Rebirth Revenge Is Everything (Ariana) novel Chapter 788

In the past, Ariana wouldn't have given this a second thought. But now, things were different. The elderly matriarch had always treated her with immense kindness, and her in-laws were equally warm and accepting. She knew exactly how much the family's legacy, the Stone Corporation, meant to the old lady. The last thing Ariana wanted was to be the cause of any trouble for it.

"I know what I'm doing," Lambert said, his voice calm and measured.

Ariana fell silent, her worries momentarily soothed by his confidence.

A soft chuckle escaped him as he watched her. "Don't waste your energy worrying about her. She's insignificant." And he meant it. The Lohmann family wasn't the type to launch a full-scale retaliation just because their daughter had tried to humiliate someone and ended up humiliating herself. But even if they were foolish enough to pick a fight with the Stone Corporation over such a trivial matter, Lambert wouldn't lose a moment's sleep.

He believed that true strength was forged through adversity. A life of constant comfort left one unprepared and vulnerable when real storms eventually hit.

Seeing the unshakable composure on her husband's face, the knot of anxiety in Ariana's chest began to loosen. She accepted the small plate of cake he offered her.

Encouraged, Lambert's eyes lit up with boyish enthusiasm as he immediately turned back to the dessert table, picking up another plate to select more of her favorite treats. The affectionate display didn't go unnoticed by the other guests.

Soon, a few people drifted over to Gilbert, nudging him playfully and commenting on how deeply in love the young CEO and his wife appeared to be.

Gilbert merely smiled enigmatically, offering no comment.

Meanwhile, a warm blush crept up Ariana's neck, coloring her cheeks. She cleared her throat softly and tugged at Lambert's sleeve, pulling his attention away from a delicate pastry. "We're drawing too much attention," she whispered, her voice low with mild embarrassment.

Lambert looked genuinely puzzled for a moment. It took several pointed glances from Ariana before the realization finally dawned on him.

Lambert chuckled, a roguish glint in his eyes. "What's there to be afraid of? You're my wife. It's not like we're having an affair." He deftly picked up another piece of cake and placed it on her plate. The Harper family, watching from a short distance away, exchanged knowing glances. Earl remarked with a hearty laugh, "Say what you will, but Lambert truly dotes on that girl, Ariana. Kendra, doesn't that set your mind at ease?"

A faint, bittersweet smile touched Kendra's lips, her eyes shimmering with a complex mix of relief and sorrow.

"As long as she's happy, that's what matters," she said softly, the words tinged with resignation. She knew Ariana had no intention of acknowledging her as her mother, and she didn't blame her. Were their roles reversed, she doubted she could easily forgive a mother who had once abandoned her.

Yes, there had been misunderstandings back then.

But the undeniable truth was that she had ultimately chosen to give up Ariana because of her soft spot for Yasmin.

Any hatred Ariana felt toward her was completely justified.

Noticing the shift in Kendra's expression, Earl felt a wave of relief, but it was short-lived. Hesitantly, he broached another subject. "Lately... that boy Bran has been in touch with you quite often, hasn't he?" He couldn't hold back the question any longer.

Kendra's brow furrowed instantly. "What about it?"

Worried she might misunderstand, Earl quickly clarified, "No, no, it's nothing like that. I was just wondering if perhaps Bran still has feelings for Irene? Why else would he keep contacting you? It's just... Irene really isn't worthy of him. I can't help but feel a bit regretful."

'Bullshit—'

That wasn't the reason at all. A strange, inexplicable dread had been gnawing at him lately.

For some reason, his eyelid had been twitching incessantly, as if forewarning some impending misfortune. Even though Eliseo had shown no signs of movement all these years, leading Earl to believe he had truly given up on Kendra, there was always a chance he was wrong...

What if Eliseo had merely been biding his time and had never truly let go?

And what if he discovered that he and Kendra had a daughter together? Wouldn't that make him even more restless, more determined to act?

A wave of irritation washed over Kendra.