Rebirth Revenge Is Everything (Ariana) novel Chapter 469

Old Mr. Stone surveyed the gathering with a composed expression before speaking in a measured tone, "The medical examination has confirmed that the toxin in Alvin's system is an imported pharmaceutical agent. While not severely harmful to the body in small doses, excessive intake can cause neurological damage."

At these words, Gwen's hands involuntarily clenched into tight fists.

Never had she imagined Beverly could sink to such depths—

Administering this poison to her own flesh and blood?

Beverly, however, showed not a shred of remorse. The moment Old Mr. Stone finished speaking, she sprang to her feet, her eyes bloodshot as she glared venomously at Ariana before turning tearfully to Lambert. "Lambert, do you see now? This is the woman you married! How vile can she be—to poison a child not even two years old!"

Lambert remained impassive.

His expression was so detached that one might think he hadn't heard a word.

After a silent glance at Beverly, he stated calmly, "Indeed, poisoning a child is despicable beyond measure."

Beverly's eyes instantly lit up with triumphant glee.

But her joy froze when Lambert continued, his next words plunging her into an icy abyss.

"The question remains—who administered it? Medical reports indicate this toxin takes effect precisely three hours after ingestion. Ariana merely visited Alvin briefly this morning, holding him for a moment. Yet his symptoms appeared in the afternoon. This leaves only one conclusion: the poisoner wasn't Ariana."

Beverly stiffened.

Her face twisted abruptly as she countered, "If not her, then who? Only Gwen and I were with Alvin the entire time—no one else came near him!" Her implication was clear—there had been no opportunity for outside interference.

If Ariana was innocent, did that implicate Old Mrs. Stone?

But who would dare point fingers at the matriarch of the Stone family?

So the only possible poisoner was Ariana.

Yet, Lambert took the opposite approach. He said, "Which means both you and Gwen are suspects."

Beverly froze instantly.

She stared at Lambert's indifferent expression, then took a few steps back, her face twisting in disbelief. "How is that possible? Alvin is my own son—why would I ever harm him? And Gwen wouldn’t either—she has no motive! There’s no one else but Ariana. Lambert, I know you like her, but you can’t let your personal feelings blind you to the truth. And the woman you’re so fond of is a venomous snake! Aren’t you afraid she’ll turn on you one day?"

Lambert’s expression remained cold, a flicker of mockery passing through his gaze. The corner of his lips curled slightly. "I’m not afraid. The one who should be worried is whatever poor soul ends up married to you."

The words hung in the air—

What should have been a tense, suffocating atmosphere was abruptly punctured by Lambert’s sharp retort, injecting an almost comical edge.

A few servants stifled quiet laughs, ducking their heads.

Ariana, meanwhile, didn’t bother hiding her amusement, though she quickly caught herself.

She shook her head at Lambert, signaling for him to stop. Otherwise, before they could even settle the matter, Beverly might just lose her mind from sheer frustration.

Old Mr. Stone was ruthless, but he had one defining trait—he fiercely protected his own.

They had finally gotten a chance to make life difficult for the Third Branch—

And now this idiot had ruined it!

Compared to Aster’s outburst, Beverly’s reaction was even more intense. Her glare burned into Gwen, silently demanding an explanation for why she had suddenly betrayed their plan. Had Ariana offered her some kind of deal? Was that why she was willing to take the blame?

With that thought, Beverly’s venomous gaze shifted toward Ariana.

Ariana remained composed, her demeanor cool and unruffled.

Aster pressed on, "Gwen, don’t admit to something you didn’t do. Everyone in the family has seen how kind you’ve been to Alvin—There’s no way you’d harm him. Did someone bribe you?" As she spoke, she cast a meaningful glance toward Ariana before continuing in a coaxing tone, "We all know you’re not that kind of person. Gwen, the elders are here now. Don’t be afraid. Just tell the truth."

Her words seemed to sway Gwen.

The girl hesitated, her expression torn, before finally stammering, "I—"

The word hung in the air, unfinished.

This only reinforced Aster’s belief that Ariana was behind it all. Growing more fervent, she urged, "Don’t be scared—speak up. The elders are right here."

Beverly shot a look at Ariana before chiming in, "That’s right, cousin. I know how much you care for my son. You’d never hurt him. So tell us who’s really responsible. Even if I’m not the most powerful, I’ll do everything in my power to protect you."

Her words might as well have been, 'Don’t worry. Even if someone’s threatening you, the Lawrence family will shield you.'

The sheer audacity of the remark made Old Mr. Stone slam his cane against the floor. His voice was icy as he cut in, "As long as I’m alive, no outsider needs to protect anyone in *my* family."