At the mention of Irene's name, a shadow passed through Ariana's dark eyes.
"Let's not talk about that," she said flatly. Truth be told, the moment she had agreed to Georgia's request to drop the lawsuit, any notion of "revenge" had become hollow. Ariana closed her eyes briefly, then slowly opened them as she turned to Lambert. "When are we going home? Is your project negotiation finished?"
Lambert nodded. "It's done. We'll head back tomorrow."
A long, quiet sigh of relief escaped Ariana. Finally, they could return. Though they had been away for only a few days, her heart had been constantly tugged by thoughts of her children. She realized now she understood those mothers who willingly gave up careers to be full-time homemakers for their kids.
There was a time when she couldn't comprehend it—she had even vowed confidently that she would never become like that after marriage. She would never sacrifice her career for family and children, becoming a caged bird. But motherhood had gradually taught her that feeling. If she were ever forced to choose between the two, she knew without hesitation she would give up her career, even if she might regret it someday.
Noticing the distant look in Ariana's eyes, Lambert's gaze softened with a hint of helpless affection. He gently drew her closer, guiding her to lean against him. Ariana blinked, startled, and looked up at him. Lambert stroked her hair softly and whispered, "Tired? Rest for a while if you are."
Her heart trembled at his words. She couldn't quite define the emotion—a warm current seemed to flood her chest all at once. Though she wasn't sleepy at all, almost as if bewitched, she found herself nestling into his embrace, closing her eyes and drifting into a hazy slumber.
By the time Lambert woke her, the car had already arrived at their villa.
Out of the corner of her eye, Ariana noticed the faint wrinkles on his suit jacket from where she had been lying. A blush crept onto her cheeks. Lambert, however, seemed not to notice. He stepped out of the car and took her hand, leading her toward the villa. Ariana followed, feeling a mix of embarrassment and awkwardness.
They passed several servants along the way, all of whom stared openly at her and Lambert’s clasped hands, making her genuinely feel a little self-conscious.
They were an old married couple, after all…
Well…
It was a bit… You know.
Yet Lambert seemed completely oblivious. Holding Ariana’s hand, he spoke up, “Ariana.”
Ariana: “Hmm?”
Lambert’s voice was low and serious. “There’s something I haven’t told you.”
Ariana paused slightly. “What is it?”
Lambert looked directly at her, his brow furrowed. “There’s been some trouble back home. Your friend, Fanny, had a miscarriage.”
Something like this wouldn’t normally be worth Lambert’s attention, let alone him bringing it up personally to Ariana—even if he knew Fanny was her friend. The fact that he mentioned it now meant the situation was far from simple.
Ariana clearly realized this as well.
Her face instantly turned pale. “What exactly happened?”
Lambert didn’t answer right away. Only after they entered the villa did he finally say, “Maxwell is engaged.”
The abruptness of the statement left Ariana momentarily confused. She couldn’t see the connection between the two things. What did Maxwell’s engagement have to do with Fanny’s miscarriage? But then, a flicker of understanding crossed her eyes—she suddenly realized something, and her expression shifted dramatically.

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