Rebirth Revenge Is Everything (Ariana) novel Chapter 567

Georgia's tear-filled eyes finally softened Gilbert's resolve.

He let out a faint sigh, his stern expression from the past few days gradually easing into something gentler. Gazing at his wife of several decades, he said, "I know you have a soft heart. After raising Jane for so many years, it's only natural you'd feel attached to her. But she's done too many wrongs—she deserves to face the consequences. As for Ariana... I know you want to make amends with her, too, but you just don’t know how. The truth is that this girl is just as tender-hearted as you are. If you visit her more often, she’ll come around eventually."

Gilbert prided himself on understanding Ariana’s temperament well.

The fact that she had returned for the New Year was proof enough.

It was just a shame that Jane had such twisted intentions, still scheming to exploit Georgia’s sympathy to worm her way back into the White family. And his wife, too soft-hearted for her own good, had been caught in the act.

Thus, the misunderstanding had deepened.

Honestly, if Jane hadn’t meddled, he doubted things between his wife and daughter would have deteriorated this far.

Seemed like...

He’d have to find a way to deal with Jane sooner rather than later.

A cold glint flickered in Gilbert’s eyes.

Unaware of her husband’s darkening thoughts, Georgia—still very much a sheltered woman despite her marriage into the White family—remained oblivious. Instead, she mulled over his words, her lips pursing in disappointment.

'Ariana, like me?'

'She’s nothing like me—not even close!'

Still too soft-hearted.

She really couldn’t see it. If she hadn’t been certain that Ariana was indeed her own flesh and blood, she might have suspected the child was adopted. Ariana’s temperament wasn’t even close to Jane and Kiara’s. To an outsider, it would seem as though Jane and Kiara were her real daughters, while the cold and selfish Ariana bore no resemblance to her at all.

What kind of child could be so heartless?

Living so close to her parents, yet rarely coming home?

She’d simply had the misfortune of giving birth to an ungrateful wretch… At that thought, a flicker of pain flashed across Georgia’s face. Suddenly, she remembered her first child… She wondered how that child was doing now, whether she was living well.

Gilbert, seeing his wife fall silent, assumed she was also regretful and upset.

So he didn’t press her further.

Instead, he shifted the topic slightly and said gently, “Ariana… still needs your effort. After all, she’s our only daughter. If you can make her see that you truly love her, she’ll let go of past misunderstandings. As for Jane… don’t see her again. I think if Second Brother were still alive, he’d be furious to see what his daughter has become. She’s grown now, with her own schemes—neither of us can control her anymore.”

Of course, he didn’t want to bother either.

She wasn’t his own flesh and blood, after all. There would always be that distance.

Sometimes, Gilbert couldn’t understand it—after all the patience and care he and Georgia had poured into raising Jane, how had she turned out so malicious? She bore none of his younger brother's or sister-in-law’s kindness. Kiara, on the other hand, took after her mother in both looks and temperament. She was a good girl.

Well, in any case, he had fulfilled his duty as an uncle.

He had done right by his younger brother.

On the other end, Georgia visibly relaxed the moment the call connected. Without missing a beat, she spoke softly, "Ariana."

Ariana's eyes flickered slightly. "Mm."

Georgia paid no mind to her daughter's indifferent tone and continued gently, "Ariana, are you at the office right now?"

Ariana: "Mm."

Georgia: "Come home for dinner tonight. I miss you so much... and my dear grandson, too." As if worried Ariana might overthink it, she quickly added, "Jane won’t be there this time. Ariana, I’m sorry about last time. It was my fault. I’m getting old, and my heart’s grown too soft. That’s why I let her in. She said she just wanted to visit your father and me. Who knew… you’d show up at the same time?"

Ariana’s expression remained impassive, her lashes casting faint shadows beneath her downcast eyes.

She stayed silent for a long moment before finally replying, "I have plans tonight. Maybe in a couple of days."

The fact that she didn’t outright refuse made Georgia’s eyes light up with hope. "Of course, of course! I know how busy you young people are these days. No rush—come home whenever you’re ready. I’ll be waiting."

A tangled mess of emotions churned inside Ariana.

She gripped the pen in her hand tightly for a long while before murmuring, "Alright."

In the end…

She still couldn’t bring herself to say no.

After hanging up, Ariana let out a self-deprecating laugh. Look at her—still so weak. She had thought she was truly done, that she no longer held any expectations for Georgia. But hearing that gentle tone again, she just couldn’t help it…