Rebirth Revenge Is Everything (Ariana) novel Chapter 412

"I'm aware of that. They've sent an invitation," Allison replied nonchalantly.

"So, will you be attending with Stefan then?"

"Of course," Allison said, shooting Ariana a glance. "Why are you acting so strange today? Naturally, I'd accompany Stefan to such events. Ariana, is there something bothering you? If there is, just tell me. Don't keep it to yourself." Allison's concern was genuine; Ariana was her closest friend. She thought Ariana might be hiding something, using other topics as a cover.

"No, it's nothing," Ariana shook her head, then added, "It's just... I heard some unsettling news." As she spoke, a slight frown creased her brow.

"Hmm?" Allison looked puzzled.

"The mayor's daughter... she had a past with Stefan. Did you know about that?" It wasn't just a casual fling; they were almost engaged. This was before Stefan met Allison, back when he believed his marriage was beyond his control, so he went along with his family's arrangements.

At that time, Lambert was still playing the role of the 'playboy.'

Despite his striking looks, the mayor's daughter didn't choose him. Instead, she was drawn to Stefan, who was equally attractive, charismatic, and came from a similarly prestigious family. Stefan accepted the arrangement willingly, and his father was thrilled. After all, a marriage alliance with the mayor would bring significant benefits.

Unfortunately, the mayor's daughter fell under the influence of Stefan's stepmother.

The stepmother, of course, wouldn't allow Stefan to marry someone who could strengthen his position. So, after learning about the relationship, she pretended to be very fond of the young woman, eagerly anticipating her joining the family. In reality, she was secretly slandering Stefan. After about ten days of this, the mayor's daughter's attitude toward Stefan took a nosedive.

She came to believe that Stefan was someone who bullied his stepmother and half-brother, merely putting on a good front.

So, one day, when she met Stefan for what seemed like a routine date to deepen their relationship, she abruptly ended things with disgust. She even threw a cup of coffee at him. As the other diners turned to stare, she sneered, "Stefan, I never thought you were this kind of person. Ha! Did you really think I'd marry you? Someone like you belongs in jail! I despise people like you!" Coincidentally, her family situation was quite similar to Stefan's.

Her mother was her father's second wife; the first had passed away.

She had an older half-brother and sister from her father's first marriage, and naturally, they despised her and her mother. She, in turn, looked down on them, leading to a very strained relationship.

From the occasional tearful complaints of Stefan's stepmother, she learned that he was not the man she had thought him to be. Without a second thought, she immediately announced their breakup. Before parting ways, she even humiliated Stefan and angrily called him a liar.

Little did she know the fury that burned within Stefan. It was she who had pursued him, insisting that her father arrange their engagement. At the time, Stefan's father dared not refuse, and Stefan himself was in no position to object. And now, she accused him of deceiving her? Ridiculous...

Ariana looked directly into Allison's eyes and asked, "So, do you know what this means?"

In truth, Ariana felt she might not have been the right person to bring this up. After all, it could potentially strain the relationship between Allison and Stefan. But she also believed that if she didn't say anything now, the consequences could be far worse if Allison found out later. Especially with the mayor's daughter's upcoming banquet—if Allison attended without knowing the full story, she might be mistreated or caught off guard without a way to defend herself.

After much deliberation, Ariana decided it was best to inform Allison.

The relaxed expression on Allison's face gradually faded. She glanced at Ariana in silence before saying, "He didn't tell me." The "he" she referred to was Stefan.

Seeing Allison's visibly low spirits, her teeth clenched and her eyes reddening, Ariana knew things were taking a turn for the worse. She quickly added, "Maybe Stefan didn't want you to know. After all, it doesn't matter whether he mentions someone insignificant. The fact that he didn't meet her is answer enough."

There was some truth to her words, and since they came from Ariana, Allison's mood began to settle slightly. Still, she wasn't entirely at ease.

She let out a cold laugh and said, "Looks like this banquet might not be such a pleasant affair after all. A trap, perhaps?"