So, it was perfectly fine for men to cheat, but women were supposed to know their place and be content?What kind of twisted logic is that?"I'll pretend I didn't see what happened today, but you need to take care of it."Then, as if suddenly remembering something, Belinda added, "Oh, and didn't you mention dropping out of school?""Yeah, I did.""Well, since you've already dropped out, there's no point worrying about school anymore. "As the wife of the Lodge family, you'll still get that certificate, whether you go to school or not," Belinda said."But, Mrs. Lodge Senior...""Just do as I say. All you need to focus on is winning Brian's heart. Forget about everything else. Besides, you're practically married now. It would be absurd for you to still be in school." Belinda's tone was commanding.Though Ariana felt a surge of dissatisfaction, she knew she had no choice but to comply.Without Belinda's protection, the Torrey family would be left vulnerable if Brian decided to t
A sharp slap landed on the maid's face, and she instinctively covered her cheek as her expression darkened.Ariana's eyes narrowed as she glared at the young, beautiful woman before her. "Avery, right?" she sneered. "Since you address me as Ms. Torrey, you should know your place. Who gave you permission to call me by my name?""You!"Avery had been working for the Lodge family for a long time, and because of her good looks, she had always looked down on Ariana.She had seen firsthand how lowly Ariana had been when she first arrived.Ariana remembered how Avery had frequently given her terrible advice, leading her to embarrass herself in front of Brian.Now, seeing Avery act so arrogantly in front of her again, Ariana decided she wouldn't let it slide this time."Ms. Torrey, no matter what happens, I'm still a maid in the Lodge family! Slapping me is the same as slapping Mr. Lodge's face! I'll tell him what you did! You've ruined the clothes Mr. Lodge gave you, so don't be surpri
"What on earth are you talking about, Mr. Lodge?"Ariana looked at Brian with an innocent expression. "I was in the middle of a perfectly good shower when you barged in. How exactly is that my fault?""You..."Brian's words faltered as he stared at her.Wrapped in a towel, Ariana's long, slender legs were on full display. Her wet hair spilled over one shoulder, and droplets of water clung to her collarbone, creating an undeniably captivating sight.Noticing his intense gaze, Ariana tightened her grip on the towel and asked, "Is there something you need, Mr. Lodge?""Why did you rip the uniform?"Faced with Brian's accusation, Ariana feigned innocence. "Rip what? Mr. Lodge, I have no idea what you're talking about."Brian's voice turned cold. "Don't play dumb, Ariana. What were you trying to prove by tearing the uniform? Was it rebellion? Or were you just trying to get my attention?""Mr. Lodge," Ariana replied, maintaining her act of confusion, "I honestly don't know what you'
"Your maid is quite interesting," Ariana remarked. "I was only summoned back by Mr. Lodge yesterday. Why would I randomly disable the surveillance? Even though I stayed at the Lodge residence for three months, I'm not one of your family's maids. How would I know where the main power switch is? Besides, you're practically the only one working here today. Why would I, a young lady from a prestigious family, have any reason to frame you?"Avery frantically explained to Brian, "It wasn't me! I swear! Mr. Lodge, I'm being framed!"Brian furrowed his brow in frustration. "Enough!" He was well aware that his household staff had often bullied Ariana behind his back.He'd simply been too lazy to intervene on her behalf, hoping she would give up and leave.But this time, Avery had gone too far."The Lodge family doesn't need employees who behave like this. Go collect your salary for the month. From today onward, you no longer work for the Lodge family," he said coldly.Seeing Brian's f
"Mr. Lodge, can you at least tell me where we're going now that you've made me change into this outfit?" Ariana murmured. "This isn't something you wear to an ordinary event.""Come with me to the charity gala tonight," Brian replied curtly.Hearing this, Ariana frowned. "Why not take Evelyn instead?""You want me to take Evelyn?" Brian asked, his tone laced with irritation."That's not what I meant. I just think Ms. Granger is a better match for you," Ariana retorted."Ariana, are you trying to push me away?""What do you mean, Mr. Lodge? You and I are just doing this as a business arrangement, and a temporary one at that. It's perfectly normal for us to lead separate lives. Everyone knows you're into Evelyn– it's hardly a secret in our circle. So, why bother taking me to the charity gala?"Every word Ariana said seemed designed to test his limits. Brian's expression turned cold. "Have separate lives, huh?" Seems like you and William are having quite the time.""Not as much
