Rebirth Revenge Is Everything (Ariana) novel Chapter 388

388 /658

At that moment, Lambert, who was abroad, gazed out the window indifferently. This time, he wasn’t traveling alone. Arnold had accompanied him. This was something his uncle had desperately pleaded with Old Mr. Stone for, insisting that Arnold should learn from Lambert. What exactly the old man was thinking remained a mystery, but in the end, he had agreed to his eldest son’s request, allowing Arnold to join Lambert on this overseas project. Lambert hadn’t been informed beforehand.

It wasn’t until he arrived at the hotel in France, prepared for his stay, and saw Arnold that he became aware of the situation. Instantly, Lambert’s face darkened. The accompanying assistants, noticing the change in their boss’s demeanor, hesitated to approach. Fortunately, the icy chill in Lambert’s eyes was fleeting, and soon, the oppressive atmosphere dissipated. Of course, Arnold knew Lambert wasn’t thrilled to have him there. He hadn’t wanted to come either, but his father had insisted.

After all, Lambert was the one in charge of the project. Even if Arnold tagged along and the deal was successful, he wouldn’t get any credit. It would have been better to stay back at the company and use this opportunity to strengthen his own position. But his father had been adamant, so here he was. It wasn’t until yesterday, when his father sent him a message, that Arnold finally understood the real reason behind this trip.

A glint of realization flickered in Arnold’s eyes. He glanced at Lambert, who stood coolly by the floor-to-ceiling window, waiting for the other company’s representatives. After a moment, he approached with a smile and said, “Third Brother, even though we’re here to discuss business, it’s not good to keep the atmosphere so tense. After all, the other party hasn’t arrived yet, right?” He chuckled lightly, his eyes gleaming as he added, “By the way, I remember Uncle has quite a collection of fine wines. I happen to be hosting a friend soon. Would you mind putting in a good word with him and asking if he could spare a few bottles for me?”

Arnold’s expression was sincere, as if he were simply having a casual chat with his younger brother. Lambert, of course, knew that Arnold had ulterior motives, but he didn’t call him out on it. Instead, he replied with a faint, nonchalant tone, “Go ahead and ask him yourself.”

Arnold, undeterred by Lambert's cold shoulder, pressed on with a smile, "Could you ask for me? I wouldn’t dare to do it myself."

Lambert glanced at him briefly. Arnold’s smile remained unshaken, as if he was ready to handle whatever Lambert threw at him without a hint of anger. Lambert simply let out a nonchalant "Oh," and then silence fell between them.

Without another word, Lambert walked away and began reviewing the contract, completely ignoring Arnold’s presence. His mind was solely focused on wrapping up the project as quickly as possible and returning home. Ever since he had arrived abroad, an unsettling premonition had been gnawing at him, and he was eager to go home.

Arnold’s face flushed with a mix of embarrassment and anger as he watched Lambert dismiss him so blatantly. The other staff members around them kept their eyes down, pretending not to notice the tension. Arnold seethed internally but remembered his father’s instructions and forced himself to stay composed. He thought bitterly, 'Enjoy your moment, Lambert. It won’t last long.'

Not long after, the representative from the French company arrived.

Lambert immediately shifted into professional mode, engaging in a confident and articulate discussion with the representative. Arnold watched with envy, his jealousy bubbling up as he observed how effortlessly Lambert handled the conversation.

The negotiation lasted about half an hour, and the representative’s growing smile indicated their satisfaction. It was clear they were leaning toward agreement. Lambert had been working on this project for a while, and today was supposed to be the final step—signing the contract. However, the representative had seemed hesitant during the discussion, though Lambert eventually managed to persuade them.

Just as the deal was about to be sealed and Lambert’s team was on the verge of celebration, his private phone vibrated.

This was his personal number, known only to his most trusted subordinates, close friends, Ariana, and his parents—not even his grandfather had it. Lambert’s expression shifted subtly, though the representative didn’t notice. The man extended his hand with a smile and said, "We’ll sign the contract tomorrow. We trust your company won’t let us down."

Lambert was in a state of agitation, and just as the other party made that remark, he nodded and said, "Alright, I also hope this collaboration will be a win-win situation. Looking forward to working with you."

The other party smiled and replied, "Looking forward to working with you." Although it was a bit premature to say this now, since the contract would only be signed tomorrow, he had already decided to sign with the Stone Group. So, this statement wasn't really ahead of time.

After that, both sides exchanged a few more polite words before parting ways.