Rebirth Revenge Is Everything (Ariana) novel Chapter 500

Arnold and Lambert were almost the same age.

Back when Lambert was dating Irene, Arnold had been well aware of it. In fact, he had been green with envy, scheming how to steal Irene away from Lambert.

After all, Irene was undeniably stunning.

But before he could even make a move, the two had already broken up. It was only later that he learned about Irene’s family background—and the fact that she was already engaged.

That had put an end to his ambitions.

Later, seeing that Lambert didn’t seem particularly affected and went on to date countless women, Arnold had simply dismissed Irene as just another one of Lambert's forgotten exes.

But now, spotting Irene standing right outside the Stone Corporation’s entrance, Arnold couldn’t help but wonder…

Had Lambert rekindled things with this Irene?

Wait—hadn’t she already married her fiancé?

At that thought, a calculating gleam flickered in Arnold’s eyes—thoughtful, but mostly laced with unmistakable shrewdness.

He knew all about Lambert’s long list of ex-girlfriends.

But after marrying Ariana, Lambert had supposedly cut ties with every past flame.

Arnold had almost believed he’d genuinely changed.

Now, though…

Perhaps he’d overestimated him.

Then again, what man could stay faithful to just one woman forever? Especially when that woman was as breathtaking as Irene…

No—

Irene bore an uncanny resemblance to Ariana...

Arnold's eyes suddenly froze!

His fists clenched abruptly, a flash of astonishment darting across his gaze. At that moment, something clicked in his mind, and everything became crystal clear.

So that's how it is...

Arnold couldn't help but let out a twisted, exhilarated laugh.

He had always felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity after meeting Ariana, though he'd dismissed it as mere déjà vu. After all, he'd encountered countless beauties in his life—some resemblance was only natural. But now, connecting her to Irene, he finally understood who she reminded him of! Ha—

So that was it.

If that were the case, then Lambert's insane decision to abandon the Stone family for a woman he'd known only a few months suddenly made sense.

No wonder...

No wonder his younger brother had gone to such extremes for Ariana in such a short time. She was merely a stand-in for his true love.

How had he never realized it before?

Then again, Ariana's personality was nothing like Irene's—only their looks were similar. But even then, her demeanor was so different that a closer look would reveal she wasn't Irene at all. It was no surprise he hadn't made the connection earlier.

The driver up front had no idea what had gotten into Arnold in the backseat, but the suffocating tension in the car was becoming unbearable.

Unconsciously, he pressed harder on the accelerator.

Eager to return to the Stone residence as soon as possible.

After some hesitation, Assistant Hills had decided to enter and inform Lambert.

Though he knew the president and his wife shared an exceptionally close bond, and this woman likely wasn't a mistress, her confident assertion that Lambert would see her once he heard her name had made Assistant Hills err on the side of caution. Better safe than sorry, he’d thought before relaying the message.

Lambert narrowed his eyes slightly. "Harper?"

Assistant Hills nodded. "Yes, President Stone. Surname Harper."

A coldness settled over Lambert's expression as he frowned. "Does she have an appointment?"

Assistant Hills was taken aback. "Ah—" he stammered.

Lambert shot him an impatient glare. "If she doesn’t have an appointment, why are you wasting my time with this? I don’t know anyone by that name. I hired you as my assistant to handle problems, not create them. Understood?"

Assistant Hills looked up at the president’s icy, irritated face and felt a chill run down his spine. "Yes, President Stone. Understood," he replied hastily before retreating from the office.

As he left, he couldn’t help but feel a twinge of resentment toward the receptionist. If it weren’t for her, he wouldn’t have been scolded by the boss. As for that woman, judging by the president’s reaction, he genuinely didn’t seem to know her, or if he did, she was clearly someone from the past he no longer cared about.

This was his own fault—

He should’ve known better, given how devoted President Stone was to his wife. He never should’ve passed along the message.

After leaving the office, Assistant Hills made a cold call to the front desk, informing them that President Stone had no acquaintance with any woman surnamed Harper. He added sternly that, without prior appointments, such matters should never be casually reported to upper management again—it was a waste of valuable time.

The receptionist paled as she listened to the call from Assistant Hills, President Stone's personal assistant. A surge of irritation rose within her, entirely directed at this woman who had been so confidently certain of her meeting with the president.

Her expression darkened.

Hanging up the phone, she turned to face the woman still watching her with hopeful eyes. In an instant, all traces of warmth vanished from the receptionist's face. "Miss Harper," she said icily, "President Stone is unavailable. Next time, make sure you have an appointment before coming. Now, please leave."