Rebirth Revenge Is Everything (Ariana) novel Chapter 468

Mrs. Castro's eyes crinkled with even deeper amusement as she observed the scene.

She approached Fanny and said warmly, "Damon isn't home today. Why don't you and Maxwell go upstairs and hang out? Just remember to come down for dinner later." While most sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law were expected to maintain some distance, Fanny and Maxwell were different. If the two had ever been interested in each other, they would've gotten together ages ago.

So even though Fanny was now Maxwell's future sister-in-law, their friendship remained unchanged.

Seeing that Mrs. Castro didn’t seem upset with her, Fanny exhaled in relief and nodded obediently. "Okay."

Maxwell twitched his lips slightly before following Fanny upstairs.

Once the two had disappeared up the steps, Mr. Castro's expression darkened completely. He retreated to his study, with Mrs. Castro trailing quietly behind. After he entered, she pushed the door open and stepped in after him.

Mr. Castro glanced at his wife. "Something on your mind?"

Mrs. Castro shook her head, then offered a faint smile. "I know you might be a little displeased. Fanny has always been straightforward like that, but her heart’s in the right place."

Mr. Castro’s tone was cool. "I’m aware. But her behavior just now was rather improper."

Mrs. Castro chuckled lightly. "She’s still young. Besides, if you think about it, this could actually benefit the Castro family—and Damon too."

That gave Mr. Castro pause.

He looked up. "How so?"

Mrs. Castro replied calmly, "From the way Fanny spoke, she seems quite close to Lambert’s wife from the Stone family. As you know, Lambert has already been designated as the Stone family’s heir. Eventually, he’ll take over. And we both know how devoted he is to his wife. If he values her, he’ll naturally extend some goodwill to her friends. Through this connection, our family could forge ties with the Stone family in the future."

After all, the Castro family had originally married Gwen to Finley precisely to establish a link with the Stone family.

Unfortunately, Gwen was merely an illegitimate daughter, carrying little weight.

What’s more, she had yet to conceive a child.

The current marriage alliance was nothing more than an empty shell. On the surface, the Castro and Stone families were connected by marriage, but in reality, there was no genuine bond between them. And when Finley brought his illegitimate son into the family, though Mr. Castro said nothing aloud, deep down, he was far from pleased.

The situation in the city was growing increasingly unstable.

New corporations and companies were sprouting up like bamboo shoots after rain, intensifying the competition.

If the Castro family could secure strong backing, it would undoubtedly be to their advantage.

Yet Mr. Castro remained skeptical. Frowning, he muttered, "How long can a friendship between two young girls possibly last?"

Hearing this, Mr. Castro couldn’t help but smile faintly, the corners of her lips curling up. "Remember those twins—or that adorable little boy—Fanny brought along when she visited the other day?"

Mr. Castro nodded. "I remember."

"Well, those twins and that sweet little boy are Lambert’s own sons."

The revelation struck Mr. Castro like a bolt from the blue.

He fell silent for a long moment before finally murmuring, "So that’s how it is." He had assumed the three children belonged to one of Fanny’s relatives—it had never crossed his mind they might be from the Stone family. He recalled occasionally hearing the kids call Fanny "Godmother" or "Aunt Anny," and had simply dismissed it as childish confusion.

And as for her consistent support of Fanny? She knew Damon had feelings for the girl.

If he cared for her, then she would too.

Indeed, Mrs. Castro had remarkable foresight.

When Damon learned of it, he couldn’t help but feel an extra layer of gratitude toward his mother.

Unfortunately, this completely derailed Beverly’s plans. To this day, she remained unaware that her earlier performance had not only failed to turn Mr. and Mrs. Castro against Fanny but, instead, because of her close ties to Ariana, they now held Fanny in even higher regard and affection. After all, a daughter-in-law with extensive connections and powerful relationships could only benefit their family’s business.

…

Meanwhile, at the Stone residence.

The Stone family had been investigating for several days. On the fifth day, they summoned Beverly.

They intended to settle this matter once and for all, in front of everyone.

Beverly bit her lip as she stared at Ariana, her eyes brimming with sorrow.

Given the unusual circumstances, Beverly’s father had also arrived.

He stood there awkwardly, his brow slightly furrowed, betraying his unsettled mood. For some reason, an inexplicable unease gnawed at him, as if something ominous loomed on the horizon. Beside him, Beverly’s mother glared fixedly at the composed Ariana, her gaze burning with a mother’s fury and resentment.