Rebirth Revenge Is Everything (Ariana) novel Chapter 658

She stood there in a daze for quite some time, then stealthily positioned herself behind Lambert without being noticed.

Only after a car arrived and Lambert got inside did Georgia finally step out.

With a complicated expression, she watched the car disappear into the distance, silent for a moment before hurrying toward her daughter’s villa. Her face betrayed a mix of emotions—resentment, frustration, and a faint sigh of resignation.

But the moment she stepped inside and saw her daughter’s state, all other thoughts fled her mind.

She rushed to Irene’s side, her voice laced with concern. "Irene, what’s wrong?"

Irene gradually steadied herself.

Her gaze flickered as she took in Georgia’s presence, then she threw her arms around her and began to sob quietly. The sound of her muffled cries tore at Georgia’s heart. Gently stroking her back, she murmured, "Tell me what happened. I just… saw Lambert. Did something… happen between you two?"

Irene froze.

She had been planning to steer the conversation toward Lambert herself, but she never expected Georgia to have already seen him…

A surge of triumph coursed through her.

She knew Georgia all too well—this woman was painfully naive. A little manipulation was all it took to win her trust. Though her simplicity bordered on foolishness, for Irene, it was the perfect advantage. This was Ariana’s greatest weakness.

And after weeks of subtle persuasion, Georgia now fully believed in her—and despised her own "heartless" daughter.

This was nothing short of a victory.

That was precisely why she had included Georgia in this plan.

She needed her to witness something between her and Lambert. With her saintly, meddling nature, she would undoubtedly take Irene’s side and demand that Lambert take responsibility. Especially since she was already convinced that Irene and Lambert were meant to be.

Her daughter had become the other woman.

Irene continued to sob quietly.

She didn’t say anything else—just kept apologizing to Georgia over and over. In an instant, Georgia understood.

Her expression softened with sympathy. "How could this be your fault? Even if someone’s to blame, it’s not you."

Irene looked up, visibly moved.

Haltingly, she recounted everything that had happened that day, explaining how she had only wanted to make a clean break with Lambert—but then he had drunk too much… She trailed off, leaving the rest to Georgia’s imagination.

Head bowed, Irene bit her lip. "Auntie… what should I do? This is all my fault. I’ve wronged you… and Ariana."

Georgia’s heart ached so fiercely it was hard to breathe.

Gazing at the tear-streaked face of the girl she regarded as her own daughter, she spoke gently. "I already told you—this isn’t your fault. Besides, you’ve done so much for Ariana. Even though you loved Lambert deeply, you still walked away for her sake. I know that. How could I blame you?" She took a steadying breath. "Now that I understand what happened, don’t worry. I’ll make sure Lambert gives you a proper answer!"

There was no way she would let him take advantage of her daughter and walk away unscathed.

This time, Georgia refused to stand by and do nothing. If Kendra wouldn’t protect her daughter, then she would. She’d take matters into her own hands.

Seeing the fury in Georgia’s eyes, Irene exhaled quietly in relief.

...

Late that night, Lambert—finally sober after taking medication—sat with his head in his hands, agitation and exhaustion etched across his face. Rubbing his temples, he asked hoarsely, "You didn’t… tell Ariana about this, did you?"

The drug had been too potent. There had been no other way.

In the end, Lambert still had to relieve himself before taking the medicine and gradually calming down.

But he didn’t touch anyone—he took care of it himself.

That was already the limit of his restraint.

Because of it, though, his voice was unusually hoarse. Anyone could tell something was off just by hearing him. So instead of going home, he went to another property under his name to rest for a while.

The thought made the corners of her lips lift involuntarily.

She hurried upstairs.

Following the maid’s directions, she found Gilbert in his study and immediately approached him. Her eyes reddened slightly as she spoke, her voice trembling. "Gilbert… you’re finally back. I’m sorry—that day was all my fault. I misspoke. I shouldn’t have said those things."

Though Gilbert had been away, he hadn’t lacked for comfort.

There was no trace of exhaustion on his face.

But his gaze had grown even more profound, as though the time apart had made him colder, more unreadable. He studied his wife before him, a flicker of something complicated passing through his eyes. Then, his voice was calm, detached.

"I came back to get some things."

Georgia's face turned pale. What did he mean by that?

Was he saying he wasn't coming back?

Panic surged through her. "Gilbert," she pleaded urgently, "after all these years together, are you really giving up on us? Just because of Ariana?"

The mere thought of Ariana filled Georgia with bitter resentment.

She had raised that girl from childhood, expecting gratitude—only to be repaid with betrayal.

Now, even her own husband was drifting away because of her.

If only Ariana were her real daughter, perhaps she could bear it.

But she wasn't.

In that moment, regret twisted Georgia's heart like a knife. If she had known it would come to this, she would never have made that choice all those years ago.

Not only had it torn her apart from her own flesh and blood, but now it was destroying her marriage too.