Chapter 404 Chapter 404 The guests present all took in the scene before them .
It was well known that Brian had always despised Ariana , but this time , he appeared visibly anxious about her in front of everyone .
Ariana seemed unsurprised by the reactions of the guests around them .
She withdrew her hand and said , Thank you for your help , Mr.
Lodge .
Brian quickly realized that Ariana had just used him .
Due to Lodge Co.s stance toward Torrey Co.
, many had assumed that there was tension between the Lodges and Torreys .
As a result , few corporate partners had been willing to initiate business dealings with the Torreys .
Now that they have seen Brian and Ariana on better terms , many would likely approach the Torrey family .
Ariana , did you just exploit me ? Brian had never realized just how cunning Ariana could be .

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He had always assumed she was clueless , but it was clear that he was the foolish one now .
Didnt you say it yourself , Mr.
Lodge ? Mutual exploitation isnt a bad thing for either of us .
Ariana shrugged nonchalantly .
Brian had used her like this before .
This time , its just that the tables have turned .
Ariana said , Dont think I dont know what youre planning , Mr.
Lodge .
I know Im the last of my family , but that doesnt mean it will be easy to take advantage of my inheritance .
Brians expression darkened when he saw that Ariana had misunderstood him .
He scoffed , Im taking advantage of your inheritance ? She really had an active imagination ! Belinda did have that intention , but he certainly didnt .
Emily , who was standing by a side , couldnt help but interject when she saw Brians frustration , Ms.
Torrey , Im afraid you have misunderstood .
Mr.
Lodge isnt What isnt he doing ? He isnt after my inheritance ? Thats hard to believe , Ariana said .
The guests at the gala today were all wealthy , powerful , and highly influential figures in Gleaston .
They had even brought in the media .
Wasnt this all just a publicity stunt to hype up the relationship between her and Brian ? Ariana was all too familiar with these tricks , but she hadnt expected Brian to resort to such underhanded tactics .
Listen , Ariana .
I would never do that ! With that , Brian took a step closer to Ariana .
Brian had spent the past few days thinking about his feelings for Ariana , and she saw the strange look he had for her in his eyes .
She instinctively stepped back and said with a frown , Brian , Im not here to mess with you .
I came here today to play along with your act for the sake of the Torrey family , not because I have feelings for you .
But I have feelings for you , Brian admitted , That one sentence made Ariana freeze .
Dont you already know that theres nothing between Evelyn and me ? Brian asked .
The child she carried back then belonged to my friend .
+25 BONUS Chapter 404 Ariana frowned .
So what ? What does that have to do with me ? Brian clenched his jaw when he saw how indifferent she was to his explanation .
He swallowed his frustration and said , I rejected Evelyn because I want to pursue you .
Ariana looked at Brian and could tell he wasnt lying , but she couldnt help but see glimpses of the Brian from her past life in the man standing before her now .
It no longer mattered if Brian truly liked her or was just pretending to .
What mattered was that now , she only loved herself .
Are you done ? Ariana asked .
Brian was momentarily stunned by the sudden calmness she showed .
Ariana said , I used to like you a lot , but well … not anymore .
Gwen and Igor were already expelled from the family , and Ariana was the Torreys heiress .
She had her own career as well .
Why should she let a man hold her back ? Ariana put some distance between them and said , Thank you for the hospitality , Mr.
Lodge .
But the show and I should say my goodbyes to you .
With Brian still in shock , Ariana turned and walked away from the Lodge familys gala gracefully .
The crowd was stunned .
is over , Ariana , on the other hand , felt nothing but relief .
From now on , she would be the head of Torrey Co.
, the heiress of the Torrey family , and the CEO of Warto Group .
The only thing she would never be was Brians wife .