Rebirth Revenge Is Everything (Ariana) novel Chapter 704

Lucian naturally hoped his little brother wouldn't go back.

After all, their mother had just returned.

But knowing his younger brother's temperament, he wasn't sure if he should say anything. Instead, he fixed his brother with an expectant gaze, silently willing him to be just a little more considerate. Even if he wanted to return to their great-grandparents' place, he should at least soften his attitude—otherwise, Mom would be heartbroken.

Carson's face was flushed red.

His lips were pressed tightly together, his large dark eyes wide and unblinking. He stood frozen in place, silent—whether from anger or a confused, helpless frustration, it was hard to tell.

Afraid his brother might throw another tantrum and say something hurtful, Lucian cut in before Carson could speak. "If you really want to go back, Mom, Kevin, and I can take you first. It's not safe for you to wait here alone for the driver."

Of course, it wasn't actually unsafe—this was the most secure kindergarten in all of the city.

Lucian was just trying to give his little brother an out. Unfortunately, though he was more mature than most kids his age, he hadn't yet learned the art of tactful white lies.

Carson's expression darkened.

His lips still bitten tight, he glanced at their mother, then suddenly bristled with inexplicable irritation. "I don't want to!" he shouted. "I'll wait here for the driver myself—just go away!"

Lucian paled.

He hadn't expected his brother to be so stubborn, so utterly blind to the situation.

Throwing a tantrum at a time like this—how childish.

He clearly wanted to return to the Stone Family residence, and I even paved the way for him.

Kevin’s expression darkened as well. Watching his twin brother throw another tantrum, he instinctively grabbed his mother’s hand and stammered hesitantly, "Mom, I—I don’t want to go back. I want to stay with you." He was terrified she might think he felt the same way.

Ariana fell silent.

She looked at the three children, especially her youngest son, whose eyes brimmed with tears as he glared at her fiercely.

Her heart ached, but she bent down and spoke softly, "Mom hasn’t been home lately, so it’s my fault for not being there for you, Carson. But I was injured, and your little sister fell ill, so I had to stay at the hospital. I know you’re a good boy, and you understand, right? Mom knows you want to stay with Great-Grandma and your grandparents, but I miss you and your brothers so, so much. So how about coming home with me and your brothers?"

Carson stared at his mother, her gentle eyes fixed on him from just inches away. For a fleeting moment, his heart swelled with happiness.

His grip tightened around the strap of his backpack. Just as he was about to answer, he heard his twin brother speak with a frown, "Mom, if he doesn’t want to go back, then let’s just leave." Then, turning to his younger brother, he added, "But it’s not good for you to wait here alone for the driver, so stop being difficult. Let me, Mom, and big brother take you home first."

Carson’s eyes instantly reddened again.

He opened his mouth to argue, but his pride wouldn’t let him take back his words and admit that he actually wanted to stay with his mother.

Tears welled up, threatening to spill. With a furious glare at his second brother, he shoved him hard and snapped, "Mind your own business!"

Ariana frowned. "Carson."

Hearing the disapproval in his mother’s tone, the tears in Carson’s large, dark eyes finally overflowed.

Sobbing, he choked out, "I knew it—you don’t like me! Well, I don’t like you either! I don’t want to be with you! I’ll just wait here for the driver!" With that, he burst into loud, wailing cries.

Carson gasped, startled, before instinctively tightening his grip around her neck. The sensation was familiar yet distant, like something he hadn’t felt in a long time. Now, enveloped in his mother’s warmth again, his heart melted instantly. His small fingers clutched at her, unwilling to let go.

Ariana chuckled softly. \"Daddy will be home soon. How about we all have dinner together?"

Carson averted his gaze, burying his face silently against his mother's neck without a word, as if tacitly acknowledging something.

Ariana couldn't help but smile.

Down below, Lucian immediately let out a sigh of relief. Meanwhile, Kevin's eyes darkened in an instant, a flicker of jealousy flashing through them.

Unaware of this, Ariana settled her youngest son into the car before motioning for her two older sons to climb in as well.

Once inside, Carson was unusually quiet. A closer look would reveal his flushed cheeks and the restless fidgeting of his small hands, still bashful from his mother's earlier affectionate gesture. Kevin pressed his lips together, watching as their mother listened gently to his eldest brother's words, a pang of loneliness and sorrow tightening his chest.

After a brief silence, he suddenly reached out and grasped Ariana's hand, tilting his head with an innocent expression. "Mom, what’s for dinner tonight?" he asked sweetly.

Ariana chuckled softly. "What would you like to eat?"

Kevin blinked eagerly. "I want to eat whatever you cook, okay?"

Lucian, who had been listening with a grin, stiffened instantly at his younger brother’s words. His face paled as he shot Kevin a disbelieving look—as if questioning why he’d willingly choose such a perilous path. He had tasted their mother’s cooking before..., and while he adored her, even he had to admit that culinary skills were not her forte.

Honestly, even their father cooked better than she did.