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Chapter 52
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A Bride’s Revenge: No Longer the Backup Chapter 53
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
A Bride’s Revenge: No Longer the Backup Chapter 54
News of Lodge Co. hosting a press conference had spread like wildfire by morning.At the Lodge residence, Belinda slammed the morning news onto the table with a loud smack. Then, she furiously got to her feet. "Outrageous!""Mrs. Lodge Senior."The helper picked up the newspaper. When she read about the press conference meant to clarify Brian and Ariana's relationship, her expression darkened. "Why hadn't anyone consulted me about such a major decision? What on earth happened? Emily, speak!" Belinda's voice was icy.Emily was reluctantly summoned to face Belinda. She stammered, "At Ms. Granger's birthday party last night… Someone joked at Ms. Torrey's expense… She proposed ending the engagement… and Mr. Lodge agreed.""Evelyn again?" Benlinda's dislike for Evelyn was well-known, and as she learned that the calling off of the engagement stemmed from Evelyn, her face grew darker."Well well. She won't give up, will she? Send me there right now! I'd like to see who dares hold the
A Bride’s Revenge: No Longer the Backup Chapter 55
"That's just one of her tactics. She's trying to get with William to make me regret everything. There's no need to be bothered by such petty schemes," Brian explained."Ms. Torrey, that's your lounge." A staff member's voice caught Brian's attention.Ariana walked in wearing a fitted black dress that highlighted her elegance. Her hair was styled in waves behind her back. Her beauty was breathtaking even with minimal makeup.Even the staff couldn't help taking a second look. Ariana said, "There's no need. Let's start as soon as possible.""Understood. We'll start right away."The door to the lounge opened, and Ariana turned to see Evelyn step out. The latter was dressed in a class Chanel outfit that radiated a gentle and refined demeanor."I'm so sorry about yesterday, Ms. Torrey." Evelyn apologized, but her actions seemed deliberate as she subtly allowed Ariana to catch a glimpse of Brian in the lounge.Even at a time like this, Evelyn still felt the need to declare her claim
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Ariana smiled and responded, "Of course that's…""Of course, that's not true!" A commanding voice interrupted them from outside.Everyone turned to look at the door of the conference hall. The doors swung open to reveal Belinda marching in with an indomitable air.Ariana frowned to see Belinda. The latter rarely appeared in public, so why had she shown up today? Could someone have leaked the news about her and Brian's plans to call off their engagement?Backstage, Evelyn paled at the sight of Belinda. Everyone in Gleaston knew how much Belinda cherished Ariana as her granddaughter-in-law.Cameras from the reporters incessantly flashed as they captured Belinda's entrance. "Grandma…" Brian got up, but Belinda ignored him and made her way to the center to stand between him and Ariana.A quick-thinking employee brought her a chair.Belinda took Ariana's hand with a warm and loving expression. Then, she began. "Today's press conference by Lodge Co. is to clarify a misunderstanding
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"I… I…" Evelyn bit her lip and instinctively glanced toward Brian. He frowned and was displeased with the situation she was being put through.He stood up and announced, "Evelyn and I are just friends.""There's no need for you to speak on her behalf! Let Ms. Granger explain herself," Belinda interjected sharply and turned to Evelyn."...Me and Brian, we're just friends.""Yet rumors claimed that you attempted to harm yourself for Brian. Is that true?" a reporter asked.Belinda grabbed Evelyn's left hand. The latter had a pale face and her wrist wrapped in a clean bandage. It seemed that she was injured.Evelyn flinched and refused to comply, but Belinda decisively tore off the bandage to reveal Evelyn's unharmed wrist. Not a single scar or wound marred her skin.Gasps rippled through the room as the reporters murmured amongst themselves. The color drained from Evelyn's face.Belinda sneered. "As you can see, it's all nothing but a misunderstanding. Ms. Granger's wrist is clean
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In the face of Belinda's accusations, Evelyn quickly explained, "No… You've misunderstood. I didn't…""Grandma, Eve persuaded Ariana to make up with me and sincerely wished us well. You've misunderstood her. She has never intended to make herself the lady of the Lodges."Belinda found it laughable that Brian was still defending Evelyn. "You're naive! Do you believe everything she says? Now I understand why Ariana insists on calling off the engagement. You're truly cunning, Ms. Granger.""Mrs. Lodge Senior, I understand you have your misunderstandings toward me, but I've never done anything to sabotage their relationship. "If you insist, I'll keep my distance from Brian in the future," Evelyn announced as if making a firm resolution.Belinda immediately responded, "Very well. I'll arrange for a flight ticket to send you abroad. The Lodges will cover all your living expenses overseas if you promise never to return."Evelyn's face paled at her words. She hadn't expected Belinda to
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"Alright. Don't feel bad about it. I'll have Emily send you home," Brian said as he gently patted Evelyn on the head.Evelyn's heart went into a brief panic when she realized Brian wasn't planning to send her home himself. But she knew she couldn't push her luck.She lowered her head slightly and said, "That's good… Brian, I really can't lose you." With that, she got into Emily's car.Meanwhile, Ariana was going to leave. Just as she turned a corner, she was pulled aside and found Brian pinning her to the wall."What are you doing!" Ariana tried to resist, but Brian held her firmly in place. His cold voice followed. "You seem to be in quite a hurry to leave.""Aren't you supposed to be comforting Evelyn? Why are you here?" Arian frowned. It was clear she refused further engagement with him.Brian released her arm but didn't step back. "Ariana, are you disappointed we didn't call off the engagement?" He'd noticed the flickering dissatisfaction in her eyes.Ariana responded with a
A Bride’s Revenge: No Longer the Backup Chapter 60
When Ariana returned to the Torrey residence that afternoon, Gwen was beaming with delight over the press conference.When she saw Ariana, she eagerly approached. "Well well, Ms. Torrey. You're finally back! Such wonderful news, and you didn't tell me ahead of time. If I'd known, I wouldn't have to be this worried all the time, don't you think?"Ariana raised an eyebrow at the joy on Gwen's face. "Ms. Lambert, weren't you planning to sell me off to the Hubbords?""Not that! Not anymore!" Gwen waved her hands dismissively. "The Hubbord family is a small and insignificant household; they can never compare to the Lodge family."As Ariana settled on the couch, she leaned in closer. "Ariana, now that both Mr. Lodge and Mr. Kingsman have taken a fancy to you, who would you choose?"Faced with such a blatant inquiry, Ariana leaned back against the couch and asked, "Who do you think I should choose, Ms. Lambert?"Gwen began chattering away, "Though the Kingsmans are indeed wealthy, the L
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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
A Bride’s Revenge: No Longer the Backup Chapter 186
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
A Bride’s Revenge: No Longer the Backup Chapter 181
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
