Rebirth Revenge Is Everything (Ariana) novel Chapter 398

That evening, Angelo sent a message to Lambert, asking him to come out.

Lambert, who was in the hospital ward, assumed Angelo had made some progress. Without a moment's hesitation, he grabbed his coat and left the ward.

Inside Lambert's villa, Angelo twirled his phone in his hand, then addressed Lambert, whose face was clouded with concern. "I've pretty much pinpointed the location, but it's not the right time to act rashly. After all, my godson is in their hands. If we push them too hard, things could go south. Plus, they're probably on high alert right now, so making a move now would be unwise."

In the past, Angelo wouldn't have cared about such details. He would have charged in headfirst, confident in his abilities and those of his men. No one could stand against him. But now, with his godson held captive, he couldn't afford to be reckless. If something went wrong, not only would he have to face Lambert's wrath, but he would also never forgive himself.

After all, his godson held a significant place in his heart. Though he hadn't even seen the kid yet, the thought of one day taking him under his wing and mentoring him filled him with an inexplicable excitement. If he never had children of his own, this boy might even become his successor. Naturally, he wouldn't let anything happen to the kid.

Lambert glanced at Angelo with a calm expression. "Did you find out who in the Stone family is involved?"

Angelo smirked. "Of course. Don't you trust my skills? Well, it’s pretty much what you suspected—your dear uncle. And guess what? The kidnapper is none other than Stefan’s younger brother." Stefan and Angelo had a rocky relationship. Despite being childhood friends, they had always rubbed each other the wrong way.

Angelo believed Lambert should join him in doing something thrilling, like the bold ventures they had pursued in their youth, carving out their own power and legacy.

However, Stefan was convinced that Angelo was leading him astray, which fueled his deep resentment towards him. Later, when Lambert fully committed to legitimate business with Stefan, Angelo's disdain for Stefan only intensified. He believed that Stefan had squandered the potential of a once-promising Lambert.

Lambert's eyes glinted with a cold, ruthless light as he nodded and said, "Alright, I understand."

Though brief, his words carried an icy undercurrent of lethal intent.

Angelo caught the implication and smirked with a mix of triumph and mockery. "I told you not to quit, but you insisted. Now look, even a fool like that can outmaneuver you. Tsk, tsk, must sting, huh?"

Lambert ignored him.

Angelo pressed on. "Hey, how about you hand over my godson to me? I’ll train him up for you."

Lambert remained expressionless. "No need. He has a father."

Angelo sighed, disappointed. "Ah, if you’d just let me have him, I could’ve molded him into someone even more formidable than you were back in the day. What a waste."

Lambert paid no attention to Angelo’s rambling, his gaze steady as he seemed to ponder something deeply.

Angelo glanced at him and suddenly added, "Oh, by the way, there’s a small fry in the mix. If you’re cleaning house, you might as well take care of him too."

Lambert raised an eyebrow. "?"

Angelo chuckled, not the least bit embarrassed. He blinked and said, "Well, I’ve got more experience than you, buddy. I know how to gauge the right amount of force. I’m just worried that after all these years of playing the good guy, you might’ve forgotten how to measure it." He even managed to put on a look that said, "I’m just looking out for you."

Lambert gave him a cool glance, then slowly closed his eyes, preparing to think through his next move.

...

Meanwhile, back at the Stone residence.

After returning from the hospital with Beverly, Gwen went to her own room. Before parting, Beverly had warned her not to breathe a word about what had happened in the hospital room. Gwen had agreed sweetly, but as soon as she returned to the villa where the second branch of the family lived, she spilled everything to her in-laws.

After hearing the story, Second Uncle and Aster remained silent, their expressions unreadable.

Finley, however, couldn't hide his glee. "Arnold really hit the jackpot, marrying a wife like that," he sneered, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "It's hilarious. Even now, she's still making him the laughingstock of the town."

Aster's face mirrored her son's malicious delight, though she managed to keep her composure better. She turned to Gwen, who stood obediently by, and nodded with satisfaction. "Good. It's right that your loyalty lies with your husband's family. Gwen, I knew I made the right choice in you."

Gwen forced a smile, her eyes flickering with unease as she met her mother-in-law's enthusiastic gaze. "Mom, since I married Finely, I’ve considered myself part of this family. Of course, my heart is with us. It’s just... my sister-in-law warned me not to say anything about this..." Her voice trailed off, her hands fidgeting nervously.