Chapter 169
Chapter 169
Evelyn noticed the faint displeasure in Brian's expression. She lowered her voice and said gently, "You've accompanied me to events like this so many times before. Why is it different now?"
Brian pressed his lips together, unsure of how to respond.
In the past, whenever the Torrey family hosted events, he would attend with Evelyn without hesitation, never sparing a thought for Ariana's feelings. But tonight, something was different. For some reason, the thought of public scrutiny falling on Ariana bothered him.
Evelyn looked up at him. Her eyes were misty with unshed tears. "Could it really be true, what they're saying? Have you started to care about Ariana?"
Brian sighed. "Evelyn, you know that's not what I mean."
"Then don't worry about it so much. From what I can see, Ms. Torrey doesn't mind it at all," Evelyn said softly.
Her words prompted Brian to glance toward Ariana. Sure enough, Ariana seemned utterly indifferent to the fact that he was attending with Evelyn.
Brian felt that heaviness in his chest again. Her fiancé was here with another woman, and yet she didn't care at all?
"She really doesn't care," he murmured, his tone carrying hint of mockery.
Evelyn whispered, "Brian, there have been so many rumors online lately calling me a mistress. I don't mind what they say, but I don't want you to think that way about me. If you don't stand up for me, there's no one else in the world who will.'
Her words tugged at Brian's heartstrings.
They had grown up together, and Evelyn had become an orphan when her family fell into decline. Brian had always protected her. Without him, her family assets would have been swallowed up by others a long time ago.
Thinking about how much attention he had been giving Ariana lately and neglecting Evelyn, Brian said, "I've already dealt with those online rumors. Don't worry, No one will insult you again."
Hearing this, Evelyn broke into a smile. "I knew you'd protect me, Brian."
Brian nodded absentmindedly, his gaze still fixed on Ariana
Moments later, Gwen entered the banquet hall with Igor. Igor had gone to great lengths to dress up for the occasion. With his sunny and handsome looks, he immediately caught the attention of many young socialites
In this circle, the rich second-generation heirs were often expected to be good-looking, and Igor was no exception. With his striking features and privileged background, he had attracted many admirers since childhood.
"He might look polished, but he's rotten to the core," Selena muttered under her breath.
"I haven't even insulted him yet, and you're already starting?" Ariana asked.
"I'm just sticking up for you. Look at how smug they are! Anyone would think they were self-made millionaires. Instead, they're just parading around their inheritance. Doesn't that make you mad?" "Not at all."
Thanks to Gwen's obsession with pride, she had managed to get her to cough up 12 million dollars to reclaim the funds she had embezzled.