Rebirth Revenge Is Everything (Ariana) novel Chapter 465

As for why Lucian was the sole recipient of that 5% stake, it was because he was the firstborn great-grandson of the Stone family.

No one could argue with that reasoning, and even if they dared, few had the nerve to challenge it. So, the matter was settled just like that. With this, Lambert of the third branch now held 8% of the shares, while Alvin was left with a mere 2%. Old Mrs. Stone declared that since the child was still too young and his birth mother wasn’t around, he would only receive his 2% upon reaching adulthood and getting married.

This instantly dashed Aster and Second Uncle’s hopes of forcibly snatching the shares for themselves.

Aster seethed with resentment, but there was nothing she could do.

In the end, she directed all her fury toward Gwen, convinced that it was Gwen’s fault—that her constant presence around Old Mrs. Stone, always cradling little Alvin, had somehow endeared the boy to the old woman. Otherwise, why would Alvin, who had been overlooked when the eldest branch was still around—let alone now, with neither parent present—suddenly matter to anyone?

And so, Aster grew increasingly hostile toward Gwen.

But Gwen paid her no mind, preoccupied instead with other thoughts.

At that moment, Beverly stood beside Gwen, growing visibly restless as Gwen hesitated to act.

When Gwen saw Beverly hand Alvin a glass of poisoned juice, her entire body stiffened. She wanted to stop it but didn’t know how. Alvin, overjoyed to see his "mother," drank it without a second thought.

Three or four hours later, the poison took effect—Alvin trembled violently, his forehead instantly slick with cold sweat.

Gwen, who had been watching him closely, paled and immediately called for someone to rush him to the hospital.

Beverly observed Gwen’s reaction and smirked inwardly.

*Not bad acting.*

But what she didn't know was that Gwen wasn't acting at all. She was genuinely terrified, fearing something terrible might happen to Alvin. Compared to Beverly, Gwen behaved more like Alvin's real mother.

...

News of Alvin's poisoning quickly spread throughout the entire Stone Family estate.

When the Stone family elders arrived at the private hospital, Beverly, who had been keeping vigil by the bedside, immediately burst into tears.

Sobbing uncontrollably, she cried, "My poor Alvin! It's all Mommy's fault! Had I known this would happen, I would've fought harder for custody. I thought leaving you with the Stone family would be better for you—who knew it would put you in harm's way? This is all my fault! Waaah..." Her wails filled the hospital room, leaving everyone present in stunned silence.

Old Mr. Stone's face darkened with unspoken anger.

Old Mrs. Stone similarly furrowed her brows in distress.

On the bed lay little Alvin, his normally rosy cheeks now deathly pale. At an age that should have been carefree, he was instead suffering excruciating pain. Seeing the boy's pallid complexion, even the usually stoic family patriarch couldn't suppress his fury.

His icy gaze swept across the room as he demanded, "What exactly happened here?"

Neither the Second branch members nor the Third branch's members, who had rushed over, dared utter a word. The room remained oppressively silent.

Old Mr. Stone's frown deepened as he turned to Gwen. "Explain everything that happened. I want to know exactly who dares harm a descendant of the Stone family."

She wanted Beverly to keep talking.

Better yet, to drag Ariana down once and for all.

The fact that her own grandson had received no shares had already enraged her. Especially when compared to Lambert and Ariana’s sons, who had been granted eight percent. The injustice and jealousy gnawed at her.

Just then, Jolene, her face ashen, hurriedly defended her daughter-in-law. "Mom, Dad, Ariana isn’t that kind of person."

Beverly whipped her head around sharply.

With tears streaming down her face, she cried out, "If she's innocent, why would she harm my son? He's only two years old! If she has a grudge, she should come after me, not an innocent child!"

The hospital room fell into a heavy silence as everyone took in Beverly's heart-wrenching sobs. The air grew thick with tension.

Old Mr. Stone cast a glance at the distraught woman, then turned his gaze to Alvin lying motionless on the hospital bed. His voice was icy when he finally spoke. "We'll discuss this after the investigation. Everyone, leave now. Gwen will stay and keep watch."

Sniffling, Beverly insisted, "I'm staying too. I can't bear the thought of someone poisoning my child again when I'm not around."

The old man frowned, but neither agreed nor refused. Without another word, he turned on his heel and strode out. The others followed suit, trailing after the family patriarch like ducklings.

Only Old Mrs. Stone lingered momentarily. A thoughtful gleam flickered in her eyes as she studied Beverly's seemingly grief-stricken face. With a last inscrutable look, she too turned and left at a measured pace.

As the footsteps faded down the corridor, Beverly watched their retreating backs, her lips curling into a triumphant smirk that twisted her pretty features into something almost grotesque.