Rebirth Revenge Is Everything (Ariana) novel Chapter 693

The Olson Family Residence

Madelyn had been staying at her parents' home for quite some time now.

To be precise, ever since the hospital fire incident, a thoroughly shaken Madelyn had rushed back to her family the very next day—and hadn’t returned to the Stone Family household since.

Whether it was guilt or sheer terror that kept her there, no one could say. But for days, she had holed up in her childhood home like a frightened rabbit.

Luckily, the Stone family was in chaos at the moment, too preoccupied to notice her absence. Otherwise, her behavior would have been inexcusable.

Even so, after all these days, Madelyn’s two sisters-in-law were growing restless. Of course, her mother sensed the impropriety too, but maternal concern softened her judgment, and she chose to stay silent.

Her silence, however, didn’t stop the sisters-in-law from speaking up.

That day, the elder sister-in-law cast an uneasy glance at her mother-in-law before carefully broaching the subject. "Mom, don’t you think Madelyn has been here a bit too long? I know the Stone family is swamped right now, but what happens when things settle down? And with the youngest daughter-in-law's... situation, shouldn’t Madelyn, as the eldest daughter-in-law, be present?"

The younger sister-in-law nodded in reluctant agreement. "She’s right, Mom. The Stone family may be quiet for now, but once this blows over, Madelyn’s parents-in-law will surely take notice. Old Mr. Stone is rather traditional—he won’t look kindly on his granddaughter-in-law being absent at a time like this."

Had Madelyn not married into the prestigious Stone family, their words would have been far less diplomatic.

But they could hold back no longer.

The sisters-in-law were practically frantic. Madelyn’s marriage to the Stone family was an invaluable asset to the Olsons. With the succession of Olson Group still undecided, her brothers were locked in fierce competition—and their sister’s connection to the Stone Family was a prize worth courting.

This was precisely why the two sisters-in-law had tolerated Madelyn staying at the family home for so long. But seeing that she still showed no intention of returning, they began to panic.

What did this mean?

Could there be marital problems? A looming divorce? Such an alliance must not be jeopardized at all costs.

Observing her anxious daughters-in-law, Madelyn's mother maintained a calm facade, though inwardly she was equally concerned. She and her husband were more worried than anyone about their daughter’s marriage. The union with the Stone family absolutely could not afford even the slightest mishap.

After a deliberate, sighing pause, Mrs. Olson finally spoke, "Alright, I know you're concerned about your sister, but she’s genuinely shaken this time. Staying home for a while is only natural. Still, you’re right—being away too long might give the in-laws the wrong impression."

The eyes of Madelyn’s elder and younger sisters-in-law instantly lit up.

The elder sister-in-law seized the opportunity. "Then, Mom, should we go upstairs and talk to Madelyn?" Both sisters-in-law had also entered arranged marriages, but the Olson family wasn’t particularly prominent, so their matches were with families of similar standing—nowhere near the prestige of the Stone family.

Ever since Madelyn’s engagement and marriage into the Stone family, the two sisters-in-law had treated her with nothing but deference.

Mrs. Olson sighed and was about to respond when Madelyn’s cool voice drifted down from the spiral staircase. Her expression was unreadable as she said, "No need to persuade me. I’m already here. If you have something to say, say it to my face."

The sisters-in-law stiffened instantly.

Under Madelyn’s icy gaze, their discomfort was palpable.

Mrs. Sun frowned. "What do you mean?"

Madelyn sniffled but said nothing, tears streaming silently down her face.

Being a well-educated woman from a distinguished family—and knowing her daughter’s temperament all too well—Mrs. Sun took a moment to think before a realization struck her. Her expression darkened. "Don’t tell me... that fire had something to do with you."

...

At the same time, Irene was indeed sent to prison that day.

Only when she was locked inside the temporary detention cell did true panic set in.

She knew it now—

She had truly been abandoned by her family! Crushing terror stole her breath, and regret gnawed at her. She wanted to apologize, to beg for forgiveness, but no one would see her. Not knowing whether she’d spend the rest of her life behind bars, Irene had already broken down in tears multiple times.

It wasn’t until Georgia’s visit that day that Irene finally glimpsed a sliver of hope.

Georgia’s heart twisted at the sight of her daughter, who, after such a short time apart, looked haggard and utterly unlike her former self.

With a trembling voice, Irene choked out, "Auntie… Auntie, I’m sorry—I’m so sorry! I’ll apologize for what happened to Ariana, okay? Please, I didn’t mean for any of this to happen… Wuwu… Just forgive me this once, I’m begging you!"