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A Bride’s Revenge: No Longer the Backup Chapter 9
Ariana glanced down at the newspapers sprawled across the floor. Several words in large font entered her eyes: "Lodge Co. Terminates Torrey Co. Contract: Investment Withdrawn for 500-Million-Dollar Project".For a split second, her eyebrows knitted together slightly.If she remembered correctly, this 500-million-dollar project was the Torreys' current real estate development. Construction was already past the halfway mark, but now that Brian had withdrawn funding, the project wouldn't be able to continue. They would have to find another investor.However, with Lodge Co. cutting ties with them, who in Gleaston would dare collaborate with them now?At the end of the day, this project was doomed. Torrey Co. was sure to lose a substantial portion of its assets.Ariana bent down to pick up the paper. It was still warm—it must have been freshly printed and delivered to them.Brian's swift actions were obviously intended to send her a message. It was a show of power to make her understa
A Bride’s Revenge: No Longer the Backup Chapter 10
Brian glared at Ariana with hatred in his eyes. His voice went cold and he sounded as if he wanted to shred her into pieces."Brian! Don't be like that—you've misunderstood Ms. Torrey! I was the one who wanted to do it…""You're too kind for your own good, Eve, and that's why people keep walking all over you. I told you that you didn't have to see her!"Ariana watched as Brian continued defending Evelyn. She kind of expected it, to be honest. After all, Evelyn would always manage to get hurt every time Brian appeared. Ariana had already sensed that something was wrong from the moment Evelyn fell to her knees. Still, she didn't mind playing along to Evelyn's tune and pushing things in her direction.Ultimately, she needed to get Brian to hate her. He would then have to call off the engagement whether he liked it or not."Ariana Torrey! I used to think that you were just a two-faced, backstabbing bitch, but I didn't think you'd be so evil as well! Eve has always had a weak body. I
A Bride’s Revenge: No Longer the Backup Chapter 11
Gwen wanted nothing more than for Ariana to get back together with Brian as soon as possible. After all, she and Igor would both benefit from Ariana's marriage to Brian too.Ariana raised her eyebrow and smiled when she saw how anxious Gwen seemed to be. "Yes.""Really? That's awesome!" Gwen exclaimed.She continued, "I knew it! I knew that Mr. Lodge still had feelings for you. Otherwise, he'd never have asked you out on a date!""Ms. Lambert, I think you're mistaken. Mr. Lodge met with me to discuss canceling the engagement.""Then…"Under Gwen's shaky eyes, Ariana punctuated each word she said next. "The wedding is off.""What? It's off?"Gwen nearly fainted when she heard what Ariana said. Igor hurried forward to hold Gwen up. Then, he yelled at Ariana, "Ariana, you're going overboard! How could you make your own decision about canceling the engagement without talking to us? Do you even care about us?""It's my engagement, so of course I'm the one calling the shots. There
A Bride’s Revenge: No Longer the Backup Chapter 12
"Ms. Torrey, these are all unimportant documents. I'm sure you won't be interested in them. Let me take you to the break room," John said with a smile.In other words, John just didn't want Ariana poking her nose into any of the company's affairs.Seeing this, Ariana immediately held her hand out and said, "Show me the documents.""But…""Mr. Wagner, are you implying that you are the boss of this company now?"Faced with such a headstrong question, John hurriedly denied it and said, "I wouldn't dare! Ms. Torrey, if you want to look at them, we will let you look at them. I'm just worried that you might not understand them…""How about this—we can forget about going to the break room and head over to the CEO's office straight away. In the meantime, I'll also be going through all the company's documents that need to be signed over.""Ms. Torrey…"Ariana cut John off without blinking. She then looked at Miranda and said, "Ms. Ziegler, right? Go and get the documents for me. Mr. Wag
A Bride’s Revenge: No Longer the Backup Chapter 13
"You don't have to. I'm just skimming through," Ariana said, starting to look as if she was going through the figures on the report meticulously.She purposely read through the report painstakingly slowly from the first page until the last page. Meanwhile, John was still standing opposite her, and he felt an immense pressure watching her. His legs had turned to jelly and he could barely stand upright.What did it mean for him to have embezzled tens of millions of dollars from the company? It would mean he had to spend the rest of his life in jail!Suddenly, Ariana threw the reports onto the table with a loud slam.John was so startled that he very nearly fell to his knees right then and there. However, to his surprise, he heard Ariana mumble, "What the heck are all these numbers? There are so many of them. Who'd know what they meant?"John froze when he heard Ariana say that. Did that mean she couldn't understand a thing on the report?Miranda also heard what Ariana said. She fro
A Bride’s Revenge: No Longer the Backup Chapter 14
