Rebirth Revenge Is Everything (Ariana) novel Chapter 438

438 /658

In the living room of the Stone family's second branch, Aster was happily playing with her little grandson while giving Gwen various instructions on childcare.

At the moment, Collin was cradled in Finley's arms. Even Second Uncle had come over to dote on the child. To an outsider, the scene would have looked heartwarming—as if they were the perfect family. Gwen swallowed the self-mockery and bitterness rising in her throat. She kept her head down, silent, which made Aster assume she was listening attentively.

"The old man has made it clear," Aster said, her tone firm. "There won’t be any more children in the future—unless you’re the one to bear them. So don’t worry, Finely will only have this one child. Make sure you take good care of him."

Gwen lowered her head further and murmured a soft, "Mm."

Aster couldn’t hide her distaste for her daughter-in-law’s timid demeanor.

'If only she had Ariana’s temperament,' she thought bitterly. 'Someone who could support her husband, raise a child, and most importantly—actually bear children.'

'Unlike this one.'

Useless to Finely in every way, not even capable of giving him a child. And now, when told to care for his son, she had the nerve to look aggrieved. Anyone watching would think *she* was the unreasonable mother-in-law. The thought made Aster scoff inwardly. 'A hen that can’t lay eggs, yet she dares to sulk in front of me.'

Still, she reminded herself that Gwen was, after all, from the Castro family.

So she held back from outright hostility—though she made sure to drill every responsibility into her.

Finley genuinely adored his son. The boy was born by his favorite mistress, after all. But no matter how much he doted on the child, he had no patience for midnight feedings. Once he’d had his fill of coddling, he handed the baby to Gwen.

"Take him to bed," he said dismissively.

Second Uncle had long since retreated upstairs.

So now only Aster and Gwen remained in the living room.

Seeing her son about to leave again, Aster couldn't help but say, "Finely, are you going out *again*?"

Finley responded with a careless "Mm."

Aster frowned. "Stay home today. Keep Gwen and Collin company." After all, they had to consider Gwen's feelings. Even if she couldn't bear children, she had still accepted this one, so Aster felt Finely ought to at least offer some comfort. Otherwise, if the Castro family really pressed the issue, things could get messy.

Not that she was *afraid*.

She just didn’t want the old man to find out and lose his temper.

At her words, Finley’s brows furrowed in irritation. Aster shot him a sharp look, silently insisting he stay put tonight—if only to put on a show for the old man. If Old Mr. Stone learned that Finely had brought the child home only to immediately go out carousing, there’d be hell to pay.

Finley seethed with frustration.

He shot Gwen a venomous glare before stomping upstairs, resentment simmering in every step.

Gwen’s lips curled into a bitter smile. Aster, meanwhile, exhaled in relief before turning to her with a practiced smile. "Go on upstairs with Collin. If he fusses tonight, handle it yourself. Don’t disturb Finely—he has work in the morning."

*Work.*

Ever since Finley realized he’d lost the succession battle, he’d abandoned all pretense of responsibility, fully embracing the life of a wastrel. Work? He barely even showed his face at the company anymore.

But Gwen didn’t argue. She simply nodded softly.

Then she carried the child upstairs.

Only as she climbed the steps did her grip tighten—so tight her nails nearly pierced her own flesh.

Meanwhile, Ariana's side was quite lively as well.