Rebirth Revenge Is Everything (Ariana) novel Chapter 640

Since they were in a shopping district, more and more passersby began stealing glances at them. No one stopped to gawk outright, but most couldn’t help but look their way as they walked past.

A few even deliberately slowed their steps to eavesdrop on the gossip.

After all, this was an upscale shopping area frequented by the wealthy elite—many of whom recognized Ariana, Madelyn, and the others. The reason they were so keen on listening in was that it seemed like some juicy family drama was unfolding between these women.

Who would pass up free entertainment like this?

Madelyn wore a composed expression, her demeanor unruffled since none of the gossip targeted her. But as snippets of the conversation reached the crowd, more than a few side-eyed Ariana with thinly veiled judgment. Sensing the growing tension, Gwen grew uneasy and quietly urged Ariana to leave before things escalated.

If they lingered any longer, who knew what misleading rumors Madelyn and her friends might spread next? Once word got around their social circle, the Stone family would become the laughingstock.

Noticing the scene, Irene’s lips curled into a faint smirk. Her gaze lingered on Ariana, the amusement in her eyes deepening.

Yet Ariana paid her no mind—her attention remained fixed on Georgia. Only when Georgia’s eyes flickered away, avoiding her stare, did Ariana finally speak in a cool, detached tone, "I’ll take my leave then. I’m visiting my parents tonight."

Georgia frowned slightly, puzzled by the sudden announcement, but nodded stiffly in acknowledgment.

With that, Ariana turned away without another glance, her expression unreadable as she walked off.

Gwen offered the group a polite smile before following after her.

Irene watched their retreating figures, her eyes brimming with barely contained delight. Madelyn was equally pleased—after all, this was the first time they had come out on top after so many clashes with Ariana. Seeing Ariana scurry off like a kicked dog filled her with a deep, satisfying thrill.

Georgia suppressed the turbulent emotions rising in her chest. She turned to her daughter, her expression softening once more, and smiled. "Irene, where should we go next?"

Looking at the utterly clueless Georgia, Irene couldn’t help but chuckle. "Naturally, we’re going to buy you some clothes, Auntie. Didn’t I just say I had a custom outfit made for you? You’ll need to try it on."

Georgia felt a warm glow in her heart. "You really shouldn’t have gone to such expense next time."

Irene grinned. "Alright, just this once. Come on, Auntie."

Madelyn, of course, was more than happy to see Irene getting along so well with Ariana’s mother—it would only make their next encounter with Ariana even more satisfying. In high spirits, she followed along as they set off.

...

Inside the car, Gwen hesitated. She knew she probably shouldn’t bring it up, but curiosity gnawed at her.

After stealing a glance at Ariana’s expression, she ventured carefully, "Ariana, just now… was that your mother? Your birth mother?" She couldn’t help but ask—after all, she’d already heard the rumors that Irene was Lambert’s first love.

Even though the White family had fallen from grace, their connection to the Stone family still secured them a place in high society.

There was no way Ariana wouldn’t know about this.

So then…

Why was Ariana’s mother so friendly with Irene? It wasn’t something that could be explained away by Irene’s charm alone. Any mother would naturally resent the sudden appearance of her son-in-law’s ex, no matter how much that ex tried to ingratiate herself. And yet, the way Ariana’s mother and Irene had interacted just now—they seemed genuinely close.

If Gwen hadn’t known for certain that Ariana’s parents were her biological mother and father, and that this wasn’t a stepmother situation…

She almost thought it was her stepmother.

Only a stepmother would act this way...

Irene might have been Lambert's first love, but now he and Ariana were expecting their fourth child. There was simply no room for anyone else—whether Irene still harbored feelings for him or not, the odds were stacked against her.

So, Gwen had brushed the idea aside… until she caught that look on Irene’s face just now. Suddenly, she wasn’t so sure anymore.

The way Irene had reacted—

It almost seemed like she really did have designs on her brother-in-law.

After a brief hesitation, Gwen decided to bring it up with Ariana. It wasn’t exactly groundbreaking news, but it was a gesture of goodwill.

Ariana was sharp. In an instant, she grasped the implication behind Gwen’s words.

Her expression turned icy, her gaze hardening. After a long silence, she replied coolly, "I see. Thank you, Gwen."

In private, Ariana rarely addressed Gwen as "sister-in-law"—a title Gwen disliked anyway. Instead, they spoke to each other like friends.

Gwen chuckled lightly. "No need for thanks. It’s hardly a big favor, especially compared to what you’ve done for me before." She genuinely liked Ariana’s temperament—they got along well, keeping to their own lanes without stepping on each other’s toes.

If nothing went awry, she’d be more than happy to see Ariana become the future matriarch of the Stone family.

As for Irene…

Just one look at her told Gwen she wasn’t someone to be trifled with. And Gwen? She’d rather avoid dealing with that kind of person altogether.

Better to lend a hand to Ariana’s side instead.