Five days later, Lambert had a project to discuss in France, which would likely take at least five to six days. Upon hearing this news, Ariana didn’t think much of it and simply said, as usual, “Alright, I wish you all the best.”
Lambert nodded slightly. However, unlike before, his brows remained furrowed as if something was troubling him. Seeing this unusual expression on his face, Ariana, who had initially thought nothing of it, felt puzzled. She smiled and asked, “What’s wrong?”
Lambert shook his head. “It’s nothing. It’s just… I have this bad feeling.” This project was one Lambert had secured after Arnold and Finley had failed to close the deal. As soon as Lambert stepped in, the project was finalized. The old man was overjoyed and entrusted Lambert with full responsibility for it…
But still.
Lambert couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. It wasn’t the project itself—it was more like a gut feeling that something bad was about to happen. This made him hesitate.
He wasn’t sure if he should go this time. But if he didn’t, the project wouldn’t be completed.
After hearing Lambert’s words, Ariana paused for a moment, then said softly, “A bad feeling? Are you worried there’s a trap in this project?” If that were the case, it was indeed something not to be taken lightly. Ariana knew that the rivalry between Lambert, Arnold, and Finley had reached a boiling point in the company recently.
In the past, Beverly would only throw a sarcastic remark or two at her when they crossed paths. Now, it seemed like every encounter was filled with mockery.
Ariana didn’t mind it much, but it did annoy her. So, she usually took detours to avoid running into Beverly whenever possible. As for Gwen, she was a complicated person. Every time Ariana saw her, Gwen would frown slightly before walking away without a word. Ariana guessed it had something to do with Finley, so she didn’t dwell on it. Still, she couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something off about Gwen.
But…
Ariana didn’t dwell on it too much since it wasn’t related to the third branch of the family.
Lambert had already briefed her on the importance of this project. It was the same one that Arnold and Finley had desperately tried to secure but failed. Now, they were probably seething with frustration. So, when Lambert mentioned having a bad feeling, Ariana’s first thought was that the first and second branches might be setting some kind of trap.
Lambert shook his head. “I’m not worried about traps. I can handle whatever they throw at me. What concerns me is you.”
Ariana was caught off guard. She blinked, surprised. “Me?”
Lambert nodded solemnly. “Yes. If I’m not in the country, I won’t be able to respond immediately if something happens. I’m worried that the first and second branches might take advantage of my absence to target you, and I might not make it back in time.” He was deep in thought, considering whether he should proceed with the project. Leaving Ariana alone at home didn’t sit well with him.
The first and second branches were already on the verge of collapse under his pressure.
Even though Jane was now behind bars, Ariana had no intention of returning to her family. Her heart was riddled with scars from her parents' past actions. Despite her mother constantly calling her, Ariana couldn't bring herself to forgive them. In her mind, she no longer had a family to return to. The only home she had was the one she shared with Lambert.
Lambert was well aware of Ariana's temperament, and coupled with the thought of what her father had done, he knew it was futile to try to persuade her. After a moment of silence, he said, "Then I'll have my mother stay with you. You can move into the main villa of the Stone family estate. Don't stay anywhere else." The main villa was the safest place within the Stone family compound. As long as she didn't venture out too often, there shouldn't be any major issues.
Ariana sighed. "Are you sure?" If she really stayed there, the first and second branches of the family would likely be furious.
Lambert understood the implication behind her words. His eyes flickered coldly as he replied in a cryptic tone, "Don't worry about them. The relationship has already been strained to the breaking point. A little more damage won't make a difference." He paused, then added, "Remember, don't go anywhere except the company and the Stone family estate. Wait for me to return."
He wasn't joking. Lambert believed that the first and second branches were capable of doing something even more ruthless, like orchestrating a car accident. Logically, it would be unwise for them to target Ariana alone since Lambert was the primary figure. If anything happened to Ariana, it would only enrage Lambert further, leading to retaliation. Most people would understand this and refrain from acting recklessly.
But the first and second branches were different. Some people were both cruel and foolish, and that described them perfectly. In a fit of rage, they might indeed do something drastic. After all, Arnold and Finley didn't strike anyone as particularly intelligent.
Seeing the undisguised worry in Lambert's eyes, Ariana nodded and said, "Alright, alright, I get it. Don't worry, I'll stay at the Stone family estate while you're away. I'll wait for you to come back. Does that put your mind at ease?" Although she thought Lambert was overreacting, she knew it was because he cared deeply for her. His usual calm demeanor had been replaced by this uncharacteristic anxiety, and it warmed her heart.
After that, Lambert gave her a few more instructions. To ease his concerns, Ariana agreed to everything without hesitation.

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