"Ms. Torrey, are you just pretending to be a wolf in sheep's clothing then?" Miranda asked."Something like that," Ariana said. She continued, "Don't alert them of this just yet. We need to slowly collect evidence. The way that they embezzled the company's funds has undoubtedly affected the shareholders' returns. "Wait until we've got enough evidence and have gotten rid of their contacts in the company. That'll be the time when we send them to prison."Miranda stared at Ariana for a long while. She finally said, "Ms. Torrey, you seem different from before."The Ariana Miranda used to know was smart, too, but she didn't know anything about the business industry or how things ran. However, after hearing what Ariana had to say, Miranda figured that it made a lot of sense.Miranda couldn't help feeling amazed."Ms. Ziegler, you've been working for this company for a few years. My father even helped you financially before, so I hope that you'll take my side.""I'll help you, Ms. Tor
A Bride’s Revenge: No Longer the Backup Chapter 15
"If Ariana wants to see me, tell her I'm busy," Brian said."But Mr. Lodge, didn't you say that you wanted her to give in to you?" Emily asked."I want her to be helpless and desperate with no one else to help her."A cold glint appeared in Brian's eyes. He continued, "I want her to get on her knees and beg Evelyn for forgiveness."…At that moment, Ariana was busy purchasing some health supplements and skincare products. While she was on her way downstairs for a cup of coffee, she suddenly caught sight of a bodyguard in black shadowing her out of the corner of her eye.The black-clothed bodyguard stood out like a sore thumb amongst the other shoppers. Everyone's attention was on him.Ariana couldn't help shaking her head and chuckling softly to herself when she saw this.Brian was overestimating her by getting someone to shadow her like this. Was he worried that she would hurt Evelyn? Or was he just waiting to see if she would get desperate trying to save her company?Ariana
A Bride’s Revenge: No Longer the Backup Chapter 16
"Ariana, did he apologize?" Belinda asked.With Belinda questioning her like that, Ariana purposely cocked her head to glance briefly at Brian.Seeing that Ariana was about to speak, Brian suddenly realized that she might be harboring ill will toward him and that she could spout nonsense to Belinda. So, he quickly rushed forward and grabbed Ariana by the arm, roughly yanking her to her feet."Grandma, I've got something to discuss privately with Ms. Torrey. We're going upstairs."With that, Brian tugged Ariana up the stairs with huge strides.Everything had happened so suddenly. By the time Belinda finally realized it, she shouted at Brian, "Brian, you imbecile! Ari is a woman! I'm not going to forgive you if you bully her!"Brian pulled Ariana to the second floor and threw her onto the bed. Then, he locked the bedroom door behind him."What are you trying to do, Mr. Lodge?"Ariana leaned against the side of the bed and looked at Brian, standing at the door, with mischievous ey
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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
A Bride’s Revenge: No Longer the Backup Chapter 182
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
A Bride’s Revenge: No Longer the Backup Chapter 180
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
A Bride’s Revenge: No Longer the Backup Chapter 179
Ariana lowered her gaze slightly.Belinda said, "Igor is already 19, isn't he? Why can't he watch his mouth? I heard he's been going around saying he's the future brother-in-law of the Lodge family. What's that about? Does he think the Lodges will back him up if he causes trouble?"Brian spoke up. "Grandma, I'll handle this.""How exactly will you handle it?" Belinda glanced at Brian. "Are you going to call off the engagement with the Torrey family?"At the mention of calling off the engagement, Ariana's lips curved slightly. She had allowed Igor to run wild at the banquet precisely because she knew Belinda's temperament.In her past life, Igor had acted the same way at a banquet. He ended up offending the Shaw family.At that time, Ariana kept apologizing to the Shaw family on Igor's behalf and ended up disgracing the Lodge family. When Belinda found out, she began to dislike Ariana.In her previous life, Ariana went to great lengths to win Belinda's favor once more. She did ma
A Bride’s Revenge: No Longer the Backup Chapter 178
Gwen felt sick at the thought of how much money she had lost.Ariana didn't care about Gwen's losses and deliberately drove away in the sports car that Gwen had sent over. Admiring the vibrant red color, she said with satisfaction, "This sports car is fantastic. I love it. Thanks, Ms. Lambert."With that, Ariana got into the driver's seat, leaving Gwen on the verge of fainting again in the driveway.In the rearview mirror, Ariana saw Gwen raging in the front yard. A faint smile curved her lips."Gwen, did you think this was over? No, it has only just begun," Ariana thought.Meanwhile, Brian was busy at Lodge Co."Mr. Lodge, aren't you going to step in? The Torrey family is in chaos, and Ms. Torrey might not be able to handle it all by herself," Emily said quietly.Everyone knew about last night's fiasco. It was going to be a lifelong joke. Igor's reputation in their circle was shot.Ariana, as his sister, was bound to be affected. If Belinda heard about how disreputable the Tor
