A Bride’s Revenge: No Longer The Back Up Novel

, Gwen slapped her forehead .

Oh , my memory is awful ! I cant even recall where I put those pearls .

But youre right I think I do have them somewhere .

I must have forgotten .

Dont worry , Ari .

Ill send them to you in a couple of days .

All the other jewelry is here , except for those pearls .

Ariana smiled coldly .

Ms.

Lambert , you didnt sell them , did you ? Gwens face fell .

Ariana knew the truth .

Gwen had once lost a lot of money to gambling .

She was desperate for funds and unable to leave the gambling den .

So , she pawned the pearls she was wearing at the time .

Unfortunately , her luck didnt turn , and she never managed to reclaim them .

Gwen feared Ariana might expose her gambling habits and the truth about the pearls .

How ridiculous .

I would never sell your pearls! They were your mothers , and she left them to you .

Thats good to hear .

Ariana glanced around Gwens room .

The house isnt that big so it shouldnt take much effort to find those pearls .

If I get them back before Igors birthday tomorrow , Ill treat todays incident as a childish prank and let it go .

It was clear Ariana was using this incident to blackmail her .

Although Gwen was unhappy , she didnt dare refuse .

If Ariana went to the police , Igor could have been arrested right before his birthday .

That would ruin his reputation forever .

Besides , Gwen had already spent 12 million dollars booking the venue and invited everyone she knew .

She couldnt let this perfect opportunity slip away .

When Ariana was ready to take the jewelry , Gwen cautiously asked , Ari , about Igor … Hes being held by Mr.

Lodge .

Ariana shrugged .

You should call Mr.

Lodge yourself if you want him released .

With that , Ariana turned to leave Gwens room .

kit Gwen quickly blocked her way and pleaded , Ari , thats not appropriate , right ? I think it would be better if you spoke to Mr.

Lodge personally .

After all , tomorrow is Igors birthday … Gwen wasnt foolish .

Igor had kidnapped Ariana , and even if Brian disliked Ariana , she was still his fiancée .

It would be much easier to resolve the issue if Ariana handled it herself .

Ariana saw through Gwens intentions and didnt refuse outright , She put on a conflicted look .

Thats asking a lot of me , Ms.

Lambert .

After their earlier exchanges , Gwen knew Ariana thought the benefits werent enough Still , Gwen was determined .

Ari , youll get married someday , and your mother never left you a dowry .

As your stepmother , I shouldnt be stingy , right ? Dont worry , Ive already prepared your dowry .

Seeing Artana remained unmoved , Gwen gritted her teeth and raised a finger .

How about this much ? Ten million dollars … I suppose I could accept .

Ariana smiled .

Ariana knew Gwens financial situation well .

By compensating her with some cash and returning the jewelry Gwen had hoarded , she had turned the situation in her favor