Rebirth Revenge Is Everything (Ariana) novel Chapter 703

Lucian's eyes dimmed slightly.

Pursing his lips, he said nothing but tacitly acknowledged the chubby boy's words.

As his chattering friend rambled on beside him, Lucian happened to glance up and caught sight of a familiar figure ahead.

He froze, instinctively halting mid-step to look again.

Ariana stood there, gazing at him with a radiant smile.

Lucian stood dumbfounded for a long moment before joy and excitement flashed across his face. He dashed forward and threw his arms around Ariana, hugging her tightly. "Mom! You're back!"

The chubby boy trailing behind was equally stunned to see Lucian's mother discharged from the hospital and waiting for him.

He had secretly overheard his own mother gossiping during afternoon tea—something about Lucian's mom being gravely ill. He'd even prepared words of comfort, but now, seeing her standing there healthy and smiling, he was utterly confused.

Ariana ruffled her son's hair affectionately. "Yes, I'm home."

Lucian grinned like an overjoyed fool, nuzzling against her like an affectionate puppy.

Her eyes crinkled with amusement as she noticed the round-faced boy beside him. "Is this your good friend, Lucian?"

Snapping back to reality, Lucian nodded eagerly. "Yeah!"

Ariana smiled warmly. "How adorable."

The chubby little boy's face instantly flushed red. He blinked rapidly, then stammered, "Lucian, if your mom's back, I won’t invite you over this weekend. But we can still hang out together, okay?"

Lucian gave a quiet nod.

Ariana chuckled softly before ushering both children outside.

The little boy was the son of Damon’s cousin, making him Fanny’s nephew. Between that and the previous argument he’d had with Lucian, Ariana remembered him quite well.

She had met Damon’s cousin before.

The man was gentle, refined, and meticulous in everything he did—flawless to a fault.

Yet this little one, with his sweet, clueless charm, bore none of his father’s temperament. It was downright endearing.

The Castro family’s nanny arrived to pick the boy up. Only after handing him over did Ariana lead Lucian to the car. The entire way, Lucian clung tightly to his mother’s hand, as though afraid she might vanish if he let go.

Deep down, he feared she might not really love him anymore.

Unlike his younger brother Carson, who had reacted dramatically, Lucian maintained the calm composure of an eldest son.

But he was only four or five years old.

The gnawing fear that his parents might prefer his baby sister over him had taken root in his heart.

And with them gone for over a month, absorbed in caring for the newborn, his insecurity had only grown.

Now, seeing his mother just as she always was, the restless unease in his chest finally settled.

After getting into the car, Lucian blinked his bright eyes and asked, "Mom, are we going straight home?"

Ariana shook her head gently. "We're going to pick up your brothers."

A radiant smile spread across Lucian's face as he nodded obediently. "Okay."

Ariana approached, holding her eldest son's hand, and greeted the teacher with a warm smile. "Hello, I'm Kevin and Carson's mother. I'm here to take them home."

Only those who had passed security checks could enter the premises.

Though slightly surprised—after all, most children here came from affluent families where parents rarely handled pickups themselves—the teacher maintained her professionalism. Ninety-nine percent of the time, it was nannies or chauffeurs who came. Still, exceptions weren't unheard of.

She returned the smile politely. "Hello, Mrs. Stone."

Carson, who had been blinking in quiet delight, stiffened at the address. His expression darkened, an inexplicable displeasure settling over him.

No one else seemed to notice his shift in mood.

After exchanging a few pleasantries with the teacher about the twins' recent progress in kindergarten, Ariana led the boys outside.

Kevin was visibly thrilled—his mother had returned, and she had come for him personally.

The feeling was sweet, like a hidden treasure suddenly uncovered.

He held his mother's hand and asked softly, "Mom, are you feeling better now?"

Ariana smiled gently. "Much better."

Carson stood frozen, his little face blank as he watched his two older brothers each holding their mother's hand. Just as he was about to throw a tantrum to show his displeasure, his second brother suddenly turned around. After giving him a glance, the boy said to their mother, who was ushering them into the car, "Mom, Carson is staying at the Stone Family residence now. Should we drop him off first?"

Then he turned back to shoot Carson a look. "Or would you rather wait here for the driver?"

Lucian immediately remembered the arrangement, too.

His gaze also shifted toward his younger brother.