Rebirth Revenge Is Everything (Ariana) novel Chapter 728

Since ancient times, people have always shown more sympathy toward infants than the elderly.

And this was an especially pitiful child.

The fire had nearly claimed two lives. Though the child survived, she was left with a congenital heart condition. This innocent little one’s entire future had been ruined, stirring deep sorrow in many and fueling their fury toward the culprit.

Before this, most people had cursed Ariana simply because she was the wife of the Stone Group’s president.

In the public eye, the wealthy elite were often seen as corrupt and morally bankrupt.

Even if some were innocent, the vast wealth gap had already tainted the term "high society" in the minds of many. That was why people had so readily jumped on the bandwagon to condemn her when news broke that the Stone Group’s president's wife had driven her own mother to suicide.

But now, as Ariana’s daughter was exposed, public outrage erupted anew.

No matter how much prejudice people held against the rich, few could direct it toward a newborn.

So the shift in public sentiment was only natural.

Some netizens even tagged the police department’s official Weibo account, demanding, "Isn’t it outrageous that someone like her is still roaming free? What if she sets another fire? Last time, she didn’t care who was around—thank goodness it was a private hospital. What if it hadn’t been? Innocent people would’ve paid the price!"

The outcry grew louder by the day, with many vowing not to relent unless the court reopened the case.

But none of this affected the Stone Group anymore.

By the second day after the truth came to light, the company’s stock prices had stabilized, finally easing the old man’s grim expression.

The elderly matriarch watched her great-granddaughter sleeping peacefully in the nanny’s arms and sighed softly. "To think Irene was actually Ariana’s mother’s biological daughter… I truly had no idea."

In wealthy families, adopting children is a rare occurrence.

After all, elite households are never short of heirs—so why bother bringing in an outsider? The old lady frowned, her mind clouded with confusion. Back when Kendra married Irene, she had been young enough to bear children without issue. What on earth had happened in the Harper family to lead to such an unusual arrangement?

The whole thing was baffling.

The old man snorted coldly. "None of this concerns the Stone family. That brat, at least, handled the recent crisis with the Stone Corporation quite well."

His wife chuckled. "You know full well how capable Lambert is. And honestly, you should stop giving him and Ariana such a hard time. Pressuring him like this—given his proud nature—must have rubbed him the wrong way. He’s not a child anymore; he’s a father of four. Your interference only makes him resentful."

Especially since his temperament was nearly identical to her husband’s.

Men like them despised nothing more than being ordered around.

Lambert, much like his grandfather, carried himself with the authority of a natural leader. He would never tolerate anyone—even family—dictating his choices.

The old man’s brow furrowed slightly.

"Fine. I understand," he said flatly.

He wasn’t the type to cling stubbornly to power, unwilling to pass the reins to the next generation. He knew his time was fading; the future of the Stone family rested in Lambert’s hands. But the boy had left a sour impression on him.

He scowled. "Fine, I was just venting." Ariana had already borne four children for the Stone family, so he wouldn’t actually demand a divorce. Still, he couldn’t help feeling regret—regret that Lambert hadn’t married someone from a family of equal standing.

Had he chosen a suitable match, the recent plunge in the Stone Corporation’s stock would never have happened.

As the old couple’s tense exchange lingered, the butler suddenly approached. "Sir, Madam, Earl, the head of the Harper Group, has requested an audience. He’s waiting outside."

The old lady blinked in surprise.

She couldn’t fathom what business Earl had with them.

The old man was equally puzzled. The two exchanged glances, seeing the same unspoken suspicion reflected in each other's eyes. Could it be... because of the Harper family's daughter?

The old man's slightly clouded eyes flickered briefly before he replied with deliberate calm, "Show him in."

Earl belonged to the same generation as Hugh, so his waiting outside couldn't be considered a breach of etiquette by the Stone family. Though both were family heads, their generational seniority differed.

The steward gave a slight nod. "As you wish."

With that, he withdrew.

Only after the steward had left did the old lady speak up, her expression frosty as she frowned. "Surely Earl isn't here because of that daughter of his?"

The old man responded noncommittally, "Perhaps." Though privately, he doubted a mere daughter would warrant a personal visit from the head of the Harper family.