Rebirth Revenge Is Everything (Ariana) novel Chapter 564

564 /671

In truth, Ariana didn’t know the full details.

She only had a vague understanding of the situation. But one thing was clear—Madam Harper, the chairman’s wife, was far more formidable than the little scandal she and Lambert had stirred up before.

After all, though Ariana’s family background couldn’t compare to the Stone family’s, she was still the heiress of a modest conglomerate.

Mrs. Harper, on the other hand, was unmistakably a woman with no family backing whatsoever.

An orphan, no less.

And most importantly, she had only one daughter, Irene.

Yet despite that, her husband adored her as much as ever. Of course, that had everything to do with her capabilities. Mrs. Harper was the epitome of a strong, independent woman, wielding immense influence within the Harper Corporation—some would argue even more than the chairman himself.

There were even whispers that without Mrs. Harper, Chairman Harper might never have secured his position as the family’s successor in the first place.

That alone spoke volumes about how formidable she was.

As for the "Mr. Harper" Flora had mentioned, he was the son of Chairman Harper’s elder brother.

Since Irene showed little interest in the business world, the mantle of successor had naturally fallen to Nathan, the chairman’s nephew.

Ariana studied the woman quietly for a moment before slowly schooling her expression back to neutrality.

When Irene spotted her mother’s arrival, a flicker of unease flashed through her eyes before she quickly masked it with practiced grace and warmth. She stepped forward with a smile, her voice soft. "Mom, it’s nothing. Sister Flora just had a little disagreement with her classmate."

Ariana’s eyes narrowed imperceptibly.

Fanny, meanwhile, was instantly furious, shooting Irene a glare of displeasure.

Even though she had clearly stated there was no issue, Irene deliberately steered the conversation toward conflict—obviously trying to embarrass Ariana!

Irene had always been somewhat afraid of her mother.

From childhood, her mother had been distant and cold, less like a nurturing parent and more like a strict authority figure. Because of this, Irene had always preferred her father’s company.

Flora was also intimidated by this future mother-in-law.

Though Nathan was technically the son of the chairman’s elder brother, the chairman's family had long since adopted him as their own.

That made the chairman’s wife her soon-to-be mother-in-law.

The first time Flora met her, those piercing eyes had frozen her in place. Even now, every encounter left her knees weak with fear.

As the chairman’s wife approached, more and more subtle glances drifted their way.

Upon hearing her daughter’s response, the elder Mrs. Harper frowned slightly.

Then, with a cool glance at Ariana, Fanny, and Flora, she offered a faint, resigned smile. "Young people bickering is normal. But today is my birthday—you can play around, just don’t take it too far, understand?"

Her tone was as if addressing unruly children.

Though stern, her words carried an undercurrent of indulgence and weary patience.