Rebirth Revenge Is Everything (Ariana) novel Chapter 573

Little Jake didn't overthink things.

Though he didn't understand why his aunt had asked him to fetch Lucian and escort him home, he would do whatever she said without question. That was the only way to earn her approval—and to make his parents happy.

Excited, Jake hurried off at once.

Meanwhile, Lucian was just saying goodbye to his chubby friend Joshua and was about to climb into his family's car when he spotted Jake rushing toward him in a flurry. Blinking in confusion, Lucian asked, "What's up?"

Jake grabbed Lucian's hands eagerly, his face brimming with sincerity. "Lucian, my aunt said your place is on the way to mine, so I should take you home together!"

Lucian frowned slightly.

Beside them, the Stone family's driver immediately objected, his tone firm. "No need for that, young man. I'm already here to pick up the young master—no trouble required."

Lucian was, after all, the Stone family's most treasured great-grandson.

Who would dare let anything happen to him?

Especially not the driver.

Though he might look like an ordinary chauffeur, this man was actually a former soldier—doubling as both driver and bodyguard. The family took no chances. Letting someone else take Lucian home? Out of the question.

Jake faltered, shrinking a little under the driver's stern gaze.

For a moment, he wanted to snap at the man, to put him in his place like he usually did with lower-class drivers. But something about this one—his quiet, unshakable authority—made Jake hesitate.

His lips parted, but in the end, he said nothing.

Instead, he tried to persuade Lucian, "But my aunt said she's good friends with your parents, which is why she invited you."

Lucian frowned.

If this person were truly a friend of his father or mother, it wouldn’t be polite to refuse outright. Still... he understood the driver’s concerns. Though young, he had been taught from an early age about dangers like kidnapping—even his self-defense training was partly for that reason.

He didn’t believe anyone would dare kidnap him in broad daylight.

But he also didn’t want to worry his mother.

After hesitating for a long moment, he finally declined. "But the driver is already here. I’m sorry—maybe next time?"

Jake’s face instantly darkened.

He was furious!

Lucian had repeatedly embarrassed him. If he didn’t know better, he’d think Lucian was deliberately targeting him!

Jake wasn’t known for his patience. Born into the prestigious Kendrick family, he had always been the center of attention, with few daring to displease him. The fact that he had tolerated Lucian’s repeated slights was already pushing his limits. And now, when his aunt had finally entrusted him with a task—

Lucian still refused.

Jake couldn’t take it anymore!

Just as he was about to explode in anger, a soft voice suddenly cut in.

"How about this—I’ll ride back with you, driver? That way, we can all go together. It’s been so long since I’ve seen Lucian’s parents, after all." Irene’s bright smile instantly softened the driver’s previously displeased expression.

Most importantly, she had implied that she knew the young master or his wife.

In that case, it wouldn't be right for him to keep objecting.

After all, she was just asking to ride in the Stone family's car—not requesting that the young master follow her or take her vehicle. His principles weren't really being violated. So after a slight frown and a brief pause, he gave a slow nod. "Alright."

Lucian nodded vigorously, like a little chick pecking at rice. Amused, Irene tilted her head. "Then... does Lucian like Auntie?"

The boy tilted his head in return before answering, "Mm-hmm."

If she looked like Mom, then of course, he liked her.

A flicker of delighted surprise flashed in Irene's eyes. She blinked playfully. "Well, thank you for liking me, Lucian. Since you do, you should come play with Jake more often. Auntie likes you too, so you're always welcome at our house."

Oblivious to her underlying intentions, Lucian simply nodded and said, "Okay."

Irene's smile deepened, radiating warmth.

She gazed at him with tender affection.

She couldn't help thinking that if she and Lambert had a child together, it would probably look just like Lucian—an adorable blend of both their features.

Her gaze flickered as thoughts of Ariana, still lying unconscious in the hospital bed, surfaced.

Perhaps this was fate giving her a chance.

Just as Madelyn had said, the heavens couldn't bear to keep true lovers apart forever. That was why Ariana had met with misfortune. But it didn’t matter. From now on, she would take care of Lucian and the other two children in Ariana’s place. She didn’t deny her deep resentment toward Ariana, but faced with this child who bore such a striking resemblance to both her and Lambert...

She simply couldn’t bring herself to hate him.

Even if she and Lambert had children of their own later, she would still be a good stepmother.

At that thought, Irene smiled to herself.

She truly believed she was being kind. Most people wouldn’t act as generously as she had—after all, who in their right mind would show such tolerance toward the child of the woman who stole their husband?