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Chapter 38
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A Bride’s Revenge: No Longer the Backup Chapter 39
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
A Bride’s Revenge: No Longer the Backup Chapter 40
This wasn't the upper crust's first time making a fool out of Ariana. To them, she was a lapdog who deserved to be fooled.Isaac saw that Selena looked like she was about to cry. He turned to glance at Brian and saw the latter leaning against the couch, drinking his whiskey like nothing had happened. He didn't seem to want to interfere in the matter."Brian!" Isaac approached him and lowered his voice. "This is going too far, and we should stop before the damage is done. What are you going to do when Ariana arrives? Are you going to sit back and watch as she becomes the laughingstock of Gleaston?""Why should I stop her when she's willing to suffer through the humiliation?" Brian asked coldly.Isaac wasn't happy to hear that. "Evelyn is supposed to be the star of this party. Do you think it's going to bode well for her if you allow them to continue with this debacle?"Evelyn placed a hand on Brian's arm and said, "He's right, Brian… How about you call Ms. Torrey and tell her not t
A Bride’s Revenge: No Longer the Backup Chapter 41
Ariana held out a hand and asked, "Where's the phone?"Tom held up a hand to show that he had Selena's phone. "It's here. I heard about you offending Ms. Granger, Ariana. I'll return it to you if you get on your knees and apologize to her.""I don't want the phone anymore, Ari! Let's go!" Selena stepped forward to take Ariana away, but the latter had no intention of leaving.She took a step toward Tom, enveloping him in her fragrance. It was alluring and dazed him. That was when Ariana lifted a leg and kicked him in the groin.He howled in pain as he fell to the floor and curled up. The phone fell out of his hand.Ariana swiftly caught it before giving him a cold look. She returned the phone to Selena and turned back to Tom, saying, "I don't remember the Slater family being all that powerful—your family's company isn't even publicly listed, is it?"How did you make your way into this social circle? I remember when my father was still around a few years ago, your family wasn't eve
A Bride’s Revenge: No Longer the Backup Chapter 42
The people's words were getting nastier. Selena was about to lose her temper. Before she could explode, Ariana held her hand and shook her head. Selena had her family to consider—the Lovegoods couldn't afford to offend anyone in this circle.When Evelyn saw this, she stepped forward and said, "I know you're upset because Brian has put together this celebration for my birthday, but Tom is innocent. You don't have to vent your frustrations on him, Ms. Torrey."She picked up a glass of liquor from the table and handed it to Ariana. "It's my birthday today, so how about we sweep this matter under the rug for my sake?"Ariana accepted the glass. Evelyn was about to get another glass and drink it with her when Brian got up and moved to stand beside Evelyn.Everyone watched with bated breath, not sure what he was up to. He took Evelyn's glass and poured the liquor on the floor before Ariana. This was equivalent to insulting Ariana in front of everyone."Brian, don't be like this…" Evelyn
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"Brian!" Evelyn wanted to run after Brian.Isaac immediately stood in her way and said, "Everyone's here to celebrate your birthday, Evelyn! Hurry up and blow out the candles!"She looked upset to see him standing in her way. Brian had always been stoic and good at controlling his emotions. Why could Ariana affect him so easily? Could it be that he'd really caught feelings for her?Meanwhile, Ariana and Selena were already outside Nyte Club. Selena was so nervous that she could barely form a coherent sentence. "What if you really piss Brian off, Ari? I saw how angry he looked earlier. What if—""Get in the car," Ariana interjected. She pushed Selena into the car.Before the latter could say anything, Ariana felt someone tug her aside roughly. She turned and snarled, "Let me go, Brian!"Selena paled when she saw Brian grip Ariana's wrist tightly and drag her away. She hurried after them. "Ari!"The security guards stopped her before she could catch up. One of them said, "I'm sorr
A Bride’s Revenge: No Longer the Backup Chapter 44
"I don't think you'll have any objection to that, so I'll get going. I'll show up at 10:00 am for Lodge Co.'s press conference tomorrow," Ariana said.She pushed Brian away. As she turned to leave, he grabbed her arm again. She frowned, looking like she was being pestered by a rat from the sewers. She didn't bother hiding her disgust, snarling, "Your refusal to give up is getting tiring, Brian."He saw the disgust and revulsion in her eyes. It was a look he'd found familiar the first time he'd seen it in her eyes, but he hadn't thought much about it then. At that moment, it suddenly occurred to him why it was familiar—it was how he'd looked at her in the past!He fumed. How dare she look at him like that!He gritted his teeth and snarled, "You'd better think twice about calling this engagement off, Ariana.""She already has." A voice came from outside the private room, and it sounded amused. The door was pushed open to reveal William standing there. He wore a white shirt with the
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"I'm pretty scared of danger, so I like having more people with me when I leave the house," William said. "That's why it's hard to say who's the one who won't be leaving this place today."The tension reached a climax. When the group who was celebrating Evelyn's birthday heard about the showdown, they hurried to the private room.Evelyn made her way through the crowd to see Ariana, William, and Brian facing off. Her expression darkened—it was obvious what had happened. William and Brian were fighting over Ariana."What's going on, Brian?" she asked, suppressing her suspicion. "Didn't Ms. Torrey already leave? And Mr. Kingsman…"Compared to the showdown between Brian and William, everyone was more interested in knowing how William and Ariana were linked.After all, he was known for keeping his distance from women. Ariana had once talked bad about him in public, so most of the rumors about him being gay that circulated in the upper crust had started from her.Logically speaking, th
A Bride’s Revenge: No Longer the Backup Chapter 46
Ariana didn't know what William was trying to pull. Since getting to know him, she'd discovered he was much more sly than he seemed. She wasn't too interested in his reward but wanted to know how he'd appeared at the right time.With that thought in mind, she leaned close and sniffed him. "You reek of alcohol… Did you come after gathering with friends for drinks?"He nodded and indicated for her to continue. She frowned. "You were probably discussing business here if you could show up at the right time.""Nope." William wiggled a finger before her face. "You guessed wrong, so there won't be a reward.""You—"Before she could continue, he opened the door to another private room, revealing the professors from Glea College. They were singing old songs.Their gazes landed on William and Ariana."Mr. Kingsman, this is…""Isn't this Ariana Torrey from my faculty? You haven't shown up for classes or been answering your phone. We know you're getting engaged soon, but your education sho
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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
A Bride’s Revenge: No Longer the Backup Chapter 187
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
A Bride’s Revenge: No Longer the Backup Chapter 185
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
A Bride’s Revenge: No Longer the Backup Chapter 184
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
A Bride’s Revenge: No Longer the Backup Chapter 183
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
