Rebirth Revenge Is Everything (Ariana) novel Chapter 563

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Fanny cast a puzzled glance at Ariana, who subtly shook her head in response. Then, turning her gaze toward Flora, Ariana spoke in a measured tone, "Today is Mrs. Harper's birthday celebration. I'd advise you to mind your words, Miss Lewis. Choose them carefully."

Her words served as a pointed reminder of the occasion.

In such settings, if Ariana were to engage in a public altercation, it wouldn't be her or the other party who'd suffer embarrassment—it would reflect poorly on the hosts. That's why even those with deep-seated animosity maintained surface-level civility at others' social events.

Not that Ariana feared offending Mrs. Harper. But should a conflict with Flora erupt, regardless of the reason, the blame would inevitably fall on her shoulders—this much she understood perfectly well. So she kept her temper in check, opting instead for a composed warning about proper decorum.

From Ariana's perspective, Flora's presence here could mean only two things: either she had some connection to the Harper family, or she was someone's plus-one. Either way, she had no business provoking her. Any verbal spat between them at such an event would implicate Flora just as much.

Unfortunately, Flora completely missed the nuance in Ariana's icy admonition.

The parties Flora usually attended revolved around her—she was accustomed to being the center of attention. But in elite circles like this, she occupied the lowest rung of the social ladder. No one had ever explained this to her, so she remained oblivious. Misinterpreting Ariana's words as a mockery about "knowing her place," she bristled at what she perceived as an attempt to intimidate her by name-dropping Nathan's mother.

As if she'd ever be cowed by that.

"Really?" Flora sneered, her voice dripping with contempt. "Feeling guilty about something?"

Ariana remained silent...

Flora's smirk deepened as she observed Ariana's reticence. The subtle curve of her lips betrayed her smug satisfaction. Today, she had deliberately set out to humiliate Ariana. After all, her own reputation paled in comparison—any embarrassment would solely reflect on the latter. Even if she suffered minor collateral damage, it was nothing compared to the blow Ariana would endure.

She took perverse pleasure in making Ariana squirm.

This served dual purposes: venting her own pent-up resentment, and simultaneously currying favor with her future sister-in-law by proxy. Once married into the Harper family, she'd have Irene firmly in her corner. Rumor had it Irene and Lambert shared history—no wonder Lambert had settled for Ariana. The realization sent another wave of smugness through Flora.

Though both Ariana and Fanny had married well, scrutiny revealed neither enjoyed true happiness. Meanwhile, she—Flora—would have the last laugh.

The tension between them thickened like congealing syrup.

Despite exchanged smiles and civil silence, the air crackled with unspoken hostility. Nearby socialites gradually abandoned their champagne flutes, drawn to the unfolding drama like moths to flame. While no overt confrontation occurred, the undercurrents proved impossible to ignore—such public discord was rare at these gatherings, making the spectacle irresistible.

Irene approached first.

Her understated cocktail dress and minimalist makeup exuded effortless elegance, every inch the polished socialite. Glancing between the tight-lipped Ariana and visibly irritated Fanny, she offered a conciliatory smile. "What seems to be the trouble here?"