Rebirth Revenge Is Everything (Ariana) novel Chapter 669

669 /723

The old man's expression was grim.

His brows furrowed with displeasure as he muttered coldly, "I should have disciplined him more before handing over the StoneGroup to him. I was too hasty." He had initially thought Lambert was doing well—handling company affairs with remarkable competence, which had reassured him enough to gradually step back.

But now, it seemed he had acted too soon.

The boy was still too reckless.

Hugh wanted to defend his son, but fearing he might further provoke the old man’s anger, he hesitated before shifting the subject. "So... what do we do now?"

The patriarch was visibly agitated.

"If Lambert truly likes that Irene girl and insists on marrying her, fine. But he must wait until Ariana gives birth and wait another full year before divorcing her," he snapped. "Most importantly, the next heir of the Stone family must be Lucian. Make sure the Harpers understand this. If they refuse, then there’s no need for this marriage alliance at all."

Hugh exhaled in relief.

His biggest concern had always been his eldest grandson.

Now that his father had taken Lucian’s side, he felt reassured. Though he still believed Lambert had gone too far this time, in a few years, his son would fully inherit the Stone Group—and in truth, he already practically controlled it. There was little he could do to restrain him now.

The only one who truly suffered in all this was poor Ariana.

Had this scandal not blown up so publicly, things might have ended differently. If the old man had learned of it privately, he might have sided with Ariana and forced Lambert to cut ties with the Irene girl for good. After all, Old Mr. Stone genuinely adored and valued Lucian.

But now, that was impossible.

The situation had escalated beyond repair—either they proceeded with the marriage alliance or risked turning the Harper family into outright enemies.

Who in their right mind would willingly make such a formidable foe? The Stone family was thriving, and the old man certainly had no desire to invite trouble. So even if he held no fondness for the Harper girl, he had no choice but to accept this arrangement.

Hugh rubbed his temples, feeling utterly exasperated by the mess his troublesome son had landed him in. He had hoped fatherhood would mature the boy, but clearly, he'd been too optimistic.

The old patriarch continued, his voice steady but firm, "As for Ariana, wait until after the baby is born and her postpartum recovery period is over before breaking the news. Have your wife deliver the message gently. Rest assured, the Stone family won’t shortchange her in the divorce settlement. And her four children—they’ll remain under our care. Nothing will happen to them; she needn’t worry about that." The old man could guarantee this much. Lucian, Kevin, and Carson—those three great-grandchildren were his most cherished. He would never allow that Harper girl to mistreat them.

Even if Lambert and she had other children in the future, little Lucian would always hold the highest place in the old man’s heart.

Hugh glanced at his father, then sighed in resignation. "Understood."

...

The scandal had spread like wildfire, shaking the entire Stone Family household.

Thankfully, Ariana wasn’t at the main residence—if she had heard the news now, it might have truly endangered her.

The matriarch let out a weary sigh.

Turning to Jolene, she said, "Go stay with Ariana these next few days. This matter must be kept from her—at least until after she gives birth." The thought pained her. Ariana was carrying Lambert’s child with such devotion, yet he had chosen this moment to disgrace himself with another woman.

Truth be told, she felt deeply ashamed before Ariana.

Jolene’s face mirrored that guilt. "Yes, I understand," she murmured softly. Part of her wanted to plead with her mother-in-law—couldn’t they persuade the old man to reconsider? She had always liked Ariana, after all.

But courage failed her.

Even if she voiced her dissent, no one would listen. Her influence in the Stone family had always been negligible. So, despite her desire to help the daughter-in-law she genuinely cared for, she was powerless.

Later, perhaps driven by remorse,