Rebirth Revenge Is Everything (Ariana) novel Chapter 747

Ariana cleared her throat lightly, breaking the slightly tense atmosphere. She smiled and said, "Well, I'm fine, really. Actually, I came here to discuss something with you. Do you have a moment?" She didn’t want the assistants to get scolded by Lambert because of her. It made her feel uncomfortable—almost like she was some kind of temptress leading a ruler astray.

Lambert glanced at Ariana, who subtly winked at him. Understanding her intention, he dropped the subject and simply replied, "I do." Then, taking her hand, he led her into his office.

The assistants watched them disappear inside, cold sweat still trickling down their faces. One of them patted her chest in relief and whispered, "That scared me to death." But now she had witnessed firsthand just how important this lady was to Mr. Stone. The rumors were clearly true. What woman wouldn’t envy such a devoted husband?

The others nodded in silent agreement, each mentally reinforcing the resolve to report any similar incidents to Mr. Stone immediately in the future. None of them wanted to lose their jobs over something so trivial.

…

Inside the office, Lambert guided Ariana to the sofa before fetching her a glass of warm water. "Here, drink this," he said gently as he handed it to her.

Ariana nodded and accepted the glass. Just as Lambert was about to sit down beside her, his sharp eyes caught a faint coffee stain on her sleeve. His gaze narrowed almost imperceptibly—so the coffee had splashed on her after all. A flicker of cold anger passed through his eyes, though his expression remained composed and unreadable.

He turned to Ariana and asked, "Is there something you needed?"

Ariana looked up, a blank expression on her face. "Huh?"

A faint trace of amusement flickered in Lambert's eyes. He patiently repeated, "Weren't you saying there was something important to discuss?"

Ariana scratched her head awkwardly and shrugged. "I was just trying to change the subject."

Lambert let out a soft chuckle, his voice low, husky, and undeniably charming. "Oh? Then I suppose I should thank my wife on behalf of my employees."

Ariana fell silent. "..."

She couldn't be bothered to engage with him further. Setting her water glass aside, she stood up and wandered aimlessly around the room. Her eyes drifted over various objects before finally settling on a book, which she picked up and flipped through with feigned nonchalance. However, the faint blush of embarrassment coloring her cheeks betrayed her unsettled state. Strangely, Lambert, who was usually so perceptive and could instantly read his wife's mood, seemed completely oblivious this time. He simply continued to watch her leisurely.

Ariana's mouth twitched. Finally, out of options, she looked up and met his gaze. "Why are you staring at me?"

Lambert tilted his head, a playful glint in his eyes. "I'm waiting to see how you'll try to change the subject again."

"..."

Fortunately, Lambert finally recognized Ariana's growing discomfort and realized that pushing any further might provoke a full-blown reaction. He reined in his teasing and adopted a more serious tone. "I'll likely need to go on a business trip in a couple of days. It should take at least a week." Lambert understood the Lohmann Corporation's intentions.

He had indeed considered the possibility of collaborating with them before, and their recent approach wasn't entirely unexpected. He had even given it some thought.

But now, it seemed an agreement was unlikely, and frankly, Lambert had no desire to negotiate with the Lohmann Corporation. While allowing personal feelings to influence business decisions was generally inadvisable—the business world frowned upon letting emotions dictate strategy—it was a reality he faced. To put it bluntly, a major conglomerate like his was no less complex than a dynasty from ancient times. As the ultimate decision-maker, every choice he made impacted the future of the Stone Corporation.

The thought made Ariana’s expression shift oddly, a faint twinge of guilt inexplicably rising in her heart.

Lambert watched her intently, not missing a single change in her demeanor. He chuckled inwardly, then leaned in closer, his voice husky and tender as he whispered in her ear, “What’s on your mind?”

Ariana replied, “You.”

Lambert raised an eyebrow. “Oh? I’m truly flattered.”

Ariana felt that if she continued this conversation with Lambert, she’d only end up digging herself into a deeper hole. She cleared her throat lightly and made to leave, saying, "Aren’t you swamped with work? I’ll get out of your hair, then." But Lambert caught her by the wrist. "What’s the rush?" he said. "It’s almost lunchtime—stay and eat with me."

Without giving her a chance to protest, he guided her firmly to the sofa and pressed her down into the cushions. Then he returned to his desk, adding, "Let me just finish up here. If you’re bored, feel free to play a game or pick something to read."

Ariana sighed in exasperation. "Are you treating me like your son or something?" Even as she grumbled, she reached for a book from the shelf to pass the time.

Lambert answered with mock seriousness, "Of course not. A daughter, more like."

Ariana rolled her eyes. "...Thanks a lot."

With that, she pointedly ignored him and buried herself in the book. If she kept engaging, this conversation could easily stretch from lunch straight into dinner.