Rebirth Revenge Is Everything (Ariana) novel Chapter 501

Irene had anticipated the possibility of rejection.

Though it stung, she didn’t argue with the receptionist. Instead, she let out a bitter chuckle and slowly walked away from the Stone Corporation building.

The receptionist watched her retreating figure, a sly thought crossing her mind—*Maybe she’s one of President Stone’s mistresses…*

*Tsk, tsk.*

She’d heard rumors that Mr. Stone was utterly devoted to his wife. But honestly, what man of his status *didn’t* have a wandering eye?

…

Days passed, and Lambert finally found himself with some free time.

Instead of sending the butler to pick up his son from school, he decided to go himself—partly to fetch Lucian, and partly to bring Ariana home together.

Not that he particularly wanted his son playing third wheel.

Still…

Well, some bonding was necessary.

At the very least, Ariana was always in high spirits when Lucian was around. Though it made him a little jealous, he could hardly hold it against the boy—after all, he *was* his son.

What Lambert *didn’t* expect, however, was the unexpected sight that greeted him when he arrived to pick up Lucian.

There, cradled in the arms of a beautiful woman, was his son.

She smiled gently while Lucian gazed up at her with wide, curious eyes.

To an outsider, the scene might have looked like a tender moment between mother and child.

Nearby stood another boy, about the same age as Lucian. Lambert narrowed his eyes slightly, strode over calmly, and called out his son's name.

The moment Lucian spotted his father, he wriggled free from the woman's embrace and hurried to his side.

Lambert's expression remained unreadable as he glanced at the woman across from him. Without a word, he turned away, ready to leave with Lucian in tow.

Irene's heart ached. She quickly called out to stop him, forcing a bitter smile. "What, can't we even be friends now?" Shaking her head, she tried to mask her sorrow, adding softly, "I didn’t mean anything by it. I was just here to pick up my brother’s child today and happened to run into Lucian. I had no idea he was your son. He’s adorable—so much like you."

Lambert replied indifferently, "Thanks."

Unaware of the history between his father and Irene, and too young to grasp the tension, Lucian chirped cheerfully, "Dad, this auntie reminds me of Mom."

That was precisely why Lucian had warmed up to Irene so easily.

She bore an uncanny resemblance to his mother.

Coupled with her gentle demeanor, children are perceptive. Lucian could sense her genuine affection for him, which made him instinctively fond of her.

At his words, Lambert merely shot his son a sidelong glance before stating coolly, "Really? Didn’t notice. You must be mistaken."

Irene’s face froze instantly.

But children have sharp instincts.

A vague unease settled in his chest. He tugged at his father’s hand and whispered, "Daddy... aren’t we going home to see my brothers? I wanna go home."

Lambert looked at his son's small face, which was a mix of panic and confusion, and his heart instantly sank.

Without hesitation, he scooped the boy into his arms. Then, his expression cold and unreadable, he turned to Irene, whose face was streaked with tears, and said, "What's over is over. There's no going back. Irene, you were the one who ended things. Or have you forgotten?"

Irene shook her head desperately. "I regret it—I really do."

A faint, mocking smile tugged at the corner of Lambert's lips. "Regret? Too bad. In my world, there's no such thing as 'what ifs' or second chances." He paused, then added icily, "From now on, I suggest you show some self-respect. Stay out of my sight—and my child's, and my wife's. Unless you want to find out what happens if you don't."

Lambert had always been a man of ice.

Or, to put it another way, a man of unshakable pride. Back when he and Irene had been together, it was she who had pursued him. He had agreed simply because he found her attractive.

That was all there was to it.

Maybe there had been a flicker of affection, but the moment Irene broke it off, even that faint warmth vanished without a trace. His emotions came fast and left just as quickly.

Ariana, however, was different. She was the one who had stirred his heart, the one he couldn't help but chase after.

Before meeting Ariana, Lambert had never felt the urge to treat a woman so tenderly.

Irene took an involuntary step back, her eyes wide with disbelief and pain as she stared at the man who had once been hers. But Lambert didn't spare her another glance. Turning away, he carried his son off without another word.