Rebirth Revenge Is Everything (Ariana) novel Chapter 503

Lucian endured about seven or eight icy glares from his father during the ride.

The little boy shrank into himself, too intimidated to speak another word. He squeezed his eyes shut, pretending to be fast asleep.

Noticing this, Lambert smirked coldly. "Smart move."

Ariana's lips twitched. "Like father, like son."

Lambert narrowed his eyes. "Exactly why I never wanted a son."

Ariana: "..."

Only when the car rolled into the Stone family estate did Lucian dare to crack open one eye. The moment the vehicle stopped, he bolted out in a flash. Ariana sighed but let him go, strolling leisurely behind her son.

Lambert handed the car keys to the security guard as usual, then walked with Ariana toward their villa.

Unexpectedly, a voice called out from behind, stopping Ariana in her tracks.

She turned to see Gwen standing there.

Lucian greeted her politely, "Auntie Gwen."

Gwen forced a strained smile. "Ah, such a good boy, Lucian."

Lambert, however, shot her a frosty glance. Though they rarely interacted, he was aware of some unspoken dealings between Gwen and Ariana. His tone was clipped with displeasure. "Second sister-in-law, do you need something from Ariana?"

Gwen shrank slightly under her intimidating brother-in-law’s gaze, nodding meekly.

Ariana cleared her throat and turned to Lambert. "Take Lucian inside first. I’ll catch up after I talk with Second Sister-in-law. She probably has something to discuss."

Lambert remained silent, his expression unreadable.

With a cold glance at Gwen, who had interrupted their private moment, he took Lucian by the hand and left without another word.

As soon as Lambert was out of sight, Gwen exhaled shakily, her shoulders sagging in relief.

Ariana strolled over leisurely, a faint smile playing on her lips. "What brings you here, Second Sister-in-law?" she asked, her tone light but probing.

Gwen hesitated, biting her lower lip before finally speaking in a low, strained voice. "Alvin... has been taken back by the main branch." Her words were laced with bitterness, a quiet sorrow, and helplessness that clung to each syllable. It was clear she had truly come to see Alvin as her own son.

After the incident last time, her mother-in-law had grown even more hostile toward her.

And as for Finley—well, their relationship was beyond repair.

At least she had found some solace in her solitude.

But she never expected the main branch to return and reclaim Alvin. Logically, she understood—Alvin was their blood, after all—but her heart refused to accept it. She had poured so much love and care into raising him, and now, in the blink of an eye, he was gone. With Finley's disdain for her, she doubted she would ever have another child.

Alvin's departure had stripped her of all hope.

Ariana had anticipated this outcome the moment the main branch reappeared. She had known this day would come. So now, she simply stood in silence, watching Gwen with an unreadable gaze.

After a long pause, she finally spoke, her voice measured. "Second Sister-in-law... do you want the truth?"

Gwen lifted her eyes. "Go on."

She took a deep breath, then stared at Ariana for a long moment, her expression a mix of excitement and disbelief. "Really?"

Ariana replied, "I can’t guarantee success, but it’s worth a try."

Gwen clutched Ariana's hands tightly, her eyes brimming with gratitude. "Thank you, Ariana. Really... thank you so much." But before she could finish, a sudden thought struck her, freezing the smile on her face. After a long silence, she whispered sorrowfully, "But... will Old Mr. Stone accept this child?"

Nowadays, many childless couples opt for IVF treatments.

But most still wouldn't.

In their traditional mindset, test-tube babies could never compare to "natural" conception. And for someone as stubborn as Old Mr. Stone...

Gwen was terrified—terrified he might reject this great-grandchild.

Ariana studied Gwen's anxious expression before speaking slowly, "Not necessarily. You could try the 'wounded bird' tactic—make the old man feel the Stone family owes you. That might soften him into silently accepting it." The truth was, Old Mr. Stone had already made his choice clear: Lambert would inherit the family fortune. That left the second and first branches relegated to the sidelines.

And collateral descendants naturally stood no chance in the succession race.

So as long as this child wasn't completely unacceptable, the old man likely wouldn't care much. Had the heir not been decided, with both branches still in contention, their children would've needed impeccable backgrounds, robust health, and sharp minds. But now? Lambert already had three sons, and Old Mr. Stone's favoritism toward Lucian was obvious.

As for other great-grandchildren? Unless they outright scandalized him, he couldn't be bothered.

Take Collin, for instance.

On the surface, Old Mr. Stone had reluctantly accepted him. In truth? He'd long given up on the second branch, so even a bastard child hardly raised his eyebrows.