Chapter 8

Belinda’s tone was kind but firm. “Ariana, Brian has clearly been bewitched by that woman from the Granger family. You can rest assured–I’ll 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 don’t 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, I’ll still be here to serve you. But… I think it’s best we end the engagement here.”

“Ariana…” Belinda wasn’t eager to give up just yet.

However, Ariana shook her head. “I still have some family matters to attend to, so I’ll take my leave now. I’ll 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 person’s clothing

Seeing that it was Brian’s people, she tucked the blade away. She played along as if she had been taken by force.

After all, he still wouldn’t go so far as to harm her even if he did dislike her.

As expected, they didn’t do anything drastic. Instead, she was led into one of Brian’s private black cars.

Inside, she feigned unconsciousness until she felt herself being carried out.

It wasn’t 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, she’s here.”

“Come in.”

of cigarette smoke invaded her nostrils. Ariana held her breath. She

to grow anxious, Brian’s voice broke the silence. “Wake her

“Yes, sir.”

a basin of cold water on her. At once, her

the room, casting an

as though she had been slashed by

+25 BONUS

you think you’re going “Overboard?” he snickered. “Eve’s health has already take After my grandmother’s relentless humillation, she’s now you think you went overboard when you

Lodge, I did not snitch.” *

erboard?”

hurt. a coma in the hospital. Ms. Torrey the Almighty, did

you think I’d 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

his words, Ariana’s gaze turned

Ruin her reputation?

extinguished by that disgusting abductor

valued her

to present an

tucked into his catch, the once naive Ariana died along with

What reputation?

What integrity?

survival required her to forgo them, she’d

at using such a threat against her was

and her lips suddenly pulled into a smile. “Go ahead,

shifted. He probably wasn’t expecting a dignified lady to respond like this. He furrowed his eyebrows and

then.” Ariana’s tone was calm, almost indifferent. “Are you looking to find a beggar or a passerby? Or would you prefer a bodyguard?

you know what

Instead, her fearless

Ariana Torrey he used to know would blush uncontrollably if they met eyes. He found this woman in front of him somewhat foreign.

it? Are you turning back on your word, Mr.

a move to stand.

to press her back down onto the bed.

about to slap him. But Brian was prepared this time. With his free hand, he blocked her highly

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