Rebirth Revenge Is Everything (Ariana) novel Chapter 789

Fanny nodded. "I know."

As the hostess, Ariana couldn't linger with Fanny for long. After a brief exchange, she excused herself to attend to the other guests.

Lucian, Kevin, and Carson remained by Gilbert's side, receiving compliments from the steady stream of well-wishers.

Carson was practically floating with pride, and even Kevin seemed in high spirits. Only Lucian maintained his usual composure, his young face set in a serious, earnest expression that radiated maturity beyond his years.

This demeanor particularly endeared him to some of the older guests who shared a genuine, long-standing friendship with Gilbert.

"Though you only have one daughter, she's worth three sons," remarked one of them, a director on the White Corporation board and a close friend of Gilbert's. "And on top of that, you have three such fine grandsons. Old man, you've really hit the jackpot."

While the boardroom was typically a place of surface-level harmony masking cutthroat competition, the bond between this man and Gilbert was real, forged in their youth as steadfast companions. It was largely due to his unwavering support that other directors found it difficult to challenge Gilbert significantly.

Hearing his friend's words, Gilbert puffed out his chest with pride.

He laughed warmly. "If you're envious, just tell your son to get married already! Then you'll have a grandchild to hold, won't you?" Unlike Gilbert, Mr. Brooks had no daughters but three sons. Unfortunately, aside from the eldest, who was somewhat capable, the other two were idle layabouts without an ounce of ambition between them—none capable of shouldering real responsibility.

At Gilbert's teasing remark, Mr. Brooks snorted dismissively. "Forget it. Relying on them? I'd have better luck trying to father a new heir myself."

Gilbert: "..."

Just as Gilbert was chatting, Nicholas and Zoey arrived.

Zoey walked up to Gilbert first, smiling as she said, "Uncle, I wish you many more happy years to come. This is a gift I prepared for you—I hope every day brings you joy." With that, she handed the gift over.

The butler quickly stepped forward to take it.

Gilbert gazed at his niece, whom he hadn’t seen in years, a flicker of nostalgia passing through his eyes.

He sighed softly and said, "Mm. It’s been a few years—Zoey, you’ve matured so much since I last saw you. This time, don’t go abroad again. Stay home and keep your father company a while longer."

Zoey replied playfully, "That’s exactly what I was thinking. I worry about Dad being on his own too much. Oh, and Uncle, I have another gift for you." She gestured to the bodyguard behind her, who promptly produced it.

Zoey handed it to Gilbert and winked. "You should open this one later, Uncle, when you’re back home."

Perhaps it was a sign of growing older, but Gilbert found himself more patient and indulgent with the younger generation these days. He chuckled warmly. "Why go to the trouble of getting me so many gifts? Your uncle already knows how thoughtful you are."

Zoey pouted playfully. "Uncle, this one’s actually from someone else—they specially asked me to pass it along. They were worried you might be upset, so they wanted me to give it to you instead." As she finished, she blinked nervously, her expression tinged with unease, clearly concerned about how he might react.

With guests all around, there was no way Gilbert would lose his temper over something trivial. And why would he, anyway?

The moment he thought it over, he realized who the gift-giver likely was. If he had to guess, it was either Georgia or Jane. His eyes darkened briefly, but he kept his composure, smiling amiably as he said, "Alright, I’ll take it. No need for all the mystery. Go on now—find your cousins to catch up. You might not know Kiara yet; she’s your uncle’s other daughter. We found her and brought her home a few years ago."

This was news to Zoey.

My uncle's other daughter...