Rebirth Revenge Is Everything (Ariana) novel Chapter 700

In a way, Arnold and Irene shared the same fundamental goal.

As long as Lambert or Ariana suffered misfortune, they was more than happy to watch from the sidelines.

Thus, the deal was smoothly struck.

At that moment, Arnold remained oblivious to the sheer disdain in Irene’s eyes—the kind of look one might reserve for an utter fool. Truth be told, he had no idea that Lambert had already uncovered traces of his involvement in that car accident from before. He still naively believed that Jerold had taken the fall for everything.

Right now, all he needed was to ensure Irene kept her mouth shut.

Unaware that he had essentially agreed to this deal without any real leverage, Arnold met Irene’s gaze and said, "Well then, I’ll take my leave."

He had already said more than enough. Fortunately, his people were stationed here, ensuring the surveillance equipment remained inactive—at least the audio recording was disabled.

That was why he could speak so freely with Irene.

Still, caution was paramount, so he had no intention of lingering any longer.

Irene replied coolly, "Go ahead."

Arnold stood up, casting one last glance at her before departing. As he walked away, his mind lingered on the cold, detached expression she wore during their negotiation. Despite her troublesome nature, there was no denying her striking beauty.

What a shame.

Perhaps once she was out of this mess, he could find a way to make her his. After all, the Irene of today was nothing like the woman she used to be.

She had no one left to turn to.

To secure assistance, she might actually agree. After all, those who share a common enemy can become allies.

The more Arnold thought about it, the more feasible the idea seemed. A faint smile played at the corners of her lips, her mood visibly brighter than when she had arrived.

Yet the thought of having to fetch Madelyn immediately soured his spirits again. Just the mention of Madelyn filled him with genuine distaste. After marriage, touching her had become an ordeal—three out of five attempts were outright rejected. And after giving birth to their son? She wouldn’t let him near her at all, the disgust in her eyes so blatant she didn’t even bother to hide it.

If not for the fact that he still needed the Olson family’s political alliance, he would have lost his temper long ago.

Fortunately, he had already bedded Madelyn, and the novelty had long worn off. So he kept a few mistresses on the side.

As for Madelyn? She was practically dispensable now.

That was, of course, as long as she stayed obediently at home, tending to their son and not causing him any trouble. But clearly, she had no sense of boundaries. It seemed he’d have to have a serious talk with the Olson family when he arrived. After all, the heir was already born, and he had established business ties with Madelyn’s eldest brother. Even without her as his wife, he had nothing to fear. If anything, it was the Olson family who would cling to this marriage alliance.

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Meanwhile, at the hospital.

Gilbert gazed fondly at his little granddaughter, his eyes brimming with warmth. It was obvious how much he adored the child.

A nurse entered, placed a bowl of fruit on the table, and quietly left.

Ariana took a piece, watching her father endlessly entertained by the baby’s tiny hands. She sighed. "Dad, aren’t you a little too old for this?"

Her voice was fragile, just as it had been decades ago.

For over twenty years, she had always reacted the same way when upset. Others might have grown weary—after all, the novelty had long faded, and the same old tactics would inevitably feel tiresome. At their age, such tearful pleading might even come across as awkward if not genuinely heartfelt. But Gilbert had always loved her deeply, so no matter how repetitive her methods were, his heart would soften.

Yet now…

He felt absolutely nothing now.

Perhaps he had finally seen through the tears to the cold, unfeeling heart beneath. She didn’t love him, yet she had played the part so flawlessly. It must have been exhausting for her.

Gilbert gave a faint, bitter smile. "Georgia," he said, his voice steady, "since we both understand that we’re no longer young, let’s at least spare each other some dignity. I told you I’d divorce you, and I meant it. From now on, take care of yourself."

Ariana stood silently nearby, listening.

She didn’t know what to say—or if she even had the right to say anything. So she stayed quiet. It was the only thing she could do.

Her father’s marriage was his own to end or salvage. She had no place to interfere. Before, she had resented Georgia, even blamed her. But now that she knew the woman wasn’t her real mother, that bitterness had faded. What was left? Nothing. Especially after Georgia had begged her to spare her biological daughter, while showing no remorse for nearly costing Ariana and her unborn child their lives.

In her heart, Georgia no longer existed.

Now, she was just a stranger—not even a fostermother. Nothing more.

On the other end of the line, Georgia seemed frantic, her words rushed and desperate. But Gilbert’s expression remained unmoved. He waited until she finished before replying, cold and final: "I know exactly why you called today. Let it go."