Rebirth Revenge Is Everything (Ariana) novel Chapter 535

Gilbert couldn't shake off an inexplicable sense of unease all day, as if something ominous loomed on the horizon. Yet, he couldn't pinpoint what exactly was amiss.

After much deliberation, he decided to head home as soon as possible. After all, Ariana was returning today. The mere thought of the strained relationship between her and Georgia gave him a pounding headache. Little did he know, however, that the situation at home would prove far worse than he had imagined.

He had assumed that even if Ariana and Georgia weren't on speaking terms, their conflict wouldn’t escalate beyond silence. He hadn’t considered any other possibilities.

But the moment he stepped inside, he realized how wrong he was.

Gilbert arrived half an hour later than Ariana. His assistant trailed behind him, arms laden with an assortment of gifts—clearly intended for his beloved grandchildren. Yet, the instant he crossed the threshold of the White family villa, an unspoken tension hung thick in the air.

Even his assistant sensed something was off. Shooting a cautious glance at the chairman, he pressed his lips together, silently debating whether he should just drop the presents and make a quick exit. The atmosphere in the chairman’s household felt... volatile.

Georgia, of course, noticed Gilbert’s return immediately. She hurried over to greet him, forcing a smile. "Gilbert, you're back?"

Gilbert nodded tersely. "Mm."

His gaze then drifted toward the living room, where his daughter sat stiffly on the sofa, her expression unreadable, flanked by his two adorable grandchildren. The sight of the children momentarily dispelled the strange unease in his chest. A warm smile spread across his face as he approached them.

"My, how they’ve grown!" he chuckled, bending down slightly. "Come here, Kevin, Carson—let Grandpa give you a hug."

Kevin and Carson blinked their large, curious eyes as they gazed at the unfamiliar visitor. The energetic Carson immediately reached out his little arms, demanding to be held, utterly fearless of strangers.

Gilbert happily scooped up Carson, playing with him for a while before signaling his assistant to bring over the carefully selected gifts. The assistant, quick on the uptake, swiftly arranged everything on the coffee table.

Still bouncing his grandson in his arms, Gilbert turned to his daughter and Kiara with a warm smile. "I picked these out for you. Hope you like them."

Georgia watched her husband’s doting demeanor toward their daughter and Kiara, a pang of anxiety tightening her chest. She was just figuring out how to bring up Jane’s matter when Ariana suddenly spoke.

Ariana had been quietly observing her father, and noticing how half his hair had turned gray, the icy anger in her heart softened imperceptibly. After a brief silence, she finally murmured, "Dad, I have something to attend to. I’ll be leaving soon—won’t stay for dinner. Next time."

Kiara, who had been sitting silently on the side, tensed up at Ariana’s words. But in the end, she bit back whatever she wanted to say. Her eyes, however, flickered with irritation and something more complicated—an involuntary restlessness.

Gilbert froze. His brows knitted slightly before he asked, "In such a hurry? You just got here. Where’s Lambert?"

Ariana shook her head. "He’s tied up with something. He’ll come pick me up soon."

Rising to her feet, she offered a faint smile. "Next time, I’ll stay longer with you. There really are things I need to handle today."

Watching his daughter’s subdued expression, Gilbert’s initial excitement dimmed. He studied her for a long moment, disapproval heavy in his gaze. He assumed Ariana was still holding a grudge against Georgia—understandable, perhaps, but after all this time...

After being away for so long, this was hardly the homecoming he'd expected.

Anyone could see Jane was anything but calm at this moment.

...

Georgia followed Gilbert upstairs.

When they reached the study, Georgia turned to him, her voice tentative. "What's going on? Why the sudden talk?"

Gilbert didn’t mince words. "What’s the matter with Jane?"

Georgia had expected this. Though nervous, she kept her composure. She steadied herself before answering softly, "Gilbert... I’m sorry. I should have told you sooner. Jane hasn’t been doing well outside. It broke my heart to see her like that, so I thought I’d let her come home for just one day. But then Ariana returned unexpectedly..."

Gilbert’s expression darkened. "Are you saying Ariana came back at the wrong time?"

Georgia froze, then quickly corrected herself, "No, that’s not what I meant."

Gilbert snapped, "Then what did you mean?" His voice was sharp, laced with anger. In all their years together, he had never spoken to her so harshly—but this time, he couldn’t hold back.

His face twisted with frustration as he continued, "Georgia, what on earth are you thinking? Ariana is our daughter. Have you lost your mind? You know exactly what happened between Ariana and Jane. Today, of all days, when Ariana finally comes home, she sees Jane here. How do you think that makes her feel?"