hapter 141
“Got it.” William glanced at the payment notification on his phone and quickly messaged Ariana. “It’s done.”
Ariana smiled at William’s message. This time, Gwen would surely get what she deserved.
That very day, the Torrey family had booked the largest hall at the Royal Hotel, and Gwen wasted no time spreading the word over the phone.
Though reluctant to pay, Gwen smilled during her calls because she could flaunt her status. It was as if she was afraid others wouldn’t know about the grand venue she had secured.
That afternoon, Ariana decided to head back to the Torrey residence after school.
When she entered, she heard Gwen on the phone, inviting the ladies from her social circle to the banquet. “Mrs. Lindt, my son’s birthday banquet is at the Royal Hotel, and I’ve booked the largest banquet hall. You absolutely must come!”
Ariana listened to Gwen’s phone conversation quietly with a mocking glint in her eyes.
Gwen might be over the moon now. But Ariana would have the last laugh during the birthday banquet.
Gwen soon noticed Ariana’s return. She quickly ended her call and turned to her, annoyed. “Why are you back here?
“This is my home. Am I not allowed to come back?” Ariana entered the house.
Gwen frowned. “Brian had all your things moved out. Did he even know you’d be coming back here?”
“What’s the matter? Are you hoping I’ll stay at Brian’s place instead?” Ariana scoffed.
“Of course! A woman eventually gets married and leaves home. Since you’re already engaged, there’s no harm in staying there. You need to hold onto Mr. Lodge if you want a secure future. After all, the Torrey family needs a strong backer like him.” Gwen followed Ariana into the living room, her tone a mix of false care and condescension.
When Gwen saw Ariana was ignoring her, she grew suspicious. “Did Mr. Lodge chase you out?”
Over the past few days, Gwen has been preoccupied with helping Igor and had paid no attention to Ariana’s relationship with Brian.
Seeing Ariana’s stoic expression, Gwen grew anxious. “Did you do something to upset Mr. Lodge? You stupid girl! How could you mess this up? You shouldn’t have let yourself get thrown out!”
She snapped, “Do you realize how hard it was for the Torrey family to catch a break? What’s going to happen to us if you offend Mr. Lodge?”
“Why the panic? Torrey Co. has nothing to do with you. It won’t affect you in the slightest even if it runs out of money or goes bankrupt.” Ariana shrugged.
Gwen’s nervousness grew. She hadn’t forgotten how Ariana exposed her affair with John in the company, turning her into a laughingstock among the staff. Gwen hadn’t dared show her face at the office since then.
Gwen shamelessly replied, “Even if the company doesn’t concern me, I’m still your mother. I have to look out for you, right? Why can’t you see that I’m only trying to help?
Ariana smiled. She knew Gwen was only concerned about the company because she planned to reclaim it once Ariana was married off.
+25 BONUS.
Chapter 142
Chapter 142
Ariana didn’t expose Gwen and played along. “Thank you for your concern, Ms. Lambert.”
“No need for thanks. Just be good in the future. With your looks, how could Mr. Lodge not like you? Just don’t forget how kind I’ve been to you when you make it big,” Gwen sald.
“Your kindness is something I will always remember.” Ariana smiled.
That smile sent chills down Gwen’s spine, and she swallowed her words.
What happened to Ariana? How had she become so hard to control?
“Mom, I’m back!” Igor walked in, dressed in trendy athlet wear. His outfit, complete with earrings and rings, screamed rebellious.
Igor frowned at Ariana. “Why are you here? Who let you in?
Ariana had no intention of standing up or acknowledging Igor.
Igor scowled. “Ariana! I’m talking to you. Are you dead?”
“Ariana! This is too much. Your brother is talking to you,” Gwen chimed in.
Ariana calmly replied, “I’ve said before, this is my home. Whether I come back or not is none of your concern.”
“Ariana! How dare you speak to my mom like that!” Igor’s temper flared. He took a step toward Ariana, intending to teach her a lesson.
However, Ariana’s words stopped him in his tracks. “The house is mine. Believe it or not, I could have you thrown
.out.
“You!” Igor froze. Ariana got his weak spot.
Seeing that Ariana was angry, Gwen restrained Igor and scolded him. “What’s wrong with you? Apologize to your sister immediately!”
They had no choice but to yield since they were living in Ariana’s house. In the past, Gwen had used her status to act high and mighty in front of Ariana. Since Ariana had been easy to bully, Gwen had repeatedly pushed her limits.
But now, Ariana was no longer the pushover she used to be. They really might end up homeless if she used the house as leverage.
Until she secured the Torrey residence, Gwen couldn’t afford to lose her temper.
Ariana knew this as well.
As long as
the Torrey family assets weren’t in Gwen’s hands, Gwen would have to act meek around Ariana.
Ariana’s expression hardened when she thought of all the things Gwen and her son had done to her and the Torrey family in her previous life.
She wasn’t foolish enough to drive Gwen out and let her cause trouble elsewhere. Keeping Gwen under her watch made her easier to control.
On the other side, Igor stubbornly refused to apologize to Ariana.
However, Ariana wasn’t in a hurry. The silence lingered in the air.
Gwen smacked Igor’s shoulder. “Didn’t you hear me? Apologize to your sister!”
