Ariana arched her crescent-moon eyes and said with a smile, "You're back?"
Lambert gave a noncommittal grunt before walking over. He first bent down to listen to the baby's movements in her belly, then narrowed his eyes and declared, "Not very active—must be a girl." His tone was matter-of-fact.
Ariana rolled her eyes at him.
Lately, Lambert had become downright obsessed with having a daughter. He brought it up several times a day, to the point where she was sick of hearing it.
Ignoring him, she picked up the book she’d been reading earlier and resumed flipping through the pages. Lambert leaned in slightly and asked, "The housekeeper said you haven’t had dinner yet. Are you hungry now? If you are, I’ll go downstairs and get something for you."
Truth be told, Ariana wasn’t particularly hungry.
Pregnancy had dulled her appetite. She was fortunate enough not to suffer from frequent morning sickness, but eating had still become a chore—managing even a few bites a day was an accomplishment.
Yet, seeing the eager glimmer in her husband’s star-bright eyes, she couldn’t help but chuckle. "Alright, then."
Lambert brightened instantly.
He bent down to press a kiss to her lips before straightening up and heading downstairs as if nothing had happened.
Ariana blinked in surprise, then arched a brow with an amused, resigned smile.
With that, she returned to her book.
Their two-story villa wasn’t particularly large, but it was spacious enough for just the two of them—and eventually, a few children. Though it couldn’t compare to the grandeur of the Stone family’s main estate, it was more than comfortable.
In the kitchen, the cook had already prepared dinner.
Since the young master and madam hadn't given any instructions, she naturally couldn't serve the food yet.
The dishes were still being kept warm.
As Ariana disliked Western cuisine, the menu consisted entirely of nourishing local dishes, congee, and the like.
When the cook spotted Lambert approaching, she hurried over. "Sir," she greeted respectfully.
Lambert gave a slight nod. "Is dinner ready?"
Not daring to delay, the cook nodded eagerly. "Yes, it is. Shall I set it on the dining table... or deliver it to your and the madam's room?"
Lambert replied, "Bring it out. I'll take it up myself."
The cook was momentarily stunned.
She had long heard rumors about Sir Lambert's deep affection for his wife, but she never imagined he would dote on her to this extent. Having served the Stone family for years, she had never witnessed such devotion. Even when Lambert had insisted on marrying his socially mismatched wife back in the day, he had only carried meals upstairs when she fell ill.
Otherwise, it was always the servants' duty.
With an inward sigh of amazement, the cook quickly arranged the dishes.
Lambert glanced at them, then picked up the tray to head upstairs.
Just as he ascended the stairs, a maid—perhaps failing to notice him—bumped straight into him. The tray wobbled violently, and some splattered onto Lambert's clothes.
His expression darkened instantly.
The maid, too, seemed frozen in terror.
Her face instantly turned deathly pale as she shot a terrified glance at Lambert. Bending over hastily, she choked back a sob, "I'm so sorry, Sir! Please forgive me!"
Lambert's eyes were icy enough to freeze one's blood. His brows knitted together so deeply they almost touched. Just as the young maid was about to burst into tears, he frowned and called to the cook downstairs, "Bring up another serving." With that, he handed the dinner tray—now spilled in every direction—to the cook who had rushed upstairs upon hearing the commotion, her face equally panic-stricken.
Seeing that Sir Lambert wasn't blaming anyone, the cook let out a quiet sigh of relief.
And the results seemed promising. Judging by his reaction, Sir Lambert must have taken notice of her...
At that thought, Sheryl couldn’t help but curl her lips into a smirk, her eyes gleaming with triumph.
...
Meanwhile.
Ariana watched as Lambert ascended the stairs empty-handed—despite having been sent to fetch dinner—his face dark and brows furrowed. Instantly, she knew something had happened.
But she understood Lambert well.
If it had been serious, his expression would have been far worse.
So it must have been nothing more than a trivial nuisance.
However, it was rare for Lambert to get upset over trivial matters, so Ariana blinked curiously and asked, "What's wrong? You look like thunder. Did something happen on your way downstairs?"
Lambert replied coldly, "Nothing. Just got bumped into. I'm going to change."
With that, he strode to the wardrobe, pulled out a shirt, and swiftly stripped off his top. Ariana was stunned by his fluid movements. She froze for a second before her face flushed crimson. "Go change somewhere else," she muttered.
Shirt in hand, Lambert arched an eyebrow. "What? Shy now?"
Ariana puffed out her cheeks.
For some reason, his mood lightened a little. A roguish smirk played on his lips as he teased, "What’s there to be afraid of? It’s not like you haven’t seen every inch of me before."
Ariana: "..."

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