Chapter 61
Ariana was becoming far too arrogant. Who did she think she was?
Gwen believed Ariana couldn’t resolve Torrey Co.’s funding crisis without Brian’s help.
Meanwhile, at Lodge Co., Brian was watching the news. The headline “Mr. Lodge and Heiress of the Torreys Reconcile” had made it to the day’s top–trending news.
Emily stood before him and glanced at the file in her hand. Mr. Lodge, now that everyone knows about the renewed engagement between the Lodge and Torrey familles, what should we do about Torrey Co.’s funding?”
“Hadn’t we withdrawn them?” Brian’s tone was cold and detached, and Emily froze.
Brian continued, “Since we’ve withdrawn them, there’s no need to reinvest.”
“But if Torrey Co. doesn’t secure funding, their finances will collapse in less than three days. When that happens, there might be no point for you to marry Ms. Torrey anymore.”
Brian leaned back in his chair and scoffed dismissively. “How else will Ariana come to me begging if we don’t wait for that moment?”
“But…”
“You saw it yourself. Eve suffered, and Ariana’s arrogance stems from the backing of the Torrey family. Let’s see if she’ll still act so high and mighty when the Torrey family falls into ruin. She’ll have no choice but to yield.”
Emily fell silent at Brian’s words. Then, she said, “But I heard that Ms. Torrey has taken control of the Torrey family, and all their business is now under her authority.”
“What does she know about running a business as a pampered heiress who’s only ever known to play? Let’s wait and see how she plans to handle the crisis,” Brian replied dismissively.
The next day, another headline made it to the trending list Evelyn’s fake attempt at taking her life. She was Instantly labeled as a slut, and the comment section was overwhelmingly supportive of Ariana.
“Who wraps their wrist in bandages if there isn’t an injury? Is she afraid that people won’t know she tried to harm herself?”
“A fake self–injury at an engagement party would mean she’s trying to assert her claim.”
“What a slut! She’s just trying to intimidate the rightful fiancée.”
Seeing the malicious comments, Evelyn, who’d been entirely unaware just moments ago, turned pale.
In the cafeteria of Glea College, her friend Lila Lawson quickly grabbed her phone and glared at the students who’d gathered to watch the show. “What are you staring at? Get lost!”
As the crowd slowly dispersed, Lila tried to comfort her. “Don’t let it bother you, Evelyn. Everyone knows Mr. Lodge and Ariana are just putting on an act. Once Mrs. Lodge Senior dies, I’m sure Mr. Lodge will marry you right
away.”
Evelyn’s face remained pale, and another friend, Maddle Hicks, chimed in, “I heard that the Torrey family is going bankrupt. Ariana must’ve hired an army of online trolls to smear your name and win Mr. Lodge’s favor.”
Lila fumed. “Hmph! After what Ariana did at your birthday party and caused all the cyberbullying, you should give her a taste of her own medicine!”
+25 BONUS
Chapter 61
“Look! Isn’t that Ariana over there?” Maddie exclaimed as she pointed to a figure not far away. They turned to see Ariana queuing up for food.
Lila’s anger surged at the sight of Ariana. She grabbed Evelyn’s arm and urged, “Come on! Let’s confront her!”
Evelyn tried to hold Lila back, but the latter was already storming toward Ariana.
With a loud smack, Ariana’s tray was knocked to the ground
