Rebirth Revenge Is Everything (Ariana) novel Chapter 496

Madelyn stood frozen in place, thoroughly shaken by Lambert's warning.

By the time she regained her composure, her back was drenched in cold sweat. She took a deep breath, pressing her lips together as she willed her racing heart to calm down. Approaching Irene, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of complicated emotions upon seeing the tear-streaked face. There was even a faint, almost imperceptible flicker of schadenfreude—so deeply buried from years of suppression that she barely noticed it herself.

But most of all, she was furious on Irene's behalf.

"That cheap imitation has no right to act so high and mighty!" she muttered bitterly under her breath. Then, softening her tone, she added, "But don't worry, Irene. The fact that Lambert reacted like this means he still cares about you deep down."

Irene swallowed hard, her voice hoarse with sorrow. "I know."

She had been wrong in the past.

Lambert had every reason to treat her this way, and she would find a way to make it up to him. At this moment, Irene truly regretted ever letting him go. The memories made her face grow even paler.

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Meanwhile, Lambert and Ariana returned to the company after the wedding.

Lately, Ariana had been in low spirits, listless and withdrawn.

Instead of heading back to her own office, she followed Lambert to the Stone Corporation. She was exhausted and just wanted a quiet place to rest.

Naturally, Lambert was more than happy to oblige—he promptly escorted his wife straight to his workplace.

The Stone Corporation was a business giant, far larger than the White family's enterprises.

The Stone Group's headquarters stood over thirty stories tall, with Lambert's office occupying the twenty-seventh floor. Why not the top floor? Simply because Lambert preferred it this way. His office had always been on the twenty-seventh floor, and even as he gradually took over the reins of the company, he saw no reason to move. He was accustomed to this space, and so he stayed.

Not that it was a bad choice—the view from this floor was spectacular.

Besides, not every chairman or CEO insisted on the penthouse. Since Lambert showed no interest in relocating, Old Mr. Stone didn’t press the matter.

As they walked through the building, countless employees caught sight of Lambert—and the woman beside him, Ariana. Though most dared not stare too long, it was impossible to ignore the novelty of seeing their CEO accompanied by a woman. Whispers spread like wildfire—was she his wife? Or perhaps his mistress?

Most, however, assumed she must be his wife. After all, Lambert’s love story had once shaken the entire city. Who else among the elite young heirs would dare abandon his family for a woman? Who would risk throwing away his entire future? No one, except Lambert.

His office was spacious. Ariana stepped inside, glanced around, then settled gracefully onto the sofa.

Soon after, Assistant Hills entered, his gold-rimmed glasses glinting under the light. He placed a stack of documents on Lambert’s desk before turning to Ariana with a polite nod.

"Madam," he greeted respectfully.

Ariana acknowledged him with a slight tilt of her head.

Lambert turned to Assistant Hills and said, "Go make a cup of milk tea."

Assistant Hills froze.

When he finally snapped out of it, he let out a confused, "Huh?" His eyes seemed to be double-checking—did he just hear *milk tea*?

Lambert frowned impatiently and repeated, "Ariana drinks milk tea. Go make her a cup. Plain flavor."

Assistant Hills's lips twitched.

He glanced at the CEO, whose expression was already darkening with displeasure, and quickly replied, "Understood... So, Mr. Stone, will you still have your usual coffee?"

Lambert gave a curt nod. "Mhm."

Assistant Hills acknowledged again before slowly backing out of the room.

Now, her mind was much clearer.

Even if it was just for the sake of preserving this lifestyle, she wouldn’t repeat the same foolish mistakes—blindly letting others manipulate her like a pawn.

At that moment, in the grand hall of the Stone residence...

Khloe and Arnold stood in the center of the living room, facing the old matriarch, whose expression remained unreadable and indifferent. Arnold swallowed hard, shifting uncomfortably, unsure of what to say.

As for Khloe, having learned her lesson the hard way, she didn’t dare utter a single word, terrified that one misstep would get her banished again.

They waited.

And waited.

Nearly half an hour passed in silence.

Old Mrs. Stone finally spoke.

She lifted her eyes, casting a faint glance at her daughter-in-law and her disappointing grandson. A flicker of disappointment flashed in her gaze before she said coolly, "You're back."

Arnold quickly nodded. "Yes... Grandmother."

Khloe, meanwhile, put on an ingratiating smile. "Mother," she fawned.

Old Mrs. Stone shot her a sidelong glance before replying coldly, "So now you realize the Stone family is worth clinging to? Fine. I won’t dredge up the past. But starting today, I expect you both to behave—no more trouble. Especially you, Khloe. Arnold is no longer a child. I won’t tolerate you poisoning his mind against his own family. You’ve seen how things stand—your father-in-law has already decided to hand the reins to Lambert. If Arnold can turn over a new leaf and work with Lambert to uphold the family, all the better. If not..." Her voice hardened. "Don’t blame me for being ruthless."

After all, the Stone family could have only one true successor. If forced to choose, she would have no choice but to forsake the other two grandsons.

Of course, she hoped it wouldn’t come to that.