Rebirth Revenge Is Everything (Ariana) novel Chapter 430

Her actions weren't motivated by personal gain,

but rather by the future of the White family.

A ruthless child-like Ariana would essentially hand the White family's assets straight to the Stone Corporation. This was the most logical way to preserve the White legacy. Besides, she wasn't favoring Kiara out of bias—she simply wanted the family's foundation to remain with descendants bearing the White family's name. If Kiara married a man willing to take her surname, wouldn't their children carry on the White family's lineage?

As for suggesting that one of Ariana's children take the White surname, she knew full well that Old Mr. Stone was a traditionalist.

He would never allow a legitimate great-grandchild—the direct line of succession—to bear another family name.

Not even the mother's.

That was precisely why she made this proposal—to pressure Ariana into agreeing to pass the corporation to Kiara's future child. Or rather, to Kiara herself. Over time, she had observed that Ariana treated Kiara decently enough.

Whether genuine or performative, everyone knew Ariana was good to her.

If she didn’t want to be accused of hypocrisy, she had no choice but to comply.

But Ariana wasn’t the same person she used to be.

After everything she’d been through, her sharp gaze now rivaled that of the most cunning veterans in the business world. Georgia, on the other hand, had spent years confined to high-society tea parties, her social circle limited to wealthy housewives. She was no match for a "corporate fox" like Ariana—who saw right through her mother’s scheme in an instant.

For a brief moment, Ariana almost laughed.

This was her birth mother—claiming to act for her sake, for the White family. Yet in truth, she was the most selfish of them all.

Ariana closed her eyes briefly. Just days ago, Lambert had actually brought up the idea of one of their children taking the White surname. After all, Ariana was the White family’s only daughter. He had asked her, out of consideration for her feelings, whether she wanted that—without a single thought about inheritance.

The Stone Corporation, after all, was already one of the top conglomerates.

There's no need to covet the crumbling White Group that's barely holding on now.

Besides, he still had Lamari.

As for Ariana, she had initially said she'd think about it. Her father's pained smile every time he looked at her, as if he wanted to say something but held back, weighed on her heart. But before she could even voice her thoughts, her mother had already rushed over to say all this.

Ariana stared at her quietly, watching Georgia grow visibly flustered under her gaze before finally speaking in a measured tone, "Is this your idea, or my father's?"

Georgia's nerves were stretched to the limit. She avoided her daughter's eyes, stammering, "Mine... but your father surely wants the White Group to continue its legacy too. Ariana, you have to understand us. I know you and Kiara are close, and that you truly see her as a sister. She's different from Jane, so I know you won’t take offense."

The words practically dismissed the possibility of Ariana ever agreeing to let one of her children take the White surname as if she were already speaking on Kiara’s behalf.

A mocking smile flickered in Ariana's eyes.

After a long pause, she suddenly laughed. "You make a fair point. Fine, I’ll discuss with Lambert about letting one of our children carry the White surname." Truthfully, Ariana didn’t care either way. She had already declared long ago that she wouldn’t inherit the White Group. Even if it ended up in Kiara’s hands, she wouldn’t protest.

But Georgia’s maneuver had genuinely chilled her. So, almost instinctively, Ariana wanted to twist the knife a little—just to make her mother squirm.

And it worked.

Georgia hesitated again.

After studying her daughter for several long seconds, she finally ventured, "Ariana... Kiara is still your sister. I can see you genuinely care for her. And since you’ve just said you’re willing to let her inherit the group, I’ll take your word for it. So... I just hope you won’t... do anything behind her back."

Ariana froze. Then, suddenly, she laughed—a laugh dripping with derision. "You’re afraid I’ll agree to her face and then sabotage her behind the scenes?"

Georgia didn’t answer, but her expression said it all.

In that instant, Ariana’s heart plunged into icy depths, as if pierced by countless needles.

If before this moment, despite the emotional distance between them, some trace of affection for her mother had lingered in Ariana’s heart—now, every last shred of it was gone.

'Why bother?'

If she doesn't treat you as a daughter, then why should you need such a mother?

At this thought, Ariana gave a feeble smile. Closing her eyes, she replied in a hoarse voice, "Don't worry. I, Ariana, am not that kind of person. If I say I won’t inherit, then I won’t. I won’t lay a finger on Kiara, nor will I do anything to the White Group. If there’s nothing else, I’d like to rest now."

Georgia visibly relaxed upon hearing her daughter’s assurance.

With a hint of guilt and unease, she said, "Then rest well, Ariana. I’ll come by another day to see you and my grandson."

This time, Ariana didn’t respond at all. She simply leaned back against the bed, eyes shut, as if utterly exhausted.