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Chapter 35

Author: Cozy Season
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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    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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    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

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