Rebirth Revenge Is Everything (Ariana) novel Chapter 505

"So you still remember me, junior." Arnold smiled faintly.

"Of course." Irene returned a gentle smile, her voice soft. "It's been years. Running into you today must be fate."

Since he was Lambert's older brother, Irene found herself speaking more than usual.

Madelyn's expression shifted immediately upon learning his identity.

Admittedly, while Arnold's character left much to be desired, his looks were undeniably good—having inherited the Stone family's handsome genes.

Unlike Lambert's aloof, striking beauty, Arnold carried a more approachable, amiable handsomeness.

Though this charm often paled beside Lambert's presence, without his younger brother around, Arnold still stood out noticeably.

Soon after, Arnold naturally invited Irene to catch up.

With no other plans, she readily agreed.

Madelyn, harboring her own little scheme, pretended not to notice Arnold's clear intention for a private conversation and tagged along. It wasn't until Irene subtly signaled her with a look—realizing Arnold had something to say—that Madelyn reluctantly excused herself to the restroom, displeasure hidden beneath a polite smile.

Finally alone, Arnold turned to Irene with a quiet sigh. "Years may have passed, but you haven't changed a bit, junior. I still remember how perfectly you and Lambert were together—a match made in heaven. What a shame it didn't last. He took the breakup hard for a long time."

Irene's eyes brightened instantly.

Without thinking, she leaned in. "He was really upset back then?"

Arnold nodded solemnly. "Naturally. First loves aren't so easily forgotten. Especially someone as exceptional as you, both in character and appearance."

Hearing these words, a bitter taste rose in Irene's mouth. She shook her head softly and murmured, "What a shame... we missed our chance after all. He's married now, and he's happy. That's all I need to know." Her mind drifted back to when she had tried to see Lambert at the Stone family's residence, only to be turned away. Then there was that time she had swallowed her pride and used the excuse of picking up her nephew just to get close to Lambert's son.

But the icy rejection in his eyes...

The memory pierced her heart like needles, sending waves of pain through her chest. These past few days had been unbearable—every night, she found herself crying uncontrollably. Regret gnawed at her. Why had she married her ex-husband back then? If only she had held on a little longer, everything might have been different now.

Arnold studied Irene's expression carefully.

Noticing the flicker of sorrow in her eyes, he seized the moment. "Ah, it's true he has a child now, but deep down, he never stopped caring for you. Have you seen his current wife? I have. When I first saw Ariana, I was stunned—she looks almost exactly like you. At the time, I couldn’t help but sigh at how deeply my brother still feels for you."

Irene pressed her lips together, silent.

Yet, despite her efforts, her eyes reddened.

Encouraged, Arnold pressed on. "I only just heard you’d returned to the country recently. Imagine running into you today. Rumor has it you met Lambert a few days ago... and he was rather cold toward you?"

Irene’s thoughts stirred slightly at that.

Arnold sighed. "Sorry, junior. I didn’t say all this for any particular reason—I’m just feeling miserable. Seeing you, who was almost my sister-in-law, just brought up some old emotions."

Irene quickly shook her head. "No… I’m flattered you think so highly of me."

Arnold chuckled warmly. "I’m not just saying that. You and Lambert really were a perfect match. It’s just a shame he ended up marrying a substitute—and a malicious one at that. Now my wife has divorced me, and my future is completely ruined. I just hope Ariana knows when to stop and leaves some room for Finley and me to survive."

Irene gazed at him sympathetically, her lips pressed together. "I’m sorry, senior. In the end, this all started because of me. I truly apologize."

If Ariana hadn’t resembled her, Lambert wouldn’t have been so infatuated, allowing her to do all those terrible things.

Arnold shook his head. "Alright, let’s not dwell on this. By the way, did you return with your husband?"

Irene paused, then slowly shook her head. "Senior… I’m already divorced."

Arnold’s eyes widened in exaggerated shock. "You’re divorced?"

His reaction seemed genuinely surprised, but a closer look would reveal that his emotions hadn’t actually shifted at all. He had, of course, already investigated Irene’s divorce and return to the country. Otherwise, why would he have gone out of his way to intercept her and say all this?