Rebirth Revenge Is Everything (Ariana) novel Chapter 805

"Alright, everyone, time to go to bed. It's getting late." Ariana genuinely enjoyed seeing the children getting along so well, and a faint smile unconsciously crept into her eyes. Of course, most of that warmth was directed at Carson.

With her second son leading the way now, her youngest probably wouldn’t be as resistant to Gracie anymore.

Besides, he was a little older now—surely he’d come to understand things better.

"Okay, Mom, you should get some rest too," Kevin said with a playful blink.

"Alright, off you go."

And so, Carson followed Kevin back to their rooms—though he was practically dragged along. He wasn’t happy about it. He hadn’t even gotten to say much to his mom before Kevin whisked him away. Kevin seemed to know exactly what he was thinking and deliberately ignored him.

Only when they reached the bedroom door did Kevin finally speak. "Mom’s busy enough as it is. Don’t give her any more reason to worry."

Carson bristled at that. "What do you mean *I’m* making her worry? Hmph, don’t think I don’t know—you’re just being nice to that little girl to suck up to Mom. You’re so fake!"

Kevin’s expression darkened instantly. "What did you just say?"

Under the chilling weight of his older brother’s glare, Carson faltered. Deep down, he was all bark and no bite—the moment someone tougher stood up to him, he’d back down. Now that Kevin was clearly angry, Carson felt a prickle of fear.

He blinked, cleared his throat awkwardly, and muttered, "I didn’t say anything that bad..."

Kevin shot him a cold look before turning and entering his room without another word.

Left staring at the firmly shut door, Carson rubbed his nose sheepishly, grumbled under his breath, and retreated into his own room. The little spat ended just like that, unnoticed by anyone else.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the house, Kiara was sprawled across her bed.

She stared at her phone for a long while before finally giving in and making a call.

The line connected almost instantly.

Kiara held her breath and spoke softly, "Rawls, were you asleep?"

A light chuckle came from the other end. "Of course not."

"Um... By the way, aren’t you going back soon? If you still want to explore the city a bit, I’m free tomorrow."

"Sure, it’d be my pleasure."

"Then... see you tomorrow." Kiara’s cheeks warmed slightly, her heart pounding wildly.

"Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

Long after hanging up, Kiara’s racing heartbeat finally settled. She pressed her hands to her flushed cheeks, her eyes darting about excitedly. A smile lingered at the corners of her lips—one she couldn’t wipe away, no matter how hard she tried. Her joy was unmistakable.

She admitted it now.

She really did like Rawls...

Really, really liked him.

She didn’t know if he felt the same. If he did... she’d muster the courage to pursue it. If not, she’d snip this budding affection before it could grow. Either way, she wouldn’t let Ariana find out and worry about her over this.

...

At that very moment, the man she was thinking of—Rawls—was sitting with a fountain pen in hand, lost in thought.

His handsome features were slightly furrowed, a clear sign of his displeasure.