Rebirth Revenge Is Everything (Ariana) novel Chapter 656

The driver wasn't calling Ariana—he was dialing Old Mr. Stone's number.

Truth be told, the driver was Old Mr. Stone's man.

Well, not exactly.

To put it plainly, he was someone Old Mr. Stone had placed by Lambert's side—part bodyguard, part chauffeur. Given Lambert's status, the role of his driver carried significant weight. And considering he'd already survived two car accidents, Old Mr. Stone had personally assigned this man to him.

First, to protect him.

Second... to keep an eye on him. If Lambert stepped out of line, the driver was expected to report back to Old Mr. Stone.

The driver knew this made him a two-faced informant.

But he had no choice. And this particular matter... though it might seem trivial, the fact that President Stone had never taken a lover before—combined with the mystery surrounding this woman's identity—left him wrestling with his conscience. After a long internal debate, he finally made the call.

The Old Mr. Stone was practicing calligraphy in his study when the phone rang.

Upon hearing the driver's report, his eyebrows shot up in surprise.

And rightfully so.

That stubborn grandson of his had once abandoned the entire family for that woman, Ariana. Sure, there were other factors at play, but it was proof enough of how deeply infatuated he'd been. And in all these years since, he'd never so much as glanced at another woman.

The Old Mr. Stone had always disapproved, but he'd never voiced it outright.

Now, out of the blue, he was being told that his unruly, headache-inducing eldest grandson—the one who couldn't even stand the sight of him—had taken a lover? How could that not come as a shock?

The Old Mr. Stone fell silent for a long moment. Then, with a measured tone, he ordered his third son and daughter-in-law to be summoned to his study.

...

Jolene walked beside her husband, her entire body tense with nervousness. Facing Old Mr. Stone of the household, she could never quite relax.

Even after all these years of marriage into the Stone family, the old man had scarcely spared her a kind glance.

Things had improved slightly—just slightly—after Lucian was born.

But that was all.

So now, whenever Jolene heard they were being summoned to see Old Mr. Stone, panic still gripped her heart. Hugh noticed his wife’s unease and understood exactly what was troubling her. Gently, he reassured her, "Don’t worry. I’m right here with you. What’s there to be afraid of?"

Jolene forced a weak smile as she met her husband’s gaze. "I’m just afraid I might have done something recently to upset Old Mr. Stone."

After all, this sudden summons was unusual.

Her anxiety was only natural.

Truth be told, Hugh wasn’t sure why his father wanted to see them either. Ever since Lambert had gradually taken over the Stone family’s business, his father had barely sought him out. Though it left him with a quiet sense of loss, it was still far better than before.

But now, out of the blue, the old man had called for both of them. Hugh couldn’t help feeling a little bewildered.

If it were business matters, his father would have summoned him alone—why involve his wife?

Clearly, this had to be something personal.

Hugh gazed at his wife and let out a faint sigh. "Don't worry," he said softly. "I'll handle everything."

Jolene's eyes grew slightly moist as she looked at her ever-dependable husband. She nodded. "I know."

With a reassuring smile, Hugh took her hand and led her toward the main residence.

Upon arriving at the family's grand villa, the couple followed the butler's instructions and headed straight to the study.

The old man’s expression remained indifferent. "It’s normal for young people to indulge in some fun. But I want you to look into this person’s background and see if there’s anything suspicious. If not, give Lambert a warning. I don’t care how he plays around, but I won’t tolerate any surprises when it comes to the fourth-generation heir."

In other words, no illegitimate children.

Otherwise, he wouldn’t stand idly by.

When it came to Lucian, the old man genuinely adored him. Perhaps it was the sentimentality of old age, but he found himself unusually patient with the child. And Lucian was exceptionally bright and well-behaved. Not only did the doting grandmother cherish him as if he were her own life, but even the old man held him in high regard.

In his heart, Lucian had long been confirmed as the undisputed next heir.

As for Lambert, the old man’s feelings toward him were complicated. Given everything that had happened between them, he had little interest in interfering. But if anything threatened his great-grandson’s position—

Well, he wouldn’t stay so composed then.

Hugh nodded blankly before he and his wife quietly excused themselves from the study.

After both of them had left the main villa, neither had fully regained their composure. Hugh was conflicted, while Jolene was utterly shocked.

When she finally snapped out of it, Jolene's face darkened as she said, "How could Lambert go looking for a lover while Ariana is pregnant?" Though she was taken aback and stunned that Lambert had taken up with someone else, considering his history of flings before marrying Ariana, she found it frustrating yet somewhat plausible.

Hugh, however, was far more troubled.

He let out a quiet sigh and remarked, "That boy has really gone too far this time."

Jolene's expression soured further. "I need to have a word with Lambert. If Ariana finds out, it'll be disastrous." With Ariana currently expecting, the shock of such news could be devastating.

It might even harm the unborn child.

If the pregnancy became unstable and led to premature labor, the consequences would be dire.

Seeing his wife seething with anger, Hugh stopped her. "If you confront him now, think how awkward it’ll be. Let it go for a couple of days first."