Rebirth Revenge Is Everything (Ariana) novel Chapter 649

Lambert had crossed paths with the Harper family's heir on several occasions. Given that the Harper family was one of the top three conglomerates in the city, one would expect Labert to hold them in high regard.

But Nathan—well, Lambert simply couldn't bring himself to take the man seriously.

Truth be told, Nathan's competence and strategic acumen didn't even measure up to a tenth of his adoptive mother's, the formidable matriarch of the Harper family. It wasn't hard to imagine what would become of the Harper empire once it fell into his hands. That said, Lambert wasn't one to underestimate his opponents.

Still, Nathan simply didn't register on his radar.

In contrast, Damon of the Castro family had always been a focal point of Lambert's scrutiny.

On the surface, the Castro family was only just gaining momentum, nowhere near the stature of the Stone, Harper, or the now-defunct Lawrence conglomerates. But with Damon at the helm, they were a force to be reckoned with.

As for the rest?

Very few had ever truly captured Lambert's attention.

Especially not someone like Nathan—Irene's elder brother, no less.

In the past, Lambert might not have felt such a tangled mix of irritation and impatience. But with Irene repeatedly stirring up trouble, whatever faint impression she had once left in his heart had all but vanished.

Now, all she evoked in him was sheer annoyance.

So when Nathan extended his invitation, Lambert responded with detached indifference, "Sorry, I'm booked tonight."

Nathan's face instantly stiffened.

In all of the city, hardly anyone had ever dared to turn him down.

Even the currently rising star Damon treats him with utmost respect! At this thought, Nathan's expression darkened. He furrowed his brows slightly, suppressing his displeasure, and said, "Oh? Does President Stone have prior engagements this evening?"

Upon hearing this, Lambert narrowed his eyes slightly.

He studied Nathan for a moment before finally offering a faint smile. "Indeed. I have plans with my wife."

Nathan was momentarily taken aback.

He paused, the polite smile on his face gradually cooling. Simultaneously, a flicker of doubt crossed his mind. Hadn't his younger sister told him that Lambert's marriage was nothing more than a business arrangement, devoid of genuine affection? Could it be that he was using his current wife as an excuse to decline the invitation?

But... why?

Hadn't things between him and his sister already progressed to the point of discussing marriage?

A mix of irritation and humiliation churned within Nathan as he turned the situation over in his mind.

Eventually, he concluded that Lambert's current wife must be the one causing trouble. Hadn't Irene mentioned that the woman was refusing to divorce? Of course—having clawed her way into the Stone family, why would she let go so easily? With three children anchoring her position, she likely had no qualms about manipulating Lambert's emotions by using them as leverage.

No wonder Lambert was avoiding anything related to his sister...

Having convinced himself of this truth, a trace of mockery flashed in Nathan's eyes.

How typical of a woman from such humble origins—petty, scheming, and venomously clinging to any scrap of advantage. The thought alone was nauseating.

Instantly, the anger in Nathan's gaze toward Lambert dissipated, replaced instead by a hint of pity.

He sighed and met Lambert's eyes. "Ah, your wife. I see. However, there truly are pressing matters I need to discuss with you tonight. Could you perhaps spare just a little time?" After a deliberate pause, he added, "I do hope you'll honor me with this opportunity."

Having pressed the matter this far, it would be difficult for Lambert to refuse again.

After all, Mrs. Harper was a formidable opponent in the business world.

The Harper family remained one of those old-money dynasties with deep-rooted influence.

Outside the Stone Corporation building.

The assistant cautiously opened the rear car door for Nathan, who slid inside with an unreadable expression.

Having served Nathan for years, the assistant held a position of trust that few others did. Even now, despite Nathan's stormy demeanor, he didn’t shy away. After a measured pause, once the tension in Nathan’s face eased slightly, he ventured, "Sir, did the talks with Stone Group not go well?"

He had assumed Nathan was there to discuss a business deal.

Nathan let out a cold laugh. "As if he’d even entertain a proper discussion," he gritted out.

The memory of Lambert’s detached, indifferent attitude from the very beginning churned his frustration. And then, that blatant dismissal at the end—

Who did he think he was?

By status, they were equals—both heirs to their respective corporate empires. Yet Lambert had treated him like just another faceless appointment, making him wait endlessly before pulling that stunt. If not for Irene’s sake, he would’ve lost his temper right then and there.

The assistant remained silent, absorbing his superior’s seething words without comment.

He didn't know how to phrase this.

Treading carefully to avoid his boss's wrath, he found himself tangled in the intricate dynamics of these wealthy families' relationships, which he could never quite grasp.

And to be brutally honest...

Lambert's status now far surpassed that of his young master. After all, Lamert was practically the de facto head of the Stone conglomerate, wielding power akin to that of the Harper Family matriarch. But he knew his master wouldn’t take kindly to hearing that—if anything, it might only stoke his fury.

And then he’d be the one to suffer.

The real thorn in Nathan’s side was his prolonged inability to take the reins of the Harper Group. Yet, as an adopted son, he couldn’t voice his frustration—not without consequence.