Rebirth Revenge Is Everything (Ariana) novel Chapter 653

The one-month-old baby was absolutely adorable.

With chubby, rosy cheeks, the infant nestled in Madelyn's arms as she gazed at her son with the tender warmth only a mother could possess. Irene, meanwhile, playfully teased the little one.

Madelyn chuckled before asking, "Have you figured out what you're going to say when you see Lambert tonight?" She knew Irene's brother, Nathan, had invited Lambert to discuss business that evening. Seizing the opportunity, Madelyn had suggested that Irene should also attend.

Sure, it was supposed to be a professional meeting.

But they couldn’t just talk business the whole time, could they? Once the formalities were over, they could chat casually—maybe even reconnect.

Irene had hesitated at first, but eventually agreed.

That gave Madelyn some relief.

At the question, Irene paused, then cleared her throat awkwardly. "Well… I haven’t really thought about it."

Frowning, Madelyn shifted her attention from her son to Irene, her expression serious. "Irene, I know you don’t have the heart to ruin Lambert’s current family. But you need to understand—you’re not destroying anything. You’re just reclaiming what’s rightfully yours. And someone like Ariana? She doesn’t deserve to be with Lambert in the first place." She sighed. "I’ll always support you, but if you keep hesitating like this, there’s only so much I can do."

Though Madelyn was now a mother, she hadn’t forgotten how Ariana had once wronged her.

She would never forget.

Irene fell silent for a moment before responding with a bitter smile. "But she’s about to have another child soon. Maybe… maybe it’s time I let go."

Alarmed, Madelyn leaned forward urgently. "Irene, you can’t give up now. I know the truth—you and Lambert still care for each other deeply. It’s just that too many obstacles stand in your way right now. But you have to push through this. Once you overcome this hurdle, everything will finally fall into place!"

Irene said nothing.

After a long silence, she finally spoke, "Let me think about it."

Madelyn knew Irene had a kind heart, so she didn't press her, merely sighing softly.

Nearly a minute later, Irene suddenly asked, "By the way, how is little Cade doing with the old lady? Does she like him?"

Madelyn paused before answering, "The old lady still prefers Lucian, but it's fine—she’s grown quite fond of Cade too."

This wasn’t something Madelyn particularly worried about.

She liked Lucian as well.

But she understood Irene’s implication—if their child won the favor of the old lady and Old Mr. Stone, his future would be much brighter. She knew this well, which was why she often brought the child to the main residence for the old lady to see.

Though the old lady still adored Lambert’s three children the most.

Lately, however, she had begun to show more affection toward Cade.

After all, Cade was undeniably adorable.

At the very least, the two children from the second branch and the son from Arnold’s previous marriage weren’t as favored as Cade. Madelyn was quite satisfied with that.

Hearing Madelyn’s words, Irene’s eyes gleamed faintly. She smiled and said, "That puts my mind at ease." Then she added, "What about Old Mr. Stone? Does he like Cade?" As she spoke, she gently stroked Cade’s little cheek.

Her touch seemed tender, but a calculating glint flickered in her eyes.

Madelyn didn’t notice at all. She replied naturally, "The old master likes Cade, too, don’t worry, Irene. Even though I don’t care for Arnold, this is my son. I know what’s best for him." She would pave the way for her child.

Making sure he stayed in Old Mr. Stone and the old lady’s good graces.

Lambert's reaction wasn't at all what he had anticipated. The man should have been thrilled or at least pleased. Yet his expression when seeing Irene was utterly indifferent, colder than ice. Remembering how Irene had mentioned that Lambert wanted to return to his family because of his wife, everything suddenly clicked.

He turned to glance at his sister.

Sure enough, Irene's face was etched with disappointment.

Nathan sighed inwardly, now understanding why she had sought his help. Forcing a smile, he exchanged a few pleasantries before motioning for Irene to take a seat.

His gaze shifted back to Lambert. "This project has recently been handed over to Irene. My sister is still young, so I hope you'll look out for her in the future." His words carried an unspoken message—from now on, Irene would be the one working directly with Lambert.

Nathan was certain Lambert must be wrestling with mixed emotions right now.

Even though the man's face remained unreadable, Nathan was convinced it was all an act.

Irene bit her lip, stealing a glance at Lambert before offering a strained smile. "Then I'll be in your care from now on."

Lambert replied coolly, "This project is managed by another team in my company. I'll instruct them to accommodate Miss Harper. No need for formalities."

Irene's face fell completely.

Nathan was stunned.

His eyes darted between Lambert and Irene before he cleared his throat awkwardly. "Well, how about some tea first? The tea here is excellent. Mr. Stone, do you prefer tea or coffee?"

Lambert: "Either is fine."

Nathan forced another smile. "Then I'll have them brew some tea for us." With a clap of his hands, a kimono-clad waitress entered within seconds, carrying a tray of freshly steeped tea.