Chapter 168 By evening , the entrance of the Royal Hotel was bustling with cars .
The neon lights lining the streets create an atmosphere of glitz and excess .
When Ariana and Selena arrived , the hotels entrance was already packed with luxury cars , with the drivers .
standing by to enter the parking garage .
They got out of the car while the hotels valet helped them park their car .
Selena scoffed , So many people came .
Theyre really giving Igor the VIP treatment .
Lets head inside , Ariana said , leading the way .
The hotel manager , Damien noticed Ariana immediately and hurried over to greet her .
Ms.
Torrey , let me escort you to the banquet hall .
Ariana nodded and followed Damien .
Inside , the hall was already crowded with guests .
There were people from top celebrities to brand executives , corporate leaders , and influential figures across various industries .
And of course , there were also many affluent socialites and young heirs .
Ariana raised an eyebrow as she surveyed the crowd .
The turnout was impressive- on par with what she remembered from her previous life .
Suddenly , a voice rang out from the crowd .
Look , its Mr.
Lodge ! All eyes turned toward the entrance as Brian made his entrance .
The sight of him instantly drew the attention of the young women in attendance .
Walking beside him , however , was Evelyn Ariana wasnt surprised .
Brian has always brought Evelyn to events like these .
It was an unspoken norm .
Over the years , there had never been anyone else by his side on such occasions .
Brian , look at the crowd tonight , Evelyn said softly as she clung to Brians arm and greeted those around them with polished enthusiasm .
The appearance of Brian and Evelyn had shifted the crowds attention back to Ariana .
After all , everyone knew that Brian and Ariana were officially engaged .
Just a few weeks ago , the two even held a high profile press conference to confirm it .
This was a Torrey family event .
It was Igors birthday party .
Bringing Evelyn was just a slap to Arianas face .
The whispers began immediately among the gathered socialites .
I told you , the engagement between Mr.
Lodge and Arianas just for show .
Its not real ! Exactly .
Why would Mr.
Lodge bring Evelyn to such an occasion ? This is humiliating for Ariana ! This is so embarrassing for the Torreys .
The murmurs reached Ariana and Selenas ears .
Selena bristled with anger .
Whats wrong with Brian ? Why is he bringing Evelyn here tonight ? Is he trying to humiliate you in public ? Brians actions felt like an outright attack on Arianas reputation .
In the past , such treatment would have left her In tears and running out of the room .
But now , Ariana simply picked up a glass of champagne calmly Let him do as he pleases .
It doesnt matter .
I never planned on marrying him anyway .
Ariana was just waiting for the right moment to break off the engagement .
If Brian wanted to play games , she was absolutely fine with it .
They could go their separate ways without fuss , and everyone would be happy .
Across the room , Brians brow furrowed slightly .
He turned to Evelyn and said , You didnt tell me we were +25 BONUS Chapter 168 attending a Torrey family event .

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Earlier that day , Evelyn had invited him to join her at a friends banquet , conveniently omitting that it was hosted by the Torreys .
Brian was not supposed to have come to this event with Evelyn .
Well , since were already here , I figured Id take the chance to see what its all about .
I heard the Torreys invited a lot of people- maybe even some of our business partners .
Chapter 169