Rebirth Revenge Is Everything (Ariana) novel Chapter 478

Georgia's eyes flickered slightly at the mention of Ariana's name. Pressing her lips together, she remained silent.

Gilbert mistook Georgia's reaction for lingering resentment, sighing inwardly at the strained relationship between mother and daughter.

Perhaps only more frequent meetings could mend the rift between them.

And indeed, Gilbert had guessed correctly. Though Ariana had long given up on her mother, when Lambert informed her that Georgia had fainted, she hesitated for a long moment before finally coming. The moment Gilbert caught sight of his daughter, relief and joy lit up his eyes.

"Ariana," he greeted warmly.

Ariana pressed her lips together briefly before responding, "Dad. Mom."

Georgia shifted uncomfortably. Faced with her daughter's detached composure, she found herself at a loss for words.

It had been two or three months since they last saw each other. The distance between them had grown so palpable that Georgia no longer knew how to bridge it.

Ariana said nothing more.

After a quick glance to confirm Georgia was fine, she stated flatly, "I have work to attend to. I should go."

Gilbert was taken aback, then frowned. "Leaving so soon? Sit down. Your mother missed you—she’s been talking about you nonstop." With that, he urged Ariana to stay and keep Georgia company while excusing himself to fetch hot water.

Ariana’s brow furrowed slightly, but she complied, sitting down in silence.

Picking up an apple, she began peeling it with an air of indifference.

Georgia watched her own flesh and blood, feeling nothing but discomfort. It was almost unheard of for a mother and daughter to be this estranged.

The silence between them stretched on for a full two minutes.

As if sensing the awkwardness in the air, Georgia hesitated for a moment before finally speaking up. But her words were unexpected. Instead of asking about her three grandchildren or inquiring about Ariana's recent life, her first question was, "Ariana, have you been to see Jane?"

Ariana: "..."

Ariana frowned slightly, raising her eyes to give Georgia a cool glance, noticing the faint discomfort on her mother's face. "No," she replied flatly.

Georgia felt a twinge of displeasure.

She softened her tone. "Jane must have realized her mistakes by now. I still hope you two sisters can reconcile. You get along well with Kiara, don’t you? Jane has probably turned over a new leaf. Ariana, I know you’ve always been a generous person. Can’t you just forgive her for what happened in the past?"

Ariana couldn’t help but laugh—a laugh devoid of any warmth.

Her expression remained composed as she stared at her biological mother. After a long pause, she finally spoke, her voice hoarse. "So, you called me here today just to say this? To forgive someone who tried to ruin me countless times? I’m sorry, but I’m not as enlightened as you. I can’t just ‘turn the other cheek’ like you do."

The moment he stepped in, he sensed the suffocating tension in the air. His brow furrowed with concern—had Georgia and Ariana clashed again?

After a brief pause, he approached Ariana with a forced smile. "The doctor said your mother just needs rest—she’ll be fine. I’ve already handled the discharge paperwork. We’ll head home together soon. The cook made all your favorite dishes. You’ve been away so long—you must’ve missed them, right?"

Ariana responded indifferently, "I have work to attend to. Maybe next time."

Georgia stayed silent, her gaze lingering on Ariana with unreadable emotion.

Gilbert had braced himself for this. Disappointment flickered in his eyes as he sighed. "Then I’ll have the food delivered to your office. I know you’re busy, but you can’t neglect your health. You’re young now, but if you don’t take care of yourself, you’ll regret it later."

Ariana watched him speak, then curled her lips slightly. "Next time."

Gilbert fell silent.

The awkward stillness thickened the tension. Georgia glanced between father and daughter before forcing a smile. "If Ariana’s busy, we can always do this another day."

Ariana’s smirk turned even more sardonic. She nodded carelessly. "Sure. Next time. Well, if there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave. Goodbye, Dad."

Without another word, she stood, picked up her bag, and offered her father a faint, perfunctory smile before pushing the door open and walking out.