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Chapter 31
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A Bride’s Revenge: No Longer the Backup Chapter 32
The following day, Torrey Co. announced that it would be temporarily halting operations. This made the shareholders panic—halting operations generally meant that something was seriously wrong with the company's cash flow! It was highly likely there would be a breach of several contracts if the problem wasn't immediately dealt with.Everyone sat in the conference room and waited for Gwen to arrive and make a decision. She'd been managing the company, after all.Soon, John arrived. Gwen was behind him. When everyone saw her, they hurriedly asked, "What should we do now that operations have been halted, Mrs. Torrey? Everything will be over if we continue like this!"Gwen wasn't sure what to do when she saw how panicked everyone was. She'd come to the company to destroy the evidence of her embezzlement because she was afraid of Ariana checking the accounts. Who would've expected something like this to happen?It was all Ariana's fault! She'd pissed Brian off, resulting in problems with
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Brian said flippantly, "Ariana can clean up her own mess, then. She's nothing without the Torrey family."Just then, his landline rang, and he answered it. An employee from the front desk was on the line. She said, "There's a lady from the Torrey family who's here for you, Mr. Lodge."He leaned back when he heard that Ariana had arrived and snorted. "Let her up.""Yes, sir." The employee hung up.Soon, Fiona arrived outside Brian's office. She wore a white dress reminiscent of what Evelyn would wear. She entered the office to see Brian poring over some documents.He didn't even look up as he asked mockingly, "So, have you come to beg for mercy?""Mr. Lodge… It's me. Fiona Piper," she said.He frowned and looked up when he heard that it wasn't Ariana.Fiona lowered her head, her face red with embarrassment. "Mr. Lodge, I—""Who told you to come here?" he asked coldly.This took Fiona aback. She couldn't help feeling disappointed when she noticed how his current attitude was co
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Gwen's expression darkened. Ariana said, "It's not that easy being the Torrey family's matriarch, Ms. Lambert. If you don't have any ideas on how to resolve this issue with the cash flow, you're better off running away right now. Don't say I didn't remind you."Gwen was finding it harder and harder to put up a nice front. She'd worked herself to the bone for the Torrey family and had outlived Carson, yet Torrey Co. was now facing a crisis. How could she possibly pay off the Torrey family's debts before she benefited from it? It was not going to happen!"I know you're sensible and kind, Ariana. You wouldn't make me pay off the debts alone, would you? Think of it as me begging you—please apologize to Mr. Lodge. Torrey Co. will be fine once he relents and lets us off the hook!" she said.Ariana smiled at Gwen's pleading. She said, "It's not impossible for me to head over there.""I knew you were the best, Ariana! You won't leave the company to die!""Let's not get ahead of ourselves.
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An hour later, Ariana arrived at Lodge Co. She wore a white camisole underneath a denim jacket, and she paired it with a pair of denim shorts.The employees there couldn't help staring at her. Their eyes were almost popping out of their sockets.Ariana kept her shades on as she approached the front desk. She said, "I want to see Mr. Lodge."When the employee saw a gorgeous woman with long legs, she put her guard up and asked, "I'm sorry, miss, but do you have an appointment?"Ariana took off her shades when she realized the employee didn't recognize her. "I'm Ariana Torrey."The employee was stunned. "M-Ms. Torrey?""Can I head upstairs now?""Y-Yes! Of course!" The employee hurriedly led Ariana to the elevator."Did you guys see that? That was Ms. Torrey!""Why is she dressed like that?""She's gorgeous! Why haven't I ever noticed how pretty she is?""She must be doing this to make Mr. Lodge happy. We all know she imitates Ms. Granger's outfits to a T. I bet this is somethi
