyone was well aware that Igor was rumored to be Brian's future brother-in-law. If Ariana personally made such a claim at the banquet, the guests would undoubtedly believe her.Brian's expression turned colder. "Does Ariana really think I can't do anything to stop her?"Emily remained silent.Brian looked up. "Where is Igor being held right now?""Mr. Lodge, he is in the basement at the Lodge residence. It's been a day already."The basement of that house was dark and had no bathroom. It was literally a dark and airless room with nothing but a ventilation fan. Most people couldn't stand being in there for more than a few hours. A full day there was borderline excessive."So, Ariana wants to take her useless brother away? Then, let her come to me and beg for it herself." Brian sneered. He originally planned to make her wait for hours to remind her of the vast gap between them. But Ariana wasn't playing by his rules.Fine, then. But if she wanted Igor out, she'd have to
A Bride’s Revenge: No Longer the Backup Chapter 165
Brian's face was uncomfortably close to hers. In the past, Ariana would have blushed at such an intimate moment. But this time. She merely pushed him away, frowning as she said, "Mr. Lodge, this is a workplace. Please show some respect.""You're asking me to show respect?" Brian chuckled, amused by her audacity. He leaned closer to Ariana and said, "Who was it that used to come looking for me three times a day, bending over backward to please me? Back then, did you know what it meant to show respect? Hmm?"As he inched closer, Ariana sidestepped him and replied calmly, "I was young and naive then, Mr. Lodge. Please don't hold it against me."She glanced around and added, "And this is the ladies' restroom. Even if you want to discuss something, isn't this an inappropriate place to do so?"Hearing this, Brian fixed his gaze on Ariana for a moment. His eyes now carry a hint of scrutiny."Mr. Lodge?" Ariana prompted. "Follow me to my office," he ordered, regaining his usual compos
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A Bride’s Revenge: No Longer the Backup Chapter 404
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
A Bride’s Revenge: No Longer the Backup Chapter 403
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
A Bride’s Revenge: No Longer the Backup Chapter 402
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
A Bride’s Revenge: No Longer the Backup Chapter 401
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
A Bride’s Revenge: No Longer the Backup Chapter 400
"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
A Bride’s Revenge: No Longer the Backup Chapter 399
"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
A Bride’s Revenge: No Longer the Backup Chapter 398
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
A Bride’s Revenge: No Longer the Backup Chapter 397
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
A Bride’s Revenge: No Longer the Backup Chapter 396
"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
