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Chapter 164
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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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"Yeah," Ariana replied, nodding. "Why else would I be here?" Brian had expected her to at least explain why she had gotten into Victor's car the night before. But to his surprise, Ariana seemed completely indifferent, showing no intention of offering her fiance any explanation. The thought made Brian feel inexplicably stifled. Then again, he reminded himself that if he had decided to distance himself from his feelings for Ariana, he shouldn't let her actions affect his emotions anymore.With a cold demeanor, he said, "You can leave now." Ariana didn't bother questioning his abrupt mood shift. She simply turned and walked out.Outside, Emily watched her leave and couldn't help but sweat nervously.Did Ms. Torrey really not notice that Mr. Lodge was upset? Anyone else would have sensed that something was off, right?Ariana drove straight to the Lodge residence.When Francine saw her arrive, she warmly opened the door and said, "Ms. Torrey, Mr. Lodge instructed me to take you t
A Bride’s Revenge: No Longer the Backup Chapter 167
"Ariana, this is all your fault!" Igor could rage all he wanted– it wouldn't make a difference. With Brian backing her up, Ariana could do whatever she wanted in Gleaston.Soon, Gwen received Igor's call. When she arrived, she found Igor standing miserably in the alley outside the Lodge residence."My son! How did you end up like this?" The moment she approached Igor, she was hit by the awful stench coming from him.Igor snapped, "It's all because of Ariana! Who knows what kind of spell she's cast on Brian? He had me locked up in the basement overnight! Mom, you must stand up for me and teach Ariana a lesson!"Igor was completely unaware of his precarious position. Feeling a bit uneasy, Gwen said, "That girl is not as easy to push around as she used to be. Calm down. Go take a shower and change into clean clothes. We still have your birthday celebration tonight." "Birthday? What's the point of celebrating now?" Igor fumed.Gwen tried to reassure him. "Listen to me. I've spen
A Bride’s Revenge: No Longer the Backup Chapter 168
By evening, the entrance of the Royal Hotel was bustling with cars. The neon lights lining the streets create an atmosphere of glitz and excess.When Ariana and Selena arrived, the hotel's entrance was already packed with luxury cars, with the drivers standing by to enter the parking garage. They got out of the car while the hotel's valet helped them park their car.Selena scoffed, "So many people came. They're really giving Igor the VIP treatment." "Let's head inside," Ariana said, leading the way. The hotel manager, Damien noticed Ariana immediately and hurried over to greet her. "Ms. Torrey, let me escort you to the banquet hall." Ariana nodded and followed Damien. Inside, the hall was already crowded with guests. There were people from top celebrities to brand executives, corporate leaders, and influential figures across various industries. And of course, there were also many affluent socialites and young heirs.Ariana raised an eyebrow as she surveyed the crowd. The turnout
A Bride’s Revenge: No Longer the Backup Chapter 169
Evelyn noticed the faint displeasure in Brian's expression. She lowered her voice and said gently, "You've accompanied me to events like this so many times before. Why is it different now?" Brian pressed his lips together, unsure of how to respond.In the past, whenever the Torrey family hosted events, he would attend with Evelyn without hesitation, never sparing a thought for Ariana's feelings. But tonight, something was different. For some reason, the thought of public scrutiny falling on Ariana bothered him.Evelyn looked up at him. Her eyes were misty with unshed tears. "Could it really be true, what they're saying? Have you started to care about Ariana?" Brian sighed. "Evelyn, you know that's not what I mean." "Then don't worry about it so much. From what I can see, Ms. Torrey doesn't mind it at all," Evelyn said softly.Her words prompted Brian to glance toward Ariana. Sure enough, Ariana seemed utterly indifferent to the fact that he was attending with Evelyn.Brian fe
A Bride’s Revenge: No Longer the Backup Chapter 170
As for today…Ariana smirked slightly. Tonight, she just wanted to sit back and watch the show unfold."Mr. Shaw, Mrs. Shaw." Gwen's eyes lit up as she spotted the CEO of Shaw Group across the hall.Shaw Group was one of the most prominent forces in Gleaston, with a well-established reputation, and Elaine Shaw was the heiress of the Shaws. Born into wealth, raised in an intellectual family, and being the cherished only child of her parents, Elaine had grown up surrounded by love and privilege. She was known for her grace, warmth, and generosity. With such high qualities, it was no surprise that many influential families, including Gwen, had considered her an ideal daughter-in-law.Years ago, even Belinda had taken an interest in Elaine. However, she was fiercely independent and had no intention of becoming a housewife. With her loving parents backing her unconditionally, she was not someone easily controlled, and Belinda eventually gave up on the idea.If not for Gwen spend
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Elaine's remark was obviously implying that Igor hadn't been worthy of showing up here in the past.When Gwen heard it, her expression grew a little stiff.Still, Elaine didn't really mean to target Gwen and her son. She smiled and said, "Although Mr. Torrey is not someone we know well, there is plenty of time to get acquainted today. I heard that very few people in Gleaston can book the Royal Hotel's banquet hall. It shows Mr. Torrey must have a bright future."This statement helped ease the situation somewhat, but Igor didn't miss the disdain and contempt in Elaine's eyes.Not far away, Ariana was watching them. It looked as though Igor and Elaine were chatting and laughing.However, Ariana knew perfectly well that Elaine could never think highly of someone like Igor. If it weren't for Brian's status, the Shaw family wouldn't have even considered attending this banquet."Ari, what are you looking at?" Selena, standing off to the side, asked Ariana in confusion.Selena was prac
A Bride’s Revenge: No Longer the Backup Chapter 172
In the distance, Brian and Evelyn walked up to Igor.Brian took the initiative to clink glasses with him. Many people saw it happen, including the Shaw family. They began to regard Igor more favorably.Igor felt especially proud as he raised his glass to meet Brian's.The crisp sound of their glasses tapping rang out. In that instant, the entire room fell silent, and everyone's attention landed on Igor.Not far away, Ariana's lips curved slightly.Igor apparently had no idea how serious this was. He downed his champagne in one gulp.Gwen also didn't notice anything amiss. Only Evelyn looked visibly uncomfortable.Brian held his champagne without drinking it. His eyes darkened.Selena gaped. "Is Igor out of his mind? Who does he think he is? Does he not realize he has to show respect if he wants to stay in this circle?"During that brief moment of clinking glasses, Igor had taken the lead. He lifted his glass higher than Brian's. That was a huge taboo in these social circles.
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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
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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
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"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
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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
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"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
