Rebirth Revenge Is Everything (Ariana) novel Chapter 688

"Hmph, I always knew she never cared about me or Second Brother. If she did at all, it was only for Younger Sister and Eldest Brother—*sob*, why couldn't I have been Auntie's child or yours instead?"

Hearing these words, Sheryl felt her heart surge with emotion. Suppressing the turmoil within, she forced a gentle smile and said softly, "If Young Master Carson doesn't mind, you can think of me as your mother. I've watched over you and Young Master Kevin since you were little—in my heart, I already see you both as my own children."

Carson's eyes instantly reddened. He threw his arms around Sheryl, nuzzling against her as he pleaded, "Really? You can't lie to me!"

Sheryl curved her lips slightly. "Of course not. I would never lie to Young Master Carson."

Carson brightened immediately. For a moment, he even wished his father had married Sheryl instead of his mother—then he’d be the happiest child in the world!

Watching Carson’s elated expression, Sheryl’s own excitement swelled.

No official news had surfaced yet about Ariana’s condition, but the servants whispered that the young mistress might not live much longer. Surviving a fire, premature labor, and a difficult delivery—even if she pulled through, her health would never recover. What man could endure a wife who was little more than a fragile, untouchable invalid?

And now, she had won Carson’s affection. Kevin also regarded her warmly. As for Eldest son Lucian—though he remained distant—it didn’t matter.

With Carson and Kevin on her side, further advancement wasn’t out of reach.

Fortunately, Carson had never held much fondness for his mother, Ariana. In fact, he’d long harbored resentment, making him all too easy to manipulate.

The thought sent a rush of heat through Sheryl’s veins.

As if future happiness was already waving at her from just ahead.

...

In the hospital.

Though days had passed, Ariana could still feel waves of pain radiating from her lower body.

She avoided moving around too much.

Yet every day, she would gaze at her daughter. The sight of the tubes snaking into the tiny body pierced her heart like a knife—but not looking would make her even more frantic. She was terrified, terrified that her daughter might slip away unseen, just like Allison’s child had.

Evening.

Lambert, as usual, kept vigil in the hospital.

Truth be told, most of his time was spent there, even as paperwork piled sky-high at the office. He only dashed back occasionally to handle urgent matters before returning to Ariana’s side. Right now, his company wasn’t his priority—his wife and newborn daughter were.

Ariana watched as Lambert meticulously peeled an apple for her. Her lashes fluttered slightly before she spoke. "What about Lucian and the others?"

Even during her hospital stay, her mind wasn’t solely occupied by their daughter. Her three sons weighed heavily on her heart, too.

But she didn’t know what to say to them.

Having them visit now wasn’t ideal—if they caused any chaos, it would only make things worse.

That’s why she had resisted asking about them until now.

Kevin hesitated briefly before rising to follow his elder brother.

Meanwhile, Carson crossed his arms defiantly. "I'm not going! You two can go if you want!" His tone was rebellious. She didn't even ask for me—only for Big Brother. Why should I go?

Lucian frowned, about to reprimand his younger sibling.

Sheryl quickly interjected, "Young Master, the Madam is waiting. Perhaps you should take the call first and talk to Little Master later?"

Lucian found this reasonable. His mother was expecting him—he couldn't keep her waiting. With a nod, he abandoned his efforts to console the sulking Carson and hurried downstairs. Kevin lagged a step behind his elder brother, pausing at the doorway to shoot Carson a glance. "Coming?" he asked.

Carson crossed his arms defiantly. "No! I won't go! She's not my mother anyway!" Not one who only cares about my sister and big brother, at least.

Now that he had his own 'mother,' he wasn't afraid.

Kevin glared, but Carson remained unfazed, his little face scrunched up in stubborn pride. With an exasperated sigh, Kevin finally gave up and followed his elder brother downstairs. Only after both had left did Carson's expression darken. Frustrated, he snatched up a toy and hurled it at the window, muttering under his breath, "I don't want a bad mom. Never!"

Sheryl's eyes flickered with something unreadable, but she couldn't linger. After a half-hearted attempt to soothe Carson, she too descended the stairs.

Downstairs, Lucian was speaking in a choked voice, recounting his recent academic achievements and how he'd been looking after his younger brothers. Ariana listened patiently, her voice soft when she finally responded, "You've done wonderfully, Lucian. Mom is very proud of you."

Lucian sniffled, his cheeks flushing pink. Meanwhile, Kevin stood nearby, eyes fixed on his elder brother with quiet longing.

Suddenly remembering his younger sibling, Lucian's face flashed with guilt. "Mom," he said quickly, "Kevin wants to talk to you too."