Rebirth Revenge Is Everything (Ariana) novel Chapter 588

But little did she know about the storm raging in Georgia's heart at that very moment.

She stared blankly at the girl before her, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears, as if struggling to suppress some overwhelming emotion. After a long, tense silence, she finally turned away and snapped at Ariana and Kiara, her voice laced with urgency, "Who is she?"

Ariana, seeing her mother's agitation, felt an inexplicable sense of foreboding. Though she couldn't pinpoint the reason, it unsettled her. Frowning slightly, she replied, "This is Miss Irene Harper."

Irene lifted her gaze, a flicker of confusion crossing her mind. 'So, Ariana's mother doesn’t know me? Then what was that look about earlier?' Her phoenix-like eyes narrowed thoughtfully. But as her gaze swept over Ariana’s face, realization dawned on her.

A faint smirk curled her lips before she suddenly broke into a smile. "Auntie, you must be thinking how much Ariana and I resemble each other, right?" She chuckled lightly. "Honestly, if I didn’t have my own parents, I’d have thought we were sisters." Then, her tone shifted, turning wistful. "Under different circumstances, this kind of fate would’ve been beautiful. Who knows—maybe we could’ve even been friends." Her voice trailed off into a bitter laugh, her eyes reddening slightly by the end, making her appear heartbreakingly vulnerable.

Yet Ariana remained unmoved, her expression cold as she watched Irene’s performance, silently questioning her motives.

Kiara shared her sister’s skepticism. She had no patience for this woman, especially given her actions of meddling in Ariana’s marriage.

Irene seemed acutely aware of their thoughts. The bitterness in her eyes deepened as she glanced at Ariana before sinking into a chair. After a prolonged silence, she spoke in a hoarse, self-deprecating whisper, "I know what you must be thinking—that I’m here with ill intentions. Miss White—no, Mrs. Stone. The truth is, I came today for one reason only: to tell you I’m leaving for M Country."

Her eyelashes fluttered slightly as she continued, "I know I've caused a lot of trouble for you and Lambert recently, leading to misunderstandings. That's my fault. I'm not good with words, and I don't know how else to explain myself. This is the only way I can tell you—I never intended to interfere in your marriage with Lambert. I hope you understand."

Irene's eyes shone with an almost startling intensity as she spoke.

Her tone carried deep resignation and sincerity, as if every word she uttered was the absolute truth.

Had Ariana not been reborn once before, she might have almost fallen for Irene's convincing performance.

But the current Ariana was nothing like her past self. She knew all too well that some people were like snakes—if you didn’t strike them dead, they would inevitably turn around and bite you.

Especially someone like Irene.

Why bother pretending? They were the same kind of person—there was no need for Irene to put on an act in front of her.

Her so-called plan to study abroad was nothing more than a tactical retreat. If Irene didn’t return within a year, Ariana would eat her own hat! So she remained cold-faced, unmoved by Irene’s words.

Seeing Ariana’s expression, Irene faltered slightly, as if unsure what to do next.

Kiara sneered inwardly. 'Hmph! Everyone standing here is Ariana’s family. Who are you trying to fool with this pitiful, innocent act?'

The curve of Irene's smile sharpened like a honed blade.

Ariana remained silent, seemingly lost in thought.

Irene couldn't quite grasp what Ariana's mother was thinking. But upon closer consideration, she probably stayed because she was worried her daughter might be bullied. The thought almost made Irene scoff. A woman as ruthless and venomous as Ariana—it’d be a miracle if she wasn’t the one bullying others.

Her gaze shifted to Georgia.

Though her smile never faltered, the disgust she felt toward this mother-daughter pair only deepened.

With deliberate calm, she said, "You're right, Auntie. As Ariana’s mother, there’s no reason for you to leave. Besides, it’s just a small matter. Actually, I came today to clear up a misunderstanding between Ariana and me. I wanted to explain things myself so she wouldn’t dwell on it. After all… I’ve already decided to study abroad. Hopefully, my leaving will help her let go of any resentment toward me."

Her words carried sincerity, but Georgia paled instantly.

Her face drained of color, and she stared at Irene in alarm. "You’re going abroad? How will you manage all by yourself overseas? If this is because of Ariana, there’s no need—she’s not the petty type."