Chapter 8 Belindas tone was kind but firm .
Ariana , Brian has clearly been bewitched by that woman from the Granger family .
You can rest assured Ill make sure he apologizes to you properly .
You are the only one I acknowledge as the future Mrs.
Lodge , and no one can change that .
Ariana offered a soft smile and replied , Mrs.
Lodge Senior , since his mind has already been made up , I dont think I have much else to say .
I wish him and Ms.
Granger the best , With that , she rose to leave , adding , If you ever need anything , Mrs.
Lodge Senior , Ill still be here to serve you .
But … I think its best we end the engagement here .
Ariana … Belinda wasnt eager to give up just yet .
However , Ariana shook her head .
I still have some family matters to attend to , so Ill take my leave now .
Ill visit you another time , Mrs.
Lodge Senior With that , she turned and strode off .
Watching her depart , Belinda let out a sigh .
Ariana never used to be the impulsive girl she was now .
As Ariana opened the main gate of the Lodge residence , someone grabbed her from the side and covered her mouth and nose .
She instinctively reached for the dagger hidden in her sleeve .
However , she caught a glimpse of the Lodge family emblem on the persons clothing Seeing that it was Brians people , she tucked the blade away .
She played along as if she had been taken by force .
After all , he still wouldnt go so far as to harm her even if he did dislike her .
As expected , they didnt do anything drastic .
Instead , she was led into one of Brians private black cars .
Inside , she feigned unconsciousness until she felt herself being carried out .
It wasnt until she heard the ding of an elevator that she picked up on her whereabouts .
She recognized it from the Royal Hotel .
Had Brian ordered for her to be sent to a hotel ? A knock sounded .
Mr.
Lodge , shes here .
Come in .
When they stepped inside , a strong scent of cigarette smoke invaded her nostrils .
Ariana held her breath .
She felt herself being tossed onto a soft bed .
Just as she was beginning to grow anxious , Brians voice broke the silence .
Wake her up .
Yes , sir .
One of the bodyguards dumped a basin of cold water on her .
At once , her eyes snapped open .
Dim lighting filled the room , casting an intimate glow .
Soaking wet , Arianas body ached all over as though she had been slashed by a knife .
She put on an enraged front +25 BONUS and snapped , Brian Lodge , dont you think youre going Overboard ? he snickered .
Eves health has already take After my grandmothers relentless humillation , shes now you think you went overboard when you snitched ? Brian Lodge , I did not snitch .
* erboard ? hit ; shes just too proud to admit when shes hurt .
a coma in the hospital .
Ms.
Torrey the Almighty , did Hearing his full name fall from Arianas tongue made Brian reach out and pinch her chin .
He scoffed , Did you think Id believe that ? Hm ? Ariana Torrey , you must be itching to become the next Mrs.
Lodge .
What if I ruined your reputation tonight ? What if I make your scandals heaine news tomorrow ? Do you reckon my grandmother would still let you marry into our family ? At his words , Arianas gaze turned icy .
Ruin her reputation ? Her reputation had long been extinguished by that disgusting abductor in her past life ! Once upon a time , she also valued her honor and integrity more than anything else .
She wholeheartedly wanted to present an intact , unblemished body to Brian .
But when that abductor tucked into his catch , the once naive Ariana died along with her innocence .
What reputation ? What integrity ? If survival required her to forgo them , shed discard them without hesitation .
Brians attempt at using such a threat against her was simply ludicrous .
She looked up at him , and her lips suddenly pulled into a smile .
Go ahead , then .
Brians expression shifted .
He probably wasnt expecting a dignified lady to respond like this .
He furrowed his eyebrows and asked , What did you say ? I said , go ahead , then.
Arianas tone was calm , almost indifferent .

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Are you looking to find a beggar or a passerby ? Or would you prefer a bodyguard ? Your secretary ? Or perhaps … the thug who brought me here ? Do you know what youre talking about ? Brian was merely intending to scare her .
Instead , her fearless demeanor caught him completely off guard .
The Ariana Torrey he used to know would blush uncontrollably if they met eyes .
He found this woman in front of him somewhat foreign .
What is it ? Are you turning back on your word , Mr.
Lodge ? If so , Im leaving .
With that , she made a move to stand .
Brians hand shot out to press her back down onto the bed .
Ariana frowned , about to slap him .
But Brian was prepared this time .
With his free hand , he blocked her highly raised hand .
Brian Lodge ! Her drenched clothing clung to her body , accentuating her exquisite figure .
2/3 Chapter 9 +25 BONUS He locked her down with his body and sneered , Arent you always acting so virtuous , Ms.
Torrey ? Why do you seem so eager to throw yourself at me today ? Arlana Torrey youre only trying to get my attention .
Dont wave your pathetic tricks at me all they do is disgust me .
Disgust ? Ariana looked as though she had heard a joke .
She reached out abruptly and wrapped her arms around Brians neck , drawing closer to his body .
As their bodies came into contact , Brian recolled as if he had been electrocuted .
He sprung up and shoved her away , putting no effort into hiding the revulsion on his face .
Ariana Torrey , you are truly despicable ! Upon learning Brians judgment of her , Ariana thought she couldnt agree more .
Yes , she was despicable ! Despicable enough to have poured her heart and soul into him in her past life and willingly let him use her .
She had done so much , only to be repaid with his disdain .
What did he call her ? Disgusting and despicable .
She climbed out of the bed and nonchalantly adjusted her disheveled clothes .
Brian Lodge , believe it must tell you this .
Ariana Torrey may have harbored feelings for you in the past , but now ? You dont interest me at all .
Im calling off this engagement .
Im stepping aside for you and Ms.
Granger .
With that , she turned and headed out the door .
not , I Shortly after , Emily entered and asked , Mr.
Lodge , is Ms.
Torrey serious about breaking off the engagement ? Anyone can talk big .
If she truly wanted to end it , she wouldnt have gone complaining to my grandmother .
What are you planning to do then , Mr.
Lodge ? Teach her a lesson so she knows what lines not to cross .
Yes , Mr.
Lodge .
By the time Ariana stepped out of the taxi soaking wet , it was already midnight .
Inside the Torrey residence , Gwen was shouting at the top of her lungs .
The moment she saw Ariana , she rushed over and flung a newspaper at her face .
Ariana Torrey ! You still have the nerve to come back ! Look at the mess youve caused ! I told you to make peace with Mr.
Lodge , but you wouldnt listen .
How great ! Did you know Mr.
Lodge could crush our family as easily as squashing an ant ?