Rebirth Revenge Is Everything (Ariana) novel Chapter 786

Lucian chimed in, "Mom, Auntie, we'll be waiting for you in the main hall."

A deeper warmth bloomed in Ariana's eyes. "Be good and stay with your father," she said gently. "No mischief, understand?"

The three children nodded with earnest solemnity.

Truth be told...

Even without Ariana's reminder, they wouldn't have dared. Whenever Lambert was present, the trio became as quiet and still as quails, impeccably well-behaved. This remarkable obedience, of course, could be traced back to the time Lambert had decisively corrected the most headstrong of the three brothers.

Now, even Carson, who once tested boundaries, knew better than to speak out of turn, let alone the naturally compliant Lucian and Kevin.

After Lambert and the children had left, Ariana turned to Kiara, who still wore a face pinched with anxiety. She sighed softly. "Don't be nervous. The more you tense up, the harder it gets. All the major arrangements for the birthday banquet are already handled. Your only task is to wear a perfect smile and mingle with the guests. I know it feels daunting now, but you'll get used to it. Just watch how I handle things later, okay?"

Kiara bobbed her head up and down like a pecking chick. "Mm-hmm, I understand!"

She knew she couldn't rely on Ariana forever, but she was utterly crippled by stage fright. Large, formal gatherings had never been part of her life growing up.

It was only in the two years since being recognized by the family that Ariana had started taking her everywhere, slowly coaxing her out of her shell. But being thrust into hosting a grand event like this, expected to make small talk with important guests, made her head spin. Part of her just wanted to flee back to campus.

Even school felt easier than this.

Navigating social intricacies truly wasn't her forte. The business world was full of cunning old foxes, not to mention the sly younger ones waiting in the wings. She felt like a little rabbit wandering into a den of wolves, essentially serving herself up for breakfast.

Kiara's inexperience was written plainly on her face. With a single glance, Ariana could read the turmoil in her heart.

She felt a hint of helplessness but knew this wasn’t something that could be achieved overnight. It required experience—just like her own journey back in the day. So she chose not to expose the other’s barely concealed frustration and desire to retreat, instead firmly guiding her toward the main hall without allowing any hesitation.

The gathering was bustling with guests.

Aside from the Stone family, the most prominent attendees were from the Castro family—Damon and Fanny. Given Fanny’s close ties to Ariana, Damon's presence was hardly surprising. After all, he was the honorary godfather to Ariana and Lambert’s children.

When Fanny spotted Ariana, she offered a faint smile. “Ariana, where’s your father?”

Ariana replied, “He hasn’t made an appearance yet.” Then, furrowing her brows slightly, she asked, “Has your health not improved? You still look quite frail.” Compared to the last time they’d met, Fanny no longer carried that air of despair, but the change in her was palpable.

She seemed to have matured significantly.

It was clear how deeply the miscarriage had affected her—both physically and emotionally.

Fanny forced a weak smile and said nothing.

Beside her, Damon remained silent, not uttering a word. Yet, the icy, unapproachable aura he radiated was even more intense than before, hinting that the Castro family might have been going through turbulent times lately. Just as Ariana’s thoughts began to wander, a bright, lively laugh echoed from the entrance.

“It’s Uncle’s birthday today! How come you two rushed here so quickly? I was hoping to arrive with you.”

Ariana turned toward the voice, her eyes narrowing slightly in surprise.