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"A-Ariana…" Fiona stood up, frightened when she saw Ariana. She was about to back away when Brian grabbed her wrist."Where are you going?" he asked leisurely. "You're not done with my shoes. Get on your knees and continue wiping until I tell you to stop.""…Yes, Mr. Lodge." Fiona got back on her knees and continued wiping Brian's shoes.He leaned back in his seat and looked at Ariana. "Plenty of people can do the things that you don't want to, Ariana. In fact… They might do it better than you can.""I'm not here to let you nauseate me, Mr. Lodge," Ariana said coldly.Brian looked unfazed. "I can act like nothing happened as long as you kneel before Eve and apologize to her. The engagement party will go on as usual, and I'll give the Torrey family a huge investment."He snorted when Ariana didn't speak. "It's just getting on your knees and apologizing—your knees should be used to this treatment, right? It's not like you haven't done it in the past. Can't you do it now?"He got u
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Brian frowned at Ariana's words. Once she was gone, Fiona hurried forward to berate Ariana. "Ariana doesn't know what's good for her, Mr. Lodge. I'll apologize to you on her behalf…""Fuck off!" he suddenly roared, making her pale in fright.She didn't dare offend him and ran off in tears. Emily entered the office, looking grim as she said, "Ms. Torrey has left, Mr. Lodge."Brian's expression was so hideous that she didn't dare say anymore. After a long silence, he asked, "Did I treat her badly in the past?""…Do you want to hear the truth, sir?"He shot her a look. She lowered her head, not daring to speak. He snarled, "She deserved it! She was the one who wanted to be my lapdog!""Y-Yes, sir. You're right," Emily said."She'd done it willingly. Why is she coming to me and putting on such an aggrieved act now?""Yes, sir. Ms. Torrey brought this upon herself."Brian's mood improved when he heard Emily agreeing with him.Just then, Isaac entered the office, looking excited. "
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"Why do you ask? Are you interested in her?" Brian asked in return.Isaac hurriedly denied it. "I wouldn't dare! Ariana is head over heels for you—I'm unworthy of her. I heard something, though. It seems she's been spending a lot of time with William Kingsman, your rival. They've been meeting each other in secret since the auction!"Brian frowned at that. Then, he sneered. This explained why Ariana dared to act so arrogantly before him—she'd latched onto William. To think she'd had the nerve to tell him they were only acquaintances! Did she think he was an idiot?"You know who Vance Hubbord is, right? He's lusted after Ariana for ages. He's quite the bootlicker—he heard today is Evelyn's birthday and is joining the party. He even asked me to ask you whether you and Ariana are really going to call it quits. If you are, then he wants to shoot his shot with her," Isaac said.He coughed awkwardly before continuing, "I know I shouldn't stick my nose into this, but you know what a bastar
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Selena looked pissed. She wouldn't have come to this dumb birthday celebration if not for her parents forcing her. She didn't want to be around a group of disgusting people who only said disgusting things!"Everyone knows you and Ariana are best friends, Selena, so there's no point in you standing up for her. Why don't you call her and tell her to come over? Tell her it's Ms. Granger's birthday and that Mr. Lodge is about to kiss her. I bet she'll immediately come running!" someone said.Everyone laughed at that. Selena's expression turned steely with rage. "How dare you!""Not going to make the call, are you? I'll do it, then!" One of the scions lunged forward and snatched Selena's phone.She paled. "Give that back to me!"Isaac's expression turned ugly at this turn of events. He said, "That's enough, Tom! Return the phone to Selena!""The call's connected!" The drunk scions were too far gone to realize what they were doing.Ariana's lazy, aloof voice rang out on the other end
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A Bride’s Revenge: No Longer the Backup Chapter 188
