Rebirth Revenge Is Everything (Ariana) novel Chapter 676

676 /716

Madelyn sighed inwardly.

She understood that Irene was worried she might hold a grudge against Ariana after their argument and retaliate against her. Perhaps the reason this maid hadn't left was because Irene had instructed her to stay by her side for protection. This realization filled Madelyn's heart with an indescribable warmth.

Irene, this friend of hers.

At first, she might have approached their friendship with ulterior motives.

But now, she was genuinely grateful to have such a friend. The only thing was, Irene's personality was simply too gentle.

Otherwise, she wouldn't have been bullied by Ariana to this extent.

The White family wasn't even worth mentioning—they weren't fit to hold a candle to the Harper family. Ariana could only throw her weight around by riding on the Stone family's coattails. And this was something even Lambert might not be aware of, being played like a fiddle in her hands. That kind of woman was truly terrifying.

Madelyn pressed her lips together, no longer willing to engage in empty pleasantries with Ariana. She cut straight to the chase: "Ariana, do you really think I came here just to see you out of boredom? Ha, I don't have that kind of free time. Actually, Irene asked me to come today. She wants to apologize to you, though personally, I don't think she has anything to apologize for. Honestly, Ariana, as your sister-in-law, let me give you some advice—don't push things too far. Leave some room for reconciliation."

Ariana: "..."

Ariana narrowed her eyes. "Apologize to me?"

Madelyn, however, interpreted her expression as one of smug satisfaction. Suppressing her anger, she continued, "Don't get too full of yourself. Lambert spent that night with Irene. Do you really think his decision to cancel the collaboration with the Harper Group afterward was out of anger? In my opinion, it wasn't. He was just putting on an act. Ariana, whether Lambert likes you or not—only you know the truth. Why keep lying to yourself?"

Ariana's gaze turned icy. "I should be the one saying that to you. And what do you mean by 'that night'?"

Madelyn looked surprised. "You don't know?"

Ariana remained silent, her eyes chillingly cold.

Madelyn was genuinely stunned for a moment. But the dazed expression quickly cleared from her face as realization dawned. She looked Ariana up and down before bursting into a mocking laugh she could no longer suppress. "Tsk tsk, I can't decide whether to say 'the wretched deserve their fate' or simply call this karma. Since you're clueless, let me enlighten you. Lambert and Irene are together—yes, exactly what you're thinking. The only reason Irene is leaving the country is that she feels guilty toward you. But tell me, do you really think you've won?"

Watching Ariana's face turn ashen, Madelyn felt an indescribable surge of satisfaction.

She continued with biting sarcasm, "Looking at you now, I almost feel pity. Almost. But someone like you doesn't deserve sympathy. Didn't I warn you repeatedly that Irene and Lambert belonged together? Did you really think forcing him to stay by your side through sheer effort meant everything would work out?"

Years of pent-up resentment flashed unmistakably in Madelyn's eyes—a venomous mix of malice and hatred. It was as if only by utterly crushing Ariana could she finally exhale, could she fill the void of bitterness left by her own compromised virtue and forced marriage to Arnold.

Ariana's pallor had become frightening. Her hands clenched into fists so tightly her nails threatened to draw blood, though she seemed oblivious to the pain. Rationally, she knew this had to be false, yet her whirling thoughts and unsteady legs made coherent reasoning impossible. Memories surfaced—Lambert's unusual behavior that day, Irene's delicate features flashing before her eyes.

Scene after scene played out in her mind, each one sending needle-like jabs through her chest.

She had always claimed not to care.