hapter 85
Brian said coldly, “William might protect you for now, but not indefinitely. As long as you’re my fiancée, you must fulfill your duties as the future Mrs. Lodge.”
Ariana scoffed. “And your idea of duties is for me to do your laundry and cook your meals every day, trailing behind you like a puppy while the entire city laughs at me?”
She sneered. “Those are the duties of a maid. I’ve been foolish once, but I won’t be again.”
Brian’s expression hardened.
Meanwhile, people upstairs were carrying down suitcases.
Emily approached Brian and said, “Mr. Lodge, everything is ready.”
Brian rose from his seat and ordered. “Escort Ms. Torrey out”
His two bodyguards immediately moved toward Ariana. “Ms. Torrey, this way, please.”
Ariana frowned. Given the situation, she knew she had no choice but to go along with Brian’s orders.
She couldn’t understand why someone who seemed to dislike her so much would go through all this trouble.
On the way to the Lodge residence, Ariana remained silent.
Once they arrived, Brian’s bodyguards carried her belongings upstairs to the second–floor room she had once occupied
Ariana lingered in the hallway, showing no intention of going up.
“What’s the matter? Have you forgotten the place you once called home?” Brian mocked. “Do you need me to escort you upstairs?”
Looking at the familiar Lodge residence, Ariana felt a wave of disgust wash over her.
“That’s not necessary, Mr. Lodge. I know the way.”
To Brian, she had only been here for three months.
But in her past life, she had spent three years in this very place.
For those three years, she had been like a maid to Brian, doing everything she could to take care of him.
Once, Brian fell seriously ill with a highly contagious disease. She stayed by his side for three days straight without rest until exhaustion finally took its toll and she collapsed.
At that time, Brian had promised to cherish her and vowed she would be the only Mrs. Lodge.
But as soon as Evelyn returned, his heart was entirely devoted to her.
Those three years became the most humiliating and degrading period of Ariana’s life.
When Ariana went upstairs, she found her room had only been sparsely furnished. The maid left shortly after.
It was clear that Brian was deliberately keeping her under close watch, ensuring she had no contact with William.
His actions were utterly cruel.
“Ms. Torrey, these are the dishes Mr. Lodge requested for dinner. He hopes you can prepare them quickly, as we’re expecting guests tonight.”
+25 BONUS
Chapter 85
The maid handed Ariana a menu.
It was packed with elaborate and time–consuming dishes like crispy fried fish fillets, braised eel, garlic butter king crab legs, and stuffed roasted duck.
Was Brian deliberately making her life difficult?
“Mr. Lodge also mentioned that if these dishes aren’t ready by 8:00 pm, he might take action against Torrey Co. He wants you to think carefully before making a decision.”
Ariana let out a scoff.
This was the only way Brian knew to keep her under control.
But the Lodge family was powerful, and Brian was more than capable of exerting his influence.
Fine. If he wanted her to cook, she would cook.
Ariana raised an eyebrow, defiance flickering in her eyes.
She tied on an apron and pulled her hair back in the kitchen and the clatter of pans soon echoed through the room.
From above, Brian caught the sound and sneered with satisfaction. “See? She’s doing exactly what I told her to.”
