Rebirth Revenge Is Everything (Ariana) novel Chapter 696

"Lucian told me not to come back," Lambert quickly explained. "He called and said everything at home was fine. I've spoken with all three kids—everything's normal." As he spoke, his eyes didn't flicker, his face didn't flush, his expression utterly convincing.

Ariana finally relaxed but still urged, "You should still go check on the children when you can. I don’t need you here all the time."

Lambert nodded. "Don’t worry, I’ll go back tomorrow."

Satisfied, Ariana said nothing more.

Seizing the moment, Lambert handed her the apple he had peeled earlier. "I just talked with Lucian about his studies. He’s brilliant—inherited all the best from both of us. I’m proud. The Stone family will be in good hands when the time comes." His tone was steady, his gaze unwavering as he spun tales of conversations that had never happened.

Ariana exhaled softly, relieved to see him finally taking an interest in their son.

Right now, she truly couldn’t handle everything alone.

With the children, she was stretched too thin. If Lambert had remained as indifferent and childish as before, leaving their kids entirely unattended, she would have been utterly disappointed.

But seeing him step up to care for their three children when she, as their mother, couldn’t, softened her heart.

"He is smart," she admitted, "but he’s still young. Why talk about succession now?"

Another woman in her position might have been thrilled to hear her husband so decisively name their son as heir.

But Ariana couldn’t bear the thought of burdening Lucian with such expectations so soon.

She didn’t want her son growing up under that kind of pressure.

While she still could, she wanted him to have a carefree childhood, just like any other boy.

Lambert chuckled lightly. "You’re right. I got ahead of myself. But seeing how mature Lucian is makes me happy. He’ll be a wonderful older brother."

As long as he could sit with Ariana like this, sharing quiet, tender moments, Lambert would spin any lie necessary to keep the peace.

His solemn expression gave no hint of the detached demeanor he had while on the phone.

One might have mistaken him for a doting father.

While Lambert and Ariana were enjoying their rare, heartwarming conversation, on the other side, Carson was drowning in unease.

He clutched a toy absentmindedly, pretending to play while his thoughts wandered far beyond the room—until the door to his bedroom creaked open. The moment his eldest brother, Lucian, stepped inside, his eyes lit up briefly. But then, as if remembering something, he scoffed and lifted his chin defiantly, putting on his most haughty air. "What do you want? Don’t even try to talk me out of it! I want to go home—now! I hate it here!"

Lucian frowned at his unruly little brother, pressing his lips together before speaking. "I just got off the phone with Dad. He said if you really want to go back, then fine. There, happy now? Stop making a scene, got it? I’ll have the driver take you tomorrow—it’s too late tonight."

He had debated whether to break the news now, but ultimately decided it was better to pacify his brother before he threw another tantrum. The last thing he needed was Carson wailing in the middle of the night, refusing to sleep until he got his way.

Sheryl had been waiting nearby, listening for any commotion. When she saw the eldest young master leave in displeasure, she quietly slipped into the younger one’s room.

Carson was still crying and throwing things when she entered. Hearing footsteps, he hastily wiped his tears with his chubby little hands. But upon seeing it was only Sheryl, a flicker of disappointment crossed his face.

Yet, the deeper hurt in his heart only swelled.

His voice trembled with sorrow as he whimpered, "Sister Sheryl... Wuwu... Dad really doesn’t like me..."

Sheryl approached and gently stroked his head, her lashes lowering as she spoke in a soothing tone. "Don’t think like that. Mr. Stone cares for you very much. It’s just that your mother in the hospital needs him, and he has to look after her and your little sister too. That’s why he can’t come back."

Her words subtly hinted that it was Ariana who disliked him—not Lambert.

Sure enough, Carson’s eyes reddened even more.

Biting his lip, he muttered, "If she doesn’t like me, then I don’t like her either. I wish Dad wasn’t with her. I want a new mom—one who’d treat me well."

For days, Sheryl had been whispering to him about how this mother mistreated him and how a new one would shower him with love.

At first, Carson hadn’t paid much attention. But now, he couldn’t help but start yearning for it.