Rebirth Revenge Is Everything (Ariana) novel Chapter 443

Gwen was momentarily stunned before her face lit up with joy. "Really?" she exclaimed.

Though reason told her Ariana was no pushover—after all, even Beverly had lost to her, let alone someone like herself—Gwen couldn't help but believe Ariana's words. As the woman had said, Ariana generally didn't stir up trouble unless provoked.

Ariana gave a slight nod, her gaze lingering on Gwen. "I can help you," she said coolly, "but have you truly thought this through? As you just pointed out, your marriage to Finley isn't just between the two of you—it's an alliance between two corporations. I can assist you, but make no mistake: if you choose divorce, there *will* be fallout. Are you prepared for that?"

Having lived a second life, Ariana was neither naively kind nor malicious by nature. She agreed to help Gwen partly out of pity—the woman did seem trapped—and partly to teach Finley a small lesson. She hadn't forgotten his earlier disrespect toward her.

Ariana held grudges.

Causing Finley some inconvenience didn't bother her in the slightest. Besides, the Stone family's second branch had orchestrated Lucian's kidnapping. Helping Gwen? That was merely incidental. Still, she had to spell out the risks—if Gwen wavered later and turned against her, she'd end up like the farmer bitten by the snake. And Ariana had no intention of becoming a cautionary tale about misplaced kindness.

As expected, Gwen visibly shrank back at those words.

Hesitation flickered across her face in an instant.

Though she desperately wanted to leave Finley, the "major upheaval" Ariana mentioned was something she feared she couldn’t handle. And if she really went through with the divorce and returned to the Castro family, her treatment there would likely be no better than it was in the Stone household.

After all, she would be the one who ruined the alliance between the Castro and Stone families.

Even if the fault wasn’t entirely hers—what could a mere illegitimate daughter like her possibly say in her own defense?

In that single second, Gwen wavered.

Ariana sighed softly, then said in a measured tone, "Take your time to think it over. Let me know once you’ve made up your mind. If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave now. Until next time, Second Sister-in-law." With that, she turned to go.

Instinctively, Gwen reached out and caught Ariana’s arm. Startled, Ariana paused and glanced back, her eyes questioning.

Only then did Gwen seem to realize what she had done.

She quickly withdrew her hand.

Then, gritting her teeth, she blurted out, "Ariana, I know you’re a kind person… I—I still hope you can help me. I’m begging you. I’ll remember this favor. My request is… can you help me break free from Finley without divorcing him? Or at least from his parents. I want to live separately, just like you and Third Brother do."

Ariana: "..."

…

Gwen was a timid soul, yet one who refused to resign herself to her circumstances.

Luckily for her, she had crossed paths with Ariana. Anyone else would have long since brushed her off.

After all, helping Gwen brought absolutely no benefit.

Her so-called favors were extremely limited when she held no power or influence. Ariana only helped her out of convenience and sympathy for her situation. Besides, she simply couldn't stand Aster and wanted to see her get a taste of misfortune.

That's why when Gwen made that request, Ariana was momentarily at a loss for words.

The reason she could live outside with Lambert was that he had initially fallen out with the Stone family. Even after reconciling later, whether they returned or not made little difference.

That's how she ended up staying with Lambert, away from the main estate.

Nearby, a few maids stifled giggles, though none dared to openly laugh in their presence.

Unfazed, Lambert shrugged lightly. "Thought I'd whip up something nice for you."

Ariana's eyes crinkled into a delighted curve as she breezed past him toward the kitchen, eager to see what culinary surprise awaited. Lambert followed at a leisurely pace. But when she stepped inside and saw what was on the counter, her steps faltered.

Lambert had been cooking long noodles... while a cake sat half-finished beside it.

Ariana fell silent.

Lambert joined her in the kitchen, observing her puzzled expression before casually remarking, "Almost done."

Ariana's lips twitched. "Noodles... and cake? Together?"

But noodles and cake were usually reserved for birthdays. Was it someone's special day? Definitely not hers. His? That didn’t make sense either... In an instant, she was lost in a sea of confusion.

Lambert, however, remained utterly composed. He sauntered closer and explained matter-of-factly, "The noodles symbolize longevity and prosperity."

Ariana arched a brow. "And the cake?"

With deadpan seriousness, he replied, "The cake has its purpose too."

Ariana couldn’t help but laugh. She tilted her head playfully. "Tell me the truth—did you mix up my birthday?"

Frankly, she couldn’t think of any other explanation.