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Chapter 45
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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
A Bride’s Revenge: No Longer the Backup Chapter 47
"Okay." Ariana only got into the car after watching Selena leave.Soon, the Torrey family's driver arrived. When Ariana saw that it was Clark Anderson, she asked, "Shouldn't Jim have been the one on duty today?""He's sick, so I'm taking his shift." Clark smiled. "Do you want to head home now, Ms. Torrey?""Yeah. Let's go.""Alright."Ariana leaned against the window as Clark drove. She felt tired. The heat was on in the car, and the space was enclosed. It didn't take long for things to get stuffy. She said, "Roll the window down, Clark. I'm feeling a little dizzy."He said, "We're almost there, Ms. Torrey. Hold on for a while longer."Ariana felt nauseous, and her head spun. She wanted to roll the window down herself but found that it had been locked. That was when she noticed Clark had put on a mask without her realizing.She realized something was wrong and held up a hand to make him stop. However, she was out of strength.Something was up. Had she been sedated?"I'm just
A Bride’s Revenge: No Longer the Backup Chapter 48
Everyone stopped what they were doing and looked at William. He looked frosty, and his tone was equally so. "Ask them what they did."Brian frowned. Isaac looked at the two men William had thrown into the room and recognized them as two scions who often hung out with Vance. "Have you two done something to upset Mr. Kingsman? Why aren't you talking?"The two exchanged a look at Isaac's question. Then, one said flippantly, "It's just Vance. Ariana pissed Mr. Lodge off today, so Vance wanted to teach her a lesson."Everyone in the upper crust knew that Brian and William were sworn rivals. The two scions had followed Vance's lead and chosen to side with Brian, so they stopped being scared of William when they saw Brian was around.The other one said, "Vance said Mr. Lodge gave him the green light to chase after Ariana. Since she's upset Mr. Lodge, it's only right for him to teach her a lesson and take her down a notch. You're sticking your nose where it doesn't belong, Mr. Kingsman. Mr
A Bride’s Revenge: No Longer the Backup Chapter 49
Just then, Ariana heard the door creak open. Soon, Vance's sly face appeared before her.He clucked his tongue and said, "Mr. Lodge really doesn't know how to enjoy worldly pleasures, huh? I can't believe he would choose someone as boring as Evelyn over someone as hot as you. I wouldn't have humiliated you in front of so many people like that—I'd spend all my time loving you!"He rubbed his hands excitedly as he stalked toward Ariana. She suppressed her revulsion and tried to think of a way to get free.She probably wasn't in a proper hotel. However, the lavishness of the facilities provided indicated that this was a place where scions often came to have fun. Places like this generally had high levels of security. It was close to impossible for her to get away."Vance, if you dare touch me—""What's going to happen?" Vance reached out to stroke Ariana's cheek. The smoothness of her skin stimulated his senses. "Mr. Lodge has already kicked you to the curb! I sent someone to ask him
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"I have Mr. Lodge backing me up. Why should I be afraid of William?" Vance snarled. As his lust took over, he took his shirt off, looking excited. "You like talking big, don't you? I'll let you talk and scream all you want!""Let me go, Vance! Don't touch me!" Ariana shouted.Vance sat on her and stuffed something like a ball into her mouth. Then, he whipped her. "I heard you were willing to do anything to suck up to Brian, Ariana. Tonight, I'm going to see what exactly you've done to please him!"Ariana recalled the humiliation she'd suffered before her death as she watched Vance lean down. Would she have to suffer the same fate despite being given a chance to start over?Did she owe Brian her life?No, she didn't! The heavens had given her a second chance at life, and she wouldn't give in so easily! She refused!Ariana struggled with all her might. She suddenly got a burst of strength and sat up, ramming Vance's forehead with hers. He cried out in pain and backed away.Using t
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Brian's car stopped at the entrance of the hotel.As Emily opened the car door, he glanced at the hotel, and his face darkened. "This is it, Mr. Lodge."Such places were designed as entertainment hubs for wealthy heirs like Vance. It featured numerous themed rooms and ensured a high level of privacy, so it was a popular spot among the riches for their meetups.Vance ran out of the hotel stark naked. There was a terrified expression on his face as if he'd encountered a monstrous beast.When he spotted Brian, he ran over and clung to the latter's leg. He cried out, "Mr. Lodge, please save me!"Two bodyguards armed with electric batons stormed out of the hotel, and both of them wore Kingsman Co. logos on their uniforms. It was clear William had sent them to teach Vance a lesson."Mr. Lodge, they… Ah!" Halfway through his words, Brian had kicked him aside.Stunned, he stammered, "Mr. L… Mr. Lodge?""Where's Ariana?" Brian's voice was icy. Vance assumed the former was upset about
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When Igor heard that Gwen had sold Ariana to Vance, he froze. "Mom, if you sold Ariana to Vance, what about Mr. Lodge?""Mr. Lodge?" Gwen's face darkened at the mention of his name."Ariana completely offended him. Do you think the Lodges will still accept her? It's better to sell her off while someone's willing to pay."Even if she ends up as the lady of the Hubbords, it's better than having her stay here and compete with you for the family inheritance!"With a bang the door to the Torrey residence was suddenly kicked open. Gwen jumped in fright at the abrupt noise. She looked up and saw Ariana standing at the door."Why… Why are you…" Gwen's face filled with shock. She hadn't expected Ariana to show up here. Wasn't she supposed to have been sent to the hotel by the driver?"You're wondering why I'm here, right?" Ariana's voice was cold and distant, and Gwen started feeling guilty under her questioning tone.Ariana continued, "I never imagined this. Though we might not share
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Halfway through Gwen's words, Ariana forcibly shook her off. The former was caught off balance and nearly stumbled down the stairs.Igor rushed to help Gwen and glared at Ariana. He snapped, "My mom apologized! What more do you want!"Standing on the stairs, Ariana looked down at the pair of heartless schemers, and her eyes glinted with disdain. "Actions have consequences. This jacket I'm wearing comes from Mr. Kingsman. What will you do if you accidentally tear it?"Gwen's face turned instantly pale as she noticed the black suit draped over Ariana's shoulders. It seemed Ariana was telling the truth."Don't worry, Ms. Lambert. We'll settle scores after I end my engagement with Brian."Ariana turned to head upstairs, but Gwen quickly lunged forward and grabbed her wrist. "What? You're breaking off the engagement?"You can't! You're not sure if Mr. Kingsman has decided to marry you. If you call off the engagement now, Torrey Co. will be saddled with debt, and the Lodges won't let u
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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
