Rebirth Revenge Is Everything (Ariana) novel Chapter 790

"Misunderstanding?" Caroline sneered, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "When he told you to get lost, I didn’t see any hint of hesitation or misunderstanding in his tone."

Caroline had never been one to mince words, especially not when dealing with a disgraced, fake heiress from a fallen family. Even if Irene were still the true daughter of the Harper family, Caroline wouldn’t have held back. Now, with Irene's status stripped away, she felt even less restraint.

The brutal humiliation drained the color from Irene’s face. Her fists clenched so tightly her knuckles turned white, as if she were physically suppressing the storm of emotions raging inside her.

Though she had fallen from grace, no one had ever dared to trample her dignity so openly. After all, while the Harper family had cast her aside, there was always the slim chance they might reconsider and take her back. Those who crossed her now would have to worry about future retaliation if that day ever came.

That was why, until now, few had dared to mock or belittle her so directly.

But today, Irene experienced the sting of outright insult for the first time in her life. If not for the seething hatred coiling in her chest, she might have lost control and stormed out in a fury.

Caroline noticed the resentment burning in Irene’s eyes, and her smirk deepened. "What? Did I say something wrong? Let me remind you—you’re nothing now. If it weren’t for me, you’d still be rotting in that shabby little rental apartment. So don’t you dare act like a privileged young lady around me."

Huan bit her lip, forcing out a subdued reply. "I’m not."

"Good," Caroline coldly retorted. "You’d better not be. A worthless person like you throwing a tantrum would only prove you’re even more pathetic."

Through gritted teeth, Irene whispered, "...I understand."

A faint, satisfied smile tugged at Caroline’s lips. Seeing Irene finally submit improved her mood slightly.

"Enough," Caroline said dismissively. "I don’t care what history you have with Lambert or whether he still has feelings for you. What I want now is for you to prove your worth. Do whatever it takes—just make sure Ariana and Lambert pay. Today, I was humiliated by both of them in front of everyone because of you. If you can’t even handle this small task with my help, then don’t blame me for taking it out on you instead. Understood?"

Irene’s heart skipped a beat under the chilling gaze fixed upon her. "I understand," she said quietly.

Caroline gave a curt nod. "Okay, then get lost." Maxwell would be arriving soon, and she had no intention of letting him see another woman around.

A faint, strained smile touched Irene’s lips. "Alright, I’ll take my leave now, Miss Lohmann."

Caroline didn’t even acknowledge her, picking up a piece of fruit instead and starting to peel it with deliberate calm. Irene forced another smile, then slowly backed out of the room. Only after she had left the villa behind did the emotions she had been suppressing finally surge to the surface.

Her eyes, once warm, now glinted with cold intensity, brimming with hatred and something dangerously unhinged.

'Just wait,' Irene whispered to herself, 'sooner or later, I’ll make sure Caroline ends up with nowhere to be buried.'

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By the time the banquet finally drew to a close, Ariana was utterly exhausted. The three little ones, however, were still buzzing with energy, eagerly eyeing the gifts their grandfather had received that day. Carson, in particular, couldn’t take his eyes off them.

Lucian stole occasional glances, his gaze lingering wistfully before he reluctantly looked away.

Kiara, meanwhile, had collapsed onto the sofa, looking thoroughly worn out.