Evelyn frowned. In the past, she had always accompanied Brian to these kinds of events.This charity gala wasn't just any gathering– it was a major event, and word had it that Victor Smith, the infamous figure from overseas would also be attending.Everyone in Gleaston knew what Victor represented. He had been the undisputed kingpin of underground dealings abroad. Having his support didn't just mean invincibility overseas– it ensured that even within the country, no one dared to stand in your way.Yet, Brian had chosen to bring Ariana to such an important occasion.Bang!Evelyn hurled the glass of water in the hand, her expression dark and stormy."Have they left?" she asked."Yes, Ms. Granger. They've left."Hearing this, Evelyn glanced at her reflection in the mirror. Her makeup was half done, but all she could feel was bitter irony."Ms. Granger, should we… continue with your makeup?"Everyone had assumed Brian would naturally bring Evelyn to the gala. They'd started her m
Brian thought to himself that once Ariana had enough of being humiliated, she'd come running back to him.Meanwhile, Ariana lifted the hem of her gown and started walking through the hall. She had barely taken a few steps when she overheard a mocking voice nearby. "Well, well. Isn't this Ariana Torrey? Did she walk into the wrong party by mistake?""Doesn't look like it. Who knows what tricks she pulled to get Mr. Lodge to bring her along? Look—he's already left her alone, not even sparing her a glance.""Everyone knows Mr. Lodge only has eyes for Evelyn. She's just embarrassing herself at this point." The snide remarks were loud enough to reach Ariana's ears, but she had no intention of engaging with them.In her previous life, she hadn't attended this gala with Brian, but she'd heard that Victor had been utterly captivated by Evelyn's dance.Ariana had seen Evelyn's dancing before. She was considered decent within this circle, but far from professional. Ariana, however, had
The two guards exchanged hesitant glances, clearly uncertain."Apologies, Ms. Granger. Why don't you give Mr. Lodge a call? If he comes to escort you personally, we'll be happy to let you in," one of the guards said."You…!" Evelyn couldn't believe the two security guards had the nerve to give her attitude. Left with no choice, she pulled out her phone and dialed Brian's number.The phone rang and rang, but no one picked up. Frustrated, she tried calling Emily next, only to be met with the same result.At that moment, a few ladies walked out from the hall chatting loudly. "Wow, Ariana really knows how to put on a show. Did you see how entranced Mr. Lodge looked while watching her dance?" "I thought Mr. Lodge was completely devoted to Evelyn. Since when did he get so close to Ariana?" "Who knows? Ariana must have some serious tricks up her sleeve. No man can resist a woman throwing herself at him like that." …Their gossip hit Evelyn like a slap, igniting a fresh wave of an
Since when did Ariana need someone with gastritis to teach her how to eat?"At night, you can eat less, but you can't skip it entirely. Two meals a day is unhealthy. From now on, whenever I have dinner, you should too," Brian said."Brian, I'm really not used to eating dinner. You're making things difficult," Ariana retorted.He coolly answered, "If you eat dinner every night on schedule, I'll pay you one million dollars a day."Ariana almost thought she misheard him. A million a day? Was he out of his mind?Brian noticed her skeptical look and frowned. "Is that not enough?""How about two million?" Ariana asked, testing the water.She looked up to gauge his reaction. She could tell it was too much."Alright, one million it is," she conceded."Skip dinner even once, and I'll deduct two million. If you eat properly every night for a month, you'll have a guaranteed 30 million."With that, Brian started eating. He preferred mild flavors, and he was extremely picky about food. Ve
Hearing Emily's words, Brian was momentarily stunned.Had something like that really happened before?He had no memory of it, because in those days he barely paid attention to Ariana or anything she did for him.Hearing this now, Brian found it hard to believe. Had he really been so mean to Ariana in the past and done something so unreasonable?"Mr. Lodge, Ms. Torrey has every right to be upset with you."No one liked having their efforts dismissed, and Ariana was no exception. Emily had noticed her habit of skipping dinner, but Brian, her own fiancé, hadn't.Brian frowned. He lost his appetite.Seeing Brian get up, Emily was about to follow him. But he said, "Postpone tonight's work. You can leave now.""Yes, Mr. Lodge," Emily replied.Brian went upstairs. Ariana was still in that room, casually telling the workers what to do.At some point, she had even donned a cap and was helping out in person. She looked nothing like a pampered socialite, showing none of that usual reser
"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
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
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
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
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
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
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