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Chapter 318
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A Bride’s Revenge: No Longer the Backup Chapter 319
The rumor was that William and Susan had met each other overseas.Some people even said that William not getting close to any woman was because of Susan.A secretary opened the car door. William got out first and offered his hand to help Ariana step out.When Ariana appeared, people around them gasped.She was breathtaking. One glance and they couldn't look away. Her eyes alone seemed to hold a special allure that could draw them in."She's the CEO of Warto Group, Susan Smith?""No wonder William is smitten."...There was a continuous murmur of amazement.William and Ariana matched so well in looks that seeing them together was like witnessing a perfect couple.Brian felt a moment of shock when he saw her face, but it quickly turned into suspicion. She looked strikingly similar to Ariana."It's strange. Ms. Smith's dress looks exactly like Ms. Granger's."Someone in the crowd spoke up, prompting everyone to notice.Indeed, Ariana's gown was nearly identical to Evelyn's. T
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Seeing Brian extend his hand, Ariana was shocked and disgusted.Evelyn stood by and watched Ariana carefully. Brian never took the initiative to shake hands with other women.Everyone around turned to look at Ariana. They hadn't expected Brian—known for avoiding all other women—to reach out first for a handshake.In the end, Ariana still shook Brian's hand."Nice to meet you, Mr. Lodge."Ariana said that politely, but on the inside, she was already cursing him.She wasn't sure if Brian did it on purpose, but she felt his grip tighten sharply around her hand.Ariana's injuries were bad enough. With Brian gripping her so firmly, the pain spread through her entire body.She couldn't show weakness in front of everyone, so she forced a faint smile despite the pain in her hand.Brian watched her reaction closely, trying to catch a slip that might reveal she was actually Ariana.As far as he knew, Ariana's right hand was badly hurt, so any pressure should have caused her excruciatin
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However, Susan's every move was completely different from Ariana's. She was an aloof beauty, distant and untouchable."Brian, are you listening to me?" Evelyn asked again.Brian came back to himself and answered flatly, "You're overthinking. Ariana can't be Susan. Maybe they just look a bit alike."One was a capable overseas executive. The other was a sheltered heiress who had never left Gleaston.Ariana had spent all her time chasing him around, so there was no way she could have gone abroad to become Warto Group's executive director.Evelyn felt uneasy again. In the past, it was Ariana who worried her, and now it was Susan. Her intuition told her both were formidable threats.During the reception, people made small talk. Many socialites who had previously flocked to Evelyn now drifted toward Ariana, since they saw how much attention she was getting from Brian and William."Everyone's been saying Ms. Smith is a beauty. We finally got to see for ourselves.""Yes, indeed. Warto
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That evening, William drove Ariana back to the apartment he had arranged for her. It was close to Glea College and well-equipped. The privacy it offered kept her away from prying eyes.When they got out of the car, Ariana could barely walk and needed William's help just to reach the building.She kicked off her high heels and tossed them onto the ground. She had no intention of ever wearing them again."Is it really that bad?""Oh, it's that bad. Next time, Mr. Kingsman, you can wear high heels and see how you like it. Besides, I'm still hurt. Every step was torture!"William teased her. "You acted so well I couldn't tell it was killing you."He reached out to look at the injury on Ariana's hand.Obviously, Brian had tried to crush her fingers to see if she was Ariana. Even though her hand turned red, she stayed silent and endured the pain."Too bad it was almost healed. Now I have to redo my bandages."William asked, "Where do you keep the medicine? I'll get it for you.""Do
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On that day, Ariana realized she didn't look like Evelyn at all.Ariana was just Ariana, not anyone's stand-in.The next morning, the private doctor William hired came to examine Ariana's wounds. When he saw all the injuries on her body, he applied targeted treatments and reminded her of a few things, then left.Ariana had planned to practice writing with her left hand in the apartment. But she remembered her library books were due, so she had to return them to the school library.Julia happened to be there with Evelyn. They were studying.Everyone knew this final exam would be the hardest in years, so all the soon-to-graduate students were staying in the library day and night.When Julia saw Ariana walk in, she stepped forward right away. "Oh, look who it is. The Torrey family's heiress. Why are you here all alone to return books? Where's Selena, that sidekick of yours? Did she find out the Torrey family is about to go bankrupt and decide to keep her distance?"Evelyn was the h
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"Ariana, we're on campus! Are you really crazy enough to lay a hand on me here?"Julia refused to believe this fallen heiress would actually act out in public on campus.Without Brian's support, Ariana was completely vulnerable."Looks like you forgot. A while back, you and Maddie teamed up against me. You dared raise a hand to me, so why can't I raise a hand to you? Besides, you provoked me first. Even if we go to the dean, I have my explanation," Ariana said calmly.Julia sneered and shot back, "Back then, you were Mr. Lodge's fiancée, so we held back. Do you really think the dean will take your side now that you've broken off the engagement?"Everyone around understood how Glea College worked. If someone had status, the school would give them privileges. As long as they didn't break a major rule, the school would hush it up.Ariana used to get help because she was Brian's fiancée, but now that was over. Not even the dean or teachers would defend her."So, you're saying the de
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"Hurt you?" Ariana asked.That was ridiculous. All she did was grab her wrist, yet she was acting as if her arm was broken.The other students caught on to Julia's signal. They began pointing at Ariana."Ariana, that's too much. Julia never did anything to you. She was just mad about Maddie's expulsion, and now you're being violent!""Exactly, Ariana. You've crossed the line. We need to see the dean. The exam's coming soon. If Julia's hand is injured, how can she take the exam? Are you responsible for this?"All around, people were stirring up trouble.Ariana realized Evelyn's plan. Evelyn wanted her gone before the exams. She was making her move now, but Ariana thought it was too rushed."I won't let you get away with this, Ariana. You're coming with me to the dean's office, and we'll settle this. If you don't explain yourself, I'll call the police," Julia said hatefully, not planning to back down."Fine. Let's go see who's lying."There were plenty of witnesses just now. Ari
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If Evelyn had cared about her reputation for fairness before, this time she was completely on Julia's side.The dean knew she was pressuring him. He felt torn and looked at Ariana. She was Brian's former fiancée, and William also showed her plenty of support. He still had to be careful.If he punished her too harshly and the board held him accountable, he'd be in trouble.He looked again at Evelyn, remembering she was the woman Brian adored. He really didn't want to offend her.He slammed his hand on the desk and said to Ariana, "Ariana! Everyone's saying they saw you hurt Julia. How do you explain yourself?"The dean was giving Ariana a chance to present evidence. Even if it wasn't fully convincing, he hoped she could give him something.Ariana wasn't stupid. She walked over to Julia and reached for her wrist.Julia instinctively tried to dodge, but Ariana was too quick. Julia ended up with her wrist in Ariana's grip."Ow! Let go! Ariana, let go!"Julia struggled, then pushed
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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
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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
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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
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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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"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
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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