"Yes, Mr. Lodge."Emily quickly left to get the exhaust fans.Downstairs, Brian wore a simple white robe and went to check the fridge. There were indeed a few simple dishes waiting, but he could tell at once that Ariana hadn't prepared them.He remembered how Ariana used to make all kinds of creative dishes for him when she stayed at the Lodge residence. She was worried he might lose his appetite.Back then, he would decide whether to eat or not depending on his mood. But now, he had to beg Ariana to cook, and she still refused.He had no desire to eat anymore, so he slammed the fridge door shut.Seeing this, Emily asked, "Mr. Lodge, are these dishes not to your liking?""What do you think?"He clearly looked displeased.Emily was puzzled. It shouldn't be. Brian had always liked Martha's cooking. Why didn't he like it now?"Mr. Lodge, should I order takeout for you?""No need."Brian frowned. "Has Ariana eaten anything tonight?""I believe not.""Tell her to come down and
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Evelyn couldn't just sit and do nothing.She couldn't just watch Ariana seize Brian from her.With that in mind, Evelyn quickly took out her phone and dialed a familiar number."Hello, I want you to come back to the country. I need you to help me with something!"In the evening, Brian returned to the Lodge residence.He found only one lamp switched on in the living room, and the sound of moving furniture was coming from upstairs.Frowning, he asked, "They're still not done?"Emily answered, "Ms. Torrey is quite particular. She's already sent back three batches of furniture this afternoon.""Where is she now?"Emily said uneasily, "She's... probably in there giving instructions.""Giving instructions? What exactly is she instructing?"Brian's face darkened as he headed upstairs, wanting to see what Ariana was playing at.The moment he got to the second floor, a cloud of white dust blew right into him.The worker immediately apologized. "Mr. Lodge, I'm so sorry. Ms. Torrey w
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Might not be true?Evelyn had heard it clearly.Brian had forced a kiss on Ariana, and the Lodge residence was being revamped for her.Thinking of this, Evelyn headed straight to Brian's office.When she reached the door, Emily stepped forward to stop her. "Ms. Granger, Mr. Lodge is in a meeting. He can't see anyone right..."Before Emily could finish, Evelyn pushed the door open.Inside, Brian was wearing a headset and speaking to an international firm via video call. He shot Evelyn a frown for barging in.He swiftly ended the call with a few short words."Eve, I'm working."Evelyn would never have been this impulsive before.Brian put down his headset and looked at her.Evelyn lowered her head and said, "I... I didn't mean to interrupt you.""What's the matter?" Brian asked."I came to pick you up from work," Evelyn replied, forcing a smile that looked incredibly stiff.Brian didn't seem to notice anything unusual about Evelyn's mood. "I've got something going on tonigh
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Brian thought Ariana was hinting at something. He said, "We're engaged. It's perfectly normal for us to share a room. My bed is big enough for three, so if you want...""Mr. Lodge, if you're trying to take responsibility for what happened earlier, there's really no need. I understand you acted on impulse because you were angry. It was just a kiss. I don't care at all."Hearing Ariana's words, Brian thought he must have misheard. "You... You said you don't care at all?""Of course. It's the 21st century. A kiss isn't a big deal. I'm not going to lose sleep over it."Brian was momentarily speechless. Ariana's words made him so angry that he just laughed.So, he was the only one who still cared about it?"You're right. I thought you cared about your chastity more than anything. Looks like I was wrong. Forget what I said before."Brian felt something tighten in his chest. He went upstairs, then stopped halfway, remembering he had come back specifically to talk about their relationsh
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At that moment, Brian's voice came from behind Ariana. "Alright. I agree."Hearing this, Ariana turned around. She hadn't expected him to come back at this moment.She turned too fast and bumped into his chest, banging her nose against the badge on his suit. She stepped back, rubbing her nose. "Mr. Lodge, did you really agree to all that?"From what she remembered, he was never so easy to deal with.Brian said calmly, "What's wrong? Now that I've agreed, you're not happy about it?""If you're on board, of course I'm happy."With that, Ariana acted as though she was afraid he might change his mind. She said to Emily, "You heard it, Ms. Weston. Mr. Lodge is fine with everything. I'll leave the arrangements to you.""Yes, Ms. Torrey."Emily hurried off to prepare Ariana's new room.Ariana looked at Brian. "Mr. Lodge, if there's nothing else, I'd like to go get some rest.""Hold on." Brian suddenly grabbed her arm.Ariana frowned and glanced at his hand, wishing she could slice
