Rebirth Revenge Is Everything (Ariana) novel Chapter 538

The new year arrived, and Lucian had just turned three years old.

At three, most children begin to show signs of understanding the world, though of course, it varies from child to child. But Lucian was different. Even at this tender age, he was remarkably mature, and most importantly, he shared an unbreakable bond with his younger brothers. Perhaps it was because Lambert often left Kevin and Carson to their own devices, but the three brothers, united by circumstance, had grown exceptionally close.

Alvin, who was also nearly three, was nothing like Lucian.

He was different—largely because his mother was Beverly, which meant he had never been particularly favored in the Stone Family household. As a result, he had become increasingly timid, always treading carefully.

That day, Lucian sat on the plush carpet, playing with his two younger brothers. The villa was perfectly warm, comfortable enough for them to wear just their inner layers without feeling cold. Old Mr. Stone, having handed most of the company affairs over to Lambert, now had plenty of free time. Today, he was enjoying a rare moment with his three great-grandsons.

As he watched their adorable antics, the old man’s mood steadily brightened.

Just then, the butler approached and said respectfully, "Sir, Sir Alvin has arrived. He says he’s come to visit you and the Madam."

Alvin was currently under the care of the eldest branch of the family, so it was obvious he hadn’t come of his own accord. Clearly, the eldest branch was once again using him to make their presence known.

Old Mr. Stone frowned slightly but still said, "Let him in."

The butler nodded. "As you wish."

Moments later, Alvin entered. Though he was nearly the same age as Lucian, he appeared much thinner and frailer. Having grown up neglected and later shuffled between households after the eldest branch’s misfortunes, he had developed an increasingly timid and hesitant demeanor.

His legs were trembling as he entered the room.

The old patriarch's expression darkened instantly.

How could a descendant of the Stone family be so timid and weak? Fortunately, this boy wasn’t Lambert’s son—just a distant relative, so despite his displeasure, the old man didn’t press too harshly.

With a detached tone, he asked, "Finished with today’s lessons?"

Alvin was terrified of his great-grandfather. His voice barely above a whisper, he stammered, "Y-yes, finished."

The patriarch continued, "Did you learn everything?"

The boy’s small frame trembled even more, his voice quivering on the verge of tears. "L-learned… everything."

Taking in the child’s pitiful state, the old man lost all interest in further questioning. The butler, observing from the side, sighed inwardly. It was clear this poor young master would never earn Old Mr. Stone’s favor.

Truth be told, the old man was an eccentric character.

He despised defiance—yet he loathed weakness even more, especially in members of the Stone family.

That was why so few of his descendants ever won his affection.

Lambert, for all his rebelliousness, had still managed to catch Old Mr. Stone’s eye because he had skill. Skill that surpassed even the old man’s own in his prime.

'You can have a temper, but you’d better have the ability to back it up.'

That was the only exception Old Mr. Stone ever made. But if you lacked both strength *and* backbone? Then his disdain was guaranteed.

His concern was the future of the Stone family.

In his eyes, the next generation could be arrogant. They could stir up trouble. But the one thing they could *never* be was cowardly.

And Alvin had just stumbled straight into the old man’s deepest aversion. Unless the boy accomplished something extraordinary later in life, Old Mr. Stone’s dislike for him was set in stone.

He said indifferently, "Go play with Lucian and the others."

Alvin felt as if he'd been granted a reprieve. He nodded repeatedly before scurrying over to where Lucian and his cousins were gathered.

Since their mothers were close friends, the two kids often hung out together. Besides Shawn, Lucian also cared deeply for his two younger brothers.

As for Alvin, he had barely interacted with him before.

Even though they were cousins.

Alvin hadn’t expected this older brother to be so easygoing. Gradually, his nervousness faded, and he tentatively asked, "C-can I join?"

Lucian blinked, his wide grin radiating warmth. "Of course you can!"

With that, Alvin finally relaxed completely.

He happily joined in, and despite himself, he found himself growing fond of this older brother.

Not far away, the elderly patriarch, who had been quietly observing their interactions, grew even more pleased with his great-grandson Lucian.

But age had taken its toll, and after watching for a while, he felt exhausted. Soon, he retreated to his study, leaving the four children under the careful watch of the servants.

Yet no amount of supervision could prevent an unexpected accident.

As the four kids played, Carson—the most energetic of the bunch—suddenly tumbled around and, in his rolling, accidentally crashed into Alvin. The worst part was, Alvin lost his balance and fell backward, hitting his head against a chair. In an instant, both the servants and Lucian were horrified.

Lucian rushed over, his voice tight with worry. "Are you okay?"

The servants were frozen in panic, immediately calling for a doctor.

Fortunately, Alvin didn’t pass out. He didn’t cry either, though the back of his head throbbed with pain. But the excitement of making his first real friend dulled the ache. Shaking his head, he quickly forced a smile. "I'm fine... I can still play."