Rebirth Revenge Is Everything (Ariana) novel Chapter 647

The driver's face instantly soured like a bitter gourd. What he wanted most was for the Madam to return to the Stone family residence—that way, her safety would be guaranteed. Staying outside for too long risked another accident like last time. But since she had spoken, he had no choice but to drive around the city aimlessly for now.

Meanwhile, Earl was also trying to persuade his daughter.

After his last "chat" with Kendra, he had come to a stark realization: if he allowed his daughter to chase her own happiness, he’d be inviting a marital crisis upon himself.

So he quickly backtracked.

For Earl, he could live without the Harper family—but not without Kendra.

He still wanted to fight for her, even if the odds were slim. Just being able to share meals with her and whisper in her ear was enough. But if their marriage fell apart, it would all be over.

Kendra was the kind of woman who never wavered once she made up her mind. Even if she hit a brick wall, she wouldn’t turn back.

It was precisely because of this stubbornness that, after breaking up with that scoundrel Eliseo, no amount of effort on his part could ever win her back because Kendra had married *him*. Even if it was a marriage in name only, it was still a marriage.

And she took her commitments seriously.

Earl had breathed a sigh of relief back then, which was why he absolutely couldn’t afford to mess things up now.

Just thinking about the things he’d said in front of Kendra yesterday made him want to smack himself in the head—if only time could rewind. Or better yet, if Kendra could just forget that entire conversation! At least the part where he’d spoken out of turn!

All he could hope for now was that Kendra would stay true to herself and not let his words sway her.

He *absolutely* did not support Irene meddling in someone else’s marriage!

Irene had no idea why her father had summoned her, but judging by his expression, it couldn’t be anything good. A nervous flutter rose in her chest, though she kept it hidden behind a bright smile.

"Dad, what’s up?" she chirped.

Earl snapped out of his thoughts.

Gazing at his beaming daughter, he forced a faint smile and said, "Irene, about that Lambert from the Stone family you mentioned last time..."

Irene nodded nervously. "What about him?"

Squinting slightly, Earl shook his head. "I've reconsidered, and it's not appropriate. Since Lambert is already married with children, why persist with him? The fact that he's pursuing reconciliation with you while still having three kids and a current wife—it just shows he's unreliable. My dear, let's keep looking. You're the jewel of the Harper family—you can have your pick of any suitor." He nodded approvingly at his own words.

In truth, Earl had always favored Irene among his children.

There was a faint resemblance between her and Kendra. He knew Irene was the daughter of Kendra's long-lost younger sister, as Kendra had explained when they adopted her. Back then, Earl hadn't objected. He rarely opposed anything Kendra wanted.

In fact, to impress Kendra, he'd gone out of his way to dote on the girl, hoping to earn a little more of her approval.

But now, Irene's face paled at her father's words. She shot up from her seat, barely containing her composure. "Dad, how—how can you go back on your word? You promised to approve my marriage to Lambert! Have you forgotten?" If not for the carefully cultivated image she'd maintained all these years, she would have screamed in frustration.

Earl frowned.

Irene was stunned.

She stood frozen for a long moment before the reality of his words sank in. Her eyes reddened, and this time, the hurt was real. Tears spilled down her cheeks as she bit her lip, her voice breaking. "Dad… you’ve always loved me the most. Please… I can’t live without Lambert. I really… I really love him."

Despite the crushing weight of her sorrow, seeing her father’s cold detachment made her panic. Her defiance wavered, her tone softening into a plea.

Earl frowned. "What’s so great about him?"

Relieved that her father no longer seemed as distant as before, Irene exhaled shakily. "But I just… I just love him, Dad. I really do."

Seeing Irene's tearful eyes, Earl felt a slight pang of sympathy, but when it came to matters threatening his marriage, even that softness wouldn't sway his resolve. He spoke coolly, "I've made it clear—the Harper family won't tolerate the disgrace of a homewrecker. You're a lady of our household; you must act with propriety."

Irene's lips were nearly bitten raw.

Suddenly, she blurted, "But what if he gets divorced? Then you and Mom wouldn’t object anymore, right?"

Earl's brow twitched. "We'll see."

Those two words lit a spark of hope in Irene's heart. "We'll see" meant there was room for negotiation, didn’t it? She wiped her tears and managed a small smile. "Thank you, Dad. I knew you’d understand me best."

Earl sighed but said nothing more.

Outwardly, he seemed to relent, but inwardly, his thoughts were calculating. 'Let’s see how Kendra reacts. If she doesn’t oppose it, I might as well indulge my daughter. But if she does... well, then this girl will just have to swallow her disappointment.'