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Belinda had seen Gwen's true colors a long time ago. Yet, because Gwen was Ariana's stepmother and the lady of the Torrey family, Belinda treated her with courtesy.But when Belinda thought of Igor's disgraceful behavior from the previous night, she had no desire to humor Gwen any further.She asked indifferently, "Mrs. Torrey, how much money are you hoping to borrow?""Not a lot... just 90 million."Belinda froze. 90 million? That was a bold request indeed."Mrs. Lodge Senior, I know the Lodge family has immense resources. 90 million is just a drop in the bucket for you. Please have mercy on us. We really are facing a crisis, or else I wouldn't be begging for your help."Gwen was anxious to redeem the Aurora Pearls. The seller had said the price would rise again in a couple more days. If she waited too long, even 90 million wouldn't be enough."Mrs. Torrey, you're quite brazen. Do you think we're just a convenient ATM for the Torreys?"Belinda was already displeased with Arian
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Ariana's eyelid twitched as she asked, "Emily, what does this mean?""It's a gift from Mr. Lodge. He asked me to apologize for his impulsive behavior earlier..."Before Emily could finish, Ariana shut the door in her face.Emily called out urgently, "Ms. Torrey! Mr. Lodge really is sorry! He even sent someone to pick you up! Please don't make this difficult for us! We're just following orders! Ms. Torrey!"Inside, Ariana ignored Emily's shouts.However, Gwen hurried downstairs. She pointed at Ariana and snapped, "What's wrong with you? You dare turn away Mr. Lodge's secretary?"Since Igor had offended the Shaw family, Gwen was desperate to latch on to Brian now. She couldn't afford to offend him.Putting on a flattering smile, Gwen opened the door and said to Emily, "Ms. Weston, don't mind Ariana. She's just shy. I'll make sure she goes with you!"Ariana found it laughable to see Gwen currying favor with Emily.Gwen still owed Ariana money, yet she shamelessly suggested sendin
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Only Ariana had slapped him again and again. Only she dared to do that."Mr. Lodge..."Emily entered the office and said, "Ms. Torrey knocked over the decorative plant by the entrance as she left.""Let her knock it over.""What?" Emily was taken aback.Let her knock it over?Brian wiped at the blood where Ariana had bitten his lip. "Go to the Torrey residence and bring Ariana back here. Tell her I said she isn't allowed to go anywhere without my permission.""Mr. Lodge, that might not be a good idea. What if she leaves again? That would only make you look bad."The last time Ariana left, Brian threw out all her belongings in anger. Going back to fetch her now would be embarrassing enough. If Evelyn learned about this, it could blow up.Brian said, "I told you to do it. Are you going to defy me?""Certainly not." Emily quickly lowered her head.Brian said, "Ariana is my fiancée. I want her to live with me. Is there a problem?""No.""Then get going. Don't make me say it th
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Seeing Brian speak up for Ariana, Belinda merely nodded."Ariana, you've always been smart and well-behaved, but when it comes to matters affecting both families' reputations, you've been too careless. We'll let last night slide, but if it happens again, don't blame me for being mean. I'll have to reconsider your engagement then," she said with a smile, but there was a warning in her tone.Ariana tried to free her hand again, but Brian held on firmly. She was about to speak when Brian said, "You're right, Grandma. Ari has always been smart and well-behaved. Her brother is the one causing problems. Next time, she'll watch him more strictly, so it won't happen again."He then turned to Emily. "Emily, please escort Grandma out.""Yes, sir." Emily helped Belinda out.Brian pulled Ariana behind him, blocking her from view. She frowned and reached out with her free hand to pinch him hard at the waist.He gasped but had to stifle the sound in front of Belinda. Ariana felt a bit gratifie
