Rebirth Revenge Is Everything (Ariana) novel Chapter 750

Ariana was no fool. She understood perfectly well that the head of the Harper family didn’t genuinely wish to speak with Lambert; he was merely creating an opportunity for her to interact with his wife.

To be honest, Ariana was genuinely surprised.

She was taken aback by how magnanimous the Harper family's head could be. If she hadn’t known for certain that he wasn’t her biological father, she might have suspected they shared some blood relation. Yet, this very gesture revealed just how strong the bond was between him and his wife.

Ariana pressed her lips together and shook her head gently. “Another time, Uncle. It’s a family dinner—Lambert and I would only be intruding.”

Earl narrowed his eyes, his tone light and cheerful. “Nonsense, how could you be intruding? In fact, I was hoping you could do me a favor, Ariana. This is my youngest daughter—she’s new to the city and doesn’t know her way around. I’d appreciate it if you could guide her a little, so she doesn’t end up embarrassing herself.”

Ariana fell silent.

What did he mean, asking her to guide a daughter of the Harper family?

If she were still unmarried, it might make sense for her to introduce the girl into their social circle as a friend. But now that she was married, she moved in the circle of established matrons—hardly the right crowd for a young girl.

Unless, of course, she were the girl’s sister.

The thought made Ariana’s eyes narrow slightly. She couldn’t help but reflect that the rumors about the Harper family's head being ineffectual might have been exaggerated. His words were carefully crafted, devoid of any offensiveness, yet subtly leading her into a verbal trap.

Without explicitly stating anything, he had skillfully hinted at her true identity, almost as if they were family, as if he were her stepfather.

Just as Ariana was struggling to find a way to politely decline by bringing up Lambert, the man himself appeared.

He had been waiting for her for quite some time, and when she didn’t return, his worry had grown.

But he never expected to step outside and find such a scene unfolding before him.

Ariana visibly relaxed the moment she spotted Lambert. She quickly moved to stand beside him, then turned to address the head of the Harper family. "Uncle, we've already had our meal, so we really couldn't eat another bite. Lambert also has some company matters to attend to. Let's get together another time."

Kendra remained silent throughout the entire exchange.

This was unusual for her.

Normally, she was the one who handled most social interactions, but today she was uncharacteristically quiet. Her eyes held a weariness and a faint sorrow that had never been there before.

It was a look that made Ariana unable to meet her gaze, afraid that her own heart might soften.

The bond between mother and daughter is a force few can resist.

Lambert listened to his wife's words in slight bewilderment, but quickly grasped the situation. He glanced at the Harper family's head, who seemed poised to say more, and offered a polite, faint smile. "Ariana is right. I'll pay a personal visit another day. I'm afraid it really isn't convenient today. My apologies, Uncle and Aunt."

Just as Earl frowned and opened his mouth to speak again, Kendra finally spoke.

She said slowly, "In that case, we won't insist."

Ariana let out a soft, relieved breath. Her long lashes lowered, veiling the emotions in her eyes as she murmured, "Then Lambert and I will take our leave."

Kendra nodded. "Mm... Remember to take care of your health. Even though infants are delicate, they still need some sunshine. You can leave the baby with the nanny more often; don't exhaust yourself." The words spilled out almost against her will, a mother's concern she couldn't hold back.

Even as she dug her nails hard into her palm, her mind seemed to operate on its own.