Rebirth Revenge Is Everything (Ariana) novel Chapter 769

The story of how Caroline and Maxwell got together was downright absurd, straight out of a cliché drama.

It all started with a classic "hero saves the damsel in distress" scenario. A few days earlier, Caroline had gone to a karaoke bar with friends. During the night, she slipped away to use the restroom. In venues like that, practically everyone knew her as the infamous Miss Lohmann, so she rarely bothered having bodyguards tail her every move—especially not for a quick bathroom break. But as luck would have it, in those few minutes alone, she ran into a drunkard who, against all better judgment, decided to harass her.

Though Caroline was known for being spoiled and headstrong, she was undeniably pretty. And despite her sharp tongue, she was still just a young woman—no match for a grown man’s strength. Just as the situation grew tense, Maxwell, who happened to be at the same place with friends and was also on his way to the restroom, heard the commotion. He stepped in, scowled at the drunk, and swiftly knocked the man to the ground.

Caroline had never experienced anything like it. No guy had ever swooped in to rescue her out of the blue. Growing up sheltered and constantly surrounded by security, real danger was something she’d never faced. In that moment, Maxwell seemed to glow in her eyes—his heroics magnified tenfold. Right then and there, she fell for him, and soon after, launched an all-out pursuit.

When a girl is around someone she likes, she naturally tries to show her best side. So around Maxwell, Caroline became this warm, lively, and utterly charming version of herself. It didn’t take long for him to fall for her too, completely unaware that the sweet girl he’d grown fond of hid a vicious and cruel nature beneath the surface.

Not long after, Ariana returned to the country. Her first stop was to see her daughter.

When Ariana arrived at the main residence with Lambert, they found Grace babbling happily, her wide dark eyes full of curiosity as she played with a toy. Ariana approached, her heart swelling with emotion. Turning to the elderly lady, she said softly, “Grandmother, thank you—and Mother—for taking such good care of her all this time.”

The elderly woman first glanced in surprise at her grandson, who had returned with his wife, then shook her head with a gentle smile. "It's been fine. Our Gracie is such a good girl."

And indeed, she was an exceptionally well-behaved baby.

In all her years, the grandmother had never encountered such a content and quiet child. The little one never fussed or cried without reason. She’d sleep soundly after each feeding, and upon waking, instead of crying, she’d simply gaze around with wide, curious eyes. Give her a small toy, and she’d be happily occupied for hours—even more placid than her father, Lambert, had been as an infant. She only cried when truly hungry or in need of a change. The rest of the time, she was so serene and undemanding that it hardly seemed natural for a baby.

In just a few short days, Gracie had completely captured the old woman’s heart.

Hearing this, Ariana’s eyes immediately curved into happy crescents. She glided over, took her daughter from the nanny’s arms, and gazed down at the baby with tender, adoring eyes. "Is that so? Has my little Gracie been this good lately?"

Of course, Grace couldn’t understand her mother’s words. Initially, she had resisted being taken from the familiar hold of the nanny, but something in Ariana’s embrace felt instinctively comforting, so she settled quietly. When her mother spoke, Grace let out a soft, gurgling "Wa-wu!", tilted her tiny head, and planted a wet, smacking kiss on Ariana’s cheek.

Having accomplished this, she broke into a gleeful, gurgling laugh, as if she’d just pulled off a delightful little prank.

Ariana’s heart melted completely. She was just about to snuggle closer to her daughter when Lambert smoothly, almost imperceptibly, intervened. "You’re still recovering your strength," he stated calmly but firmly. "Let me hold her." Without waiting for agreement, he took the baby from his wife’s arms.

A flicker of disappointment and reluctance crossed Ariana’s face. She shot her husband a mock-annoyed look. "You just wanted to hold her yourself, didn’t you?"

Lambert offered no denial, his silence speaking volumes. Watching the young couple’s interaction, the grandmother’s eyes shone with fondness and a touch of wistful nostalgia. But the moment passed quickly. Regaining her composure, she addressed them both. "Gracie’s hundred-day celebration is in less than a month. As the first great-granddaughter of the Stone family, it must be done properly. Ariana, you handle drawing up the guest list and gift registry. Follow the pattern of previous events, but this time, be sure to include the Lohmann Corporation."

Ariana’s hands stilled slightly. "The Lohmann Corporation?"