Ariana's current pregnancy had become a matter of great importance to the Stone family.
After all, she was carrying two little grandsons.
Apart from the elderly Madam Stone frequently sending over gifts, Jolene almost daily delivered nourishing soups—meticulously prepared by their chef. Within just a few months, Ariana felt she had gained at least five dress sizes! And with twins on the way, she looked even rounder.
Every time she glanced in the mirror, she couldn’t help but fret.
Eventually, she simply stopped looking.
Out of sight, out of mind...
Time slipped quietly by, and before she knew it, another two months had passed. Ariana’s due date arrived. Since Allison was in the critical first trimester of her own pregnancy, Ariana insisted she stay home and rest instead of coming to the hospital.
To ensure Allison didn’t sneak over, Ariana even made Stefan promise to keep a close eye on his wife.
Not that he needed reminding—his daughter’s well-being was his top priority.
So no matter how much Allison wanted to visit, she never got the chance.
At the hospital, it was the Stone family who kept vigil—Jolene and others. But the one who stayed the longest was Kiara. By now, Kiara had already taken her college entrance exams and successfully been admitted to her dream university. Over time, she had matured into a poised young woman.
To Ariana, this was a promising development.
If Kiara could prove herself capable, she might even entrust her with managing the company—perhaps groom her as a right-hand successor.
At the moment, Kiara had no idea what her beloved sister was plotting. Sitting by the hospital bed, she diligently peeled an apple for Ariana. As she worked, she asked, "Sis, how’s little Lucian doing? I haven’t had time to visit him lately—hope the little rascal hasn’t forgotten me!"
Just as Kiara had once said...
Since Lucian was born, Kiara had been the most frequent visitor. And Lucian certainly lived up to his aunt's affection, becoming extremely attached to her.
This only made Kiara adore him even more.
It was almost as if she treated him like her own son.
Hearing this, Ariana couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. With a teasing glint in her eyes, she said, "No, he was asking for you just the other day. But, Kiara, if you keep spoiling Lucian like this, your other little nephew is going to throw a fit later."
Kiara blinked in confusion.
Then she scratched her head and giggled. "Well, what can I do? I've been taking care of Lucian since he was born. Of course, I love them both—but Lucian will always be my favorite!"
After all, favoritism was something that defied explanation.
Even biological parents sometimes played favorites, didn't they?
So who could blame Kiara?
Ariana chuckled, but just as she was about to continue their lighthearted chat, a sharp pain suddenly shot through her abdomen. Her face twisted in discomfort, turning pale. Kiara gasped in alarm and immediately pressed the emergency button on the hospital bed, summoning the doctor. After a quick examination, the doctor turned to the nurses with a grave expression.
Now, the White Group was barely staying afloat.
The socialites who had once been close to Georgia—now belonging to families of higher status than the White Group—still maintained ties with her, but only out of consideration for her daughter, Ariana.
After all, the situation in the Stone family was clear.
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Ariana would become the future matriarch of the Stone Group.
So they didn’t dare slight or belittle Georgia too openly. This allowed her to maintain her outwardly gentle demeanor, though inwardly she still carried a trace of quiet pride.
Because Ariana hadn’t reached out to her in so long, even now, knowing her daughter was in labor, Georgia felt a little emotional stir.
Yet a faint complexity lingered in her eyes—until she noticed Kiara standing nearby. Then, that shadow vanished entirely. She walked over slowly and said gently to the visibly anxious girl, "Kiara, don’t worry. Ariana has already had one child. She’ll be fine."
Kiara knew that, of course.
But she couldn’t help her nerves. Now, seeing her aunt personally comforting her, warmth flickered in her heart. Softly, she replied, "I know, but I can’t help feeling concerned." Then, as if remembering something, she quickly pulled Georgia aside and whispered, "Auntie, I know there’s still distance between you and Sister Ariana, but a mother and daughter shouldn’t hold grudges. After she gives birth this time, talk to her. Take care of her. Once she sees how much you still love her, she’ll understand."
And then, perhaps, she wouldn’t feel so hurt anymore.
Kiara left that last part unspoken, but she knew it was true. She could sense it.
She had always felt that her aunt, who treated her—a niece by blood but not her own daughter—with such kindness, didn’t seem like the type to neglect or favor one child over another. There must have been some misunderstanding.

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