FULL NOVELXO Chapter 168
Chapter 168
By evening, the entrance of the Royal Hotel was bustling with cars. The neon lights lining the streets create an atmosphere of glitz and excess.
When Ariana and Selena arrived, the hotel's entrance was already packed with luxury cars, with the drivers. standing by to enter the parking garage. They got out of the car while the hotel's valet helped them park their car.
Selena scoffed, "So many people came. They're really giving Igor the VIP treatment."
"Let's head inside," Ariana said, leading the way. The hotel manager, Damien noticed Ariana immediately and hurried over to greet her. "Ms. Torrey, let me escort you to the banquet hall.'
Ariana nodded and followed Damien. Inside, the hall was already crowded with guests. There were
people from top celebrities to brand executives, corporate leaders, and influential figures across various industries. And of course, there were also many affluent socialites and young heirs.
Ariana raised an eyebrow as she surveyed the crowd. The turnout was impressive- on par with what she remembered from her previous life.
Suddenly, a voice rang out from the crowd. "Look, it's Mr. Lodge!"
All eyes turned toward the entrance as Brian made his entrance. The sight of him instantly drew the
attention of the young women in attendance. Walking beside him, however, was Evelyn
Ariana wasn't surprised. Brian has always brought Evelyn to events like these. It was an unspoken norm. Over the years, there had never been anyone else by his side on such occasions.
"Brian, look at the crowd tonight," Evelyn said softly as she clung to Brian's arm and greeted those around them with polished enthusiasm.
The appearance of Brian and Evelyn had shifted the crowd's attention back to Ariana. After all, everyone knew that Brian and Ariana were officially engaged. Just a few weeks ago, the two even held a high- profile press conference
to confirm it.
This was a Torrey family event. It was Igor's birthday party. Bringing Evelyn was just a slap to Ariana's face.
The whispers began immediately among the gathered socialites.
"I told you, the engagement between Mr. Lodge and Ariana's just for show. It's not real!"
"Exactly. Why would Mr. Lodge bring Evelyn to such an occasion? This is humiliating for Ariana!" "This is so embarrassing for the Torreys."
The murmurs reached Ariana and Selena's ears. Selena bristled with anger. "What's wrong with Brian? Why is he bringing Evelyn here tonight? Is he trying to humiliate you in public?"
Brian's actions felt like an outright attack on Ariana's reputation. In the past, such treatment would have left her in tears and running out of the room. But now, Ariana simply picked up a glass of champagne calmly
"Let him do as he pleases. It doesn't matter. I never planned on marrying him anyway."
Ariana was just waiting for the right moment to break off the engagement. If Brian wanted to play games, she was absolutely fine with it. They could go their separate ways without fuss, and everyone would be happy.
Across the room, Brian's brow furrowed slightly. He turned to Evelyn and said, "You didn't tell me we were
Chapter 168
attending a Torrey family event."
Earlier that day, Evelyn had invited him to join her at a "friend's banquet", conveniently omitting that it was hosted by the Torreys.
Brian was not supposed to have come to this event with Evelyn.
"Well, since we're already here, I figured I'd take the chance to see what it's all about. I heard the Torreys invited a lot of people- maybe even some of our business partners."
Chapter 169