The situation was spiraling out of control, and despite Old Mr. Stone's efforts to keep it from Lambert, he eventually found out and flew back that very night.
As for the project...
Lambert had already secured it, or at least he was halfway there, with only the final signature pending. Although Mr. Stone was somewhat displeased that Lambert had returned before sealing the deal, he didn’t say much since the project hadn’t been compromised. However, when Arnold, who had stayed behind in France, called to say that the other party had changed the terms and further negotiations were needed, Mr. Stone’s face immediately darkened.
This project was absolutely crucial—it would significantly impact the future of the Stone family.
So, Old Mr. Stone sent someone to continue the negotiations and explain the domestic situation to the other party, ensuring they wouldn’t feel slighted by Lambert’s sudden departure.
Lambert, however, didn’t concern himself with any of that.
The moment he returned, he headed straight to the hospital to see Ariana. When he saw her lying in the hospital bed, eyes closed and face pale with exhaustion, his heart ached sharply. He approached quietly and gently brushed a strand of hair from her forehead.
Ariana had always been a light sleeper, and sensing the disturbance, she slowly opened her eyes. When she realized it was Lambert, a flicker of joy crossed her face, but it was quickly replaced by icy detachment.
She stared at him coldly, her voice trembling with suppressed pain. "I called you several times," she said. Initially, Old Mr. Stone had forbidden her from contacting Lambert, and she had reluctantly complied. But after three days with no news, she couldn’t hold back any longer.
To her frustration, every time she called, some assistant would answer and claim that Mr. Stone wasn’t available. Eventually, overwhelmed with anger, she stopped trying.
She knew it was deliberate—either Old Mr. Stone’s doing or some scheme by the other branches of the Stone family. But at that moment, she was beyond reason. As a mother, how could anyone expect her to stay calm after what had happened to her child?
Even though Ariana knew Lambert wasn't to blame, she couldn't help but direct her anger toward him!
Lambert understood what was going through Ariana's mind. Instead of defending himself, he murmured softly, "It's my fault." If he hadn't gone abroad, none of this would have happened. At this thought, a flicker of ruthlessness flashed in his eyes. Whoever had dared to scheme against his son would pay dearly. He swore it.
Ariana continued to vent her fury at Lambert for what felt like an eternity. Finally, she broke down into sobs, burying her face in his chest, her voice hoarse and trembling. "What are we going to do? Little Lucian has been taken. He's so young... My uncle and his family... they died because of a kidnapping, too."
Lambert's heart ached as he held her tightly, forcing himself to stay composed. "Don't be afraid. I'm here. Lucian will be fine," he reassured her, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside.
Suddenly, as if struck by a thought, Lambert gently lowered Ariana and placed a tender hand on her abdomen. "Stefan told me you're pregnant. Allison has been taking care of you these past few days," he said softly.
Ariana closed her eyes, unwilling to respond.
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