Rebirth Revenge Is Everything (Ariana) novel Chapter 569

569 /671

The Stone Corporation now implicitly recognized Lambert as its de facto leader.

Within just a few short years, he had systematically dismantled the influence of both the first and second branches of the Stone family. In any other family, such ruthless efficiency might have intimidated onlookers, but it would also have left the current patriarch quietly displeased—like an ancient emperor watching his chosen successor prove *too* capable. Satisfaction would be tinged with unease and resentment.

But not in the Stone family.

Old Mr. Stone was a ruthless man himself, selfish and cold to the core. Yet he admired those who were even more merciless than he—like Lambert. Seeing his grandson purge the company of its long-standing parasites, as well as anyone who dared threaten his own position, filled the old man with unexpected delight.

'Admirable.'

Only someone like this could inherit the Stone Corporation and carry the family legacy forward. That Lambert’s methods had been so brutal, leaving the other two branches—Old Mr. Ston's own sons—humiliated, didn’t bother the old man in the slightest.

To him, the victors wrote history.

If you lacked the strength to compete, you had no right to complain.

And so, Lambert effectively took control of most of the family’s power.

Admittedly, there were perks to nearly running the entire company. He could leave work whenever he pleased, now. He knew Allison and Stefan were returning today, and that Ariana had gone to pick them up. But, an important project kept him tied up at Stone Corporation, forcing him to arrive later.

At last, Lambert had finished dealing with his affairs.

He was ready to leave immediately.

After all, Stefan was a brother he truly cared about.

Just as Lambert grabbed his coat and was about to step out, he pushed open the door—only to come face-to-face with someone he hadn’t expected.

Irene stood there, visibly uneasy, forcing a faint smile that couldn’t mask the bitterness in her eyes. "President Stone," she said softly, "Long time no see."

Lambert glanced at her briefly.

His assistant, Assistant Hills, quickly interjected, "This is Ms. Harper from the Harper Group. She’s here to discuss the collaboration on the land in the western district."

Only then did Lambert withdraw his gaze. He remembered the plot of land—recently acquired by the Stone family—though he hadn’t yet decided what to do with it. A couple of days ago, Nathan, the vice president of the Harper Group, had called, expressing interest in a potential partnership.

Lambert had agreed.

And had delegated the negotiations to his own vice president.

He gave a slight nod. "Mm." Then, without another word, he turned to leave.

Irene hesitated for a moment before instinctively reaching out to grab his hand—only to immediately pull back, as if suddenly remembering something. A shadow of pain and sorrow flickered across her face before she managed another strained smile. "President Stone, are you heading out for something urgent?"

Lambert remained silent.

His gaze lingered on Irene’s face—so strikingly similar to Ariana’s—before his eyes flickered imperceptibly. "Mm. I have business to attend to today. Our Vice President will handle the negotiations with you regarding the land."

Irene’s lips twitched into something between a bitter smile and self-mockery.

She slowly closed her eyes for a brief moment before reopening them, her voice hoarse and desolate as she murmured, "I... understand. President Stone, you may go attend to your business."

Irene's expression was far too telling—impossible for anyone not to speculate.

For a moment, the negotiation team from the Harper Corporation standing behind her froze in surprise, as did the secretary leading them and the two other employees from the Stone Corporation. They exchanged glances, unable to suppress the thought: 'Judging by the Harper family heiress's demeanor, it seems there's some history between her and the boss...*