Rebirth Revenge Is Everything (Ariana) novel Chapter 516

The elderly matriarch turned her gaze toward Khloe, who was wearing an ingratiating smile, and narrowed her eyes slightly.

Truth be told, the old lady had never been fond of Beverly either.

Not just because of the woman's scandalous behavior and the turmoil she'd brought into the Stone family after marriage, but also because she had hurt Alvin. No matter how flawed Alvin might be, he was still a child of the Stone family—

Beverly's actions had disgusted the old lady to the core.

So when Khloe made this request, the matriarch didn't have any particular objections.

After a brief silence, she finally spoke, "So, have you found a suitable candidate?"

Khloe eagerly replied, "Madelyn from the Olson family. She's a lovely girl—I took a liking to her at first sight. Though the Olson Family can't compare to our Stone family, since Arnold is remarrying, I just want him to marry a decent, well-behaved girl. It doesn’t matter if her family background isn’t as prestigious."

The latter part of Khloe's words softened the old lady’s heart considerably.

Her expression, initially indifferent, lingered on Khloe for a few more seconds.

"Very well, then," the matriarch conceded.

In truth, when Khloe first brought it up, the old lady had been wary. She’d assumed the eldest branch of the family was still scheming, their judgment clouded by foolish ambitions. But now that she saw the proposed match was from the Olson family—

Her concerns melted away.

The matriarch didn’t ask for much. The old master had already made his choice of successor clear, and frankly, she was quite satisfied with the decision.

All she wanted now was to avoid further upheaval.

After all, the old lady was still a mother. Though she didn’t particularly favor her eldest son—especially after all the foolish things he had done—he was still her flesh and blood. If the eldest branch of the family could finally settle down and behave, nothing could have pleased her more.

Beside her, Aster couldn’t hide her surprise.

Earlier that day, when she had run into her sister-in-law, Khloe, the woman had asked for a favor—to put in a good word with the old lady about remarrying Arnold. Aster had agreed without much thought. Knowing Khloe’s pride, she had assumed the new wife would be someone impressive, and she had looked forward to watching the eldest and third branches lock horns. But now, it seemed the eldest branch had no such intentions…

A frown crept onto Aster’s face as a creeping sense of unease settled in her chest.

Don’t tell me the eldest branch really isn’t planning to make trouble for Lambert anymore.

If that were the case…

Then their own, the second branch, would have to tread carefully too, lest they invite Lambert’s retaliation later.

…

After a while longer of idle chatter with the old lady, the two women were dismissed when she claimed she needed rest.

Aster was more than happy to leave.

Yet as they parted ways, a shadow of something unreadable flickered in her eyes.

Jolene was the first to take her leave.

Khloe, noticing Aster’s lingering gaze on Jolene’s retreating figure, couldn’t resist remarking, “Ah, they say birthright trumps everything. But these days, it seems luck matters more. Look at Jolene—a peasant woman from the countryside, now climbing over our heads. How unpredictable life is.”

Watching Khloe’s smug, self-satisfied expression, Aster maintained her cheerful facade, though inwardly, irritation gnawed at her. Her thoughts drifted to her own daughter-in-law, Gwen, and a wave of discomfort washed over her.

If only she could arrange a better match for Finley.

Unfortunately, given the current status of the Castro family, the Stone family would never allow the couple to divorce.

So even though Aster found her utterly grating, she had no choice but to endure her constant presence. She deeply regretted ever letting Finley marry her—what good was a woman who couldn’t bear children, whose family offered Finley no support whatsoever? Worst of all, she had the audacity to side with outsiders and showed no affection for Finley’s only son. As if she had any right, being nothing more than a barren woman! Keeping her around was no different from keeping a useless burden.

The more she dwelt on it, the more agitated Aster became. She shook her head, forcing herself to stop.

Turning to Khloe, she forced a polite smile. "Sister-in-law, I’ll take my leave now. Let’s catch up properly another time when we’re both free."

Khloe returned a faint smile. "Of course."

With that, the two parted ways. Aster walked back to the second branch’s villa, her mind heavy with thoughts. The moment she stepped inside, she was met with the chaotic clamor of servants in disarray. Her heart lurched, and she hurried forward, brows furrowed. "What’s going on?"

The maid, startled by her sudden appearance, stammered, "Madam, the young mistress was playing with the young master when—when she nearly dropped him—"

Before the maid could finish, Aster’s face drained of color.

"Was he hurt?" she demanded.

The maid flinched and quickly shook her head. "No, no! The young master is unharmed, just frightened and crying. But the young mistress… she was scalded. She’s inside now, and Dr. Copper is treating her—"

But Aster had already lost patience. Without another word, she stormed off toward where Gwen was.