Rebirth Revenge Is Everything (Ariana) novel Chapter 800

Jaxson’s personality was the kind that seemed cold and distant at first glance, but anyone who took the time to get closer would realize he simply didn’t know how to interact with people. The way his body remained stiff and tense ever since she struck up a conversation with him made it all the more obvious.

Ariana had sharp eyes to begin with, and Jaxson’s behavior was far too transparent. It would have been impossible *not* to notice.

Throughout the journey, Ariana brought up plenty of topics that would interest someone of his age. Though his responses were brief, Jaxson answered her earnestly—a far cry from the indifferent, dismissive attitude he showed everyone back at the Stone estate. It was an improvement so stark it couldn’t have been better.

Lambert, meanwhile, kept his eyes half-lidded and his ears pricked, listening in on the exchange between Ariana and Jaxson. His gaze was cool and faintly disdainful, yet he chose to indulge and tacitly allow it.

Truth be told, Lambert didn’t dislike this younger cousin of his. Perhaps it was because their personalities were somewhat alike, but more importantly—aside from the stigma of being an illegitimate child—Jaxson’s ostracization and isolation bore an uncanny resemblance to his own past.

And besides, *he* was the one who had dragged Jaxson into this mess.

So despite his usual lack of fraternal affection, Lambert found himself extending far more tolerance and patience toward Jaxson than he ever had toward Arnold or Finley, cousins he’d grown up with since childhood.

“Honestly, I think if possible, you should set aside the company matters for now,” Ariana said gently. “At your age, preparing for university entrance exams should be the priority. It is a major turning point in life. I really hope you’ll have enough time to focus on it properly.”

Jaxson was likely around the age of a high school sophomore. But given how long he’d been immersed in the corporate world, his studies had undoubtedly suffered.

She knew Lambert’s temperament well. Even if he wanted to create the illusion that he valued an illegitimate cousin over Arnold and Finley, he wouldn’t overload Jaxson with work. After all, the boy’s age and experience placed natural limits on what he could handle.

Staying at Stone Corporation, in fact, would offer him far less than what he could gain from school.

If he truly wanted to establish himself in the company, the best course would be to return to school, take the test, and enter his ideal university first. Only then—with a solid foundation—would part-time work at Stone Corporation be beneficial rather than detrimental.

But saying it was one thing. Whether Jaxson would understand her intentions was another matter entirely. Ariana worried her advice might come across as an attempt to push him out of the company, so she phrased everything carefully, her tone soft and consultative.

"I understand."

Jaxson's heart softened slightly.

Though only seventeen, his many experiences had made him far more mature and composed than others his age. He knew Ariana meant well. Glancing at her briefly, he lowered his voice and said, "I'll listen to you."

Ariana's eyes immediately warmed with tenderness, her gaze growing even gentler as she looked at Jaxson.

This child was truly so well-behaved and obedient.

Just like Kiara.

Quite endearing.

Beside them, Lambert noticed Ariana's affectionate expression toward Jaxson, and his face darkened imperceptibly. He shot Jaxson a faint glance before smoothly steering the conversation elsewhere, asking Ariana, "What are we having for dinner tonight?"

Though the topic change was a bit clumsy, it was undeniably effective.

Sure enough, Ariana's attention shifted immediately.

She pondered for a moment before turning to Jaxson in the back seat with a smile. "Jax, what would you like to eat? Western or Eastern cuisine?"

Lambert: "..."

Jaxson: "I’m not picky. Anything is fine."

"Anything, huh? That leaves a lot of options." Ariana teased lightly, tilting her head in thought. "Well, let’s stick to Eastern for dinner—something warm and soupy is better for the stomach. Much healthier than steak at night. As for what you’d like, you can tell the cook when we get home. How does that sound?"