Rebirth Revenge Is Everything (Ariana) novel Chapter 442

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A few days later.

The Stone family was now busy preparing for Collin's hundred-day celebration.

Though the invited guests were surprised, when exactly had Finley's wife been pregnant?—It was of little consequence. Since the invitation came from the Stone family, who cared when the child had been conceived?

Even if it were a love child, it was none of the business world's concern.

At most, it would just be gossip among the ladies of high society.

However, despite the long guest list, most of the truly influential figures didn’t show up. The second branch of the Stone family had lost its standing, and the child’s origins were questionable.

Even the family patriarch, who had always placed great importance on lineage, hadn’t personally extended the invitations. So, many politely declined, sending only congratulatory gifts instead.

For the second branch, this was nothing short of humiliation.

But since neither Old Mrs. Stone nor Old Mr. Stone had attended, they could only swallow their anger and resentment, not daring to voice a word of complaint.

In private, though, they took every opportunity to hurl thinly veiled insults at Gwen.

After all, if it weren’t for her, would they have had to bring Finley’s illegitimate child into the Stone family? And now, because of it, both Old Mr. Stone and Old rs. Stone disapproved.

Gwen didn’t dare say a word in response.

She only wept in secret.

Once, Finley happened to walk in on her crying. She had hoped her husband might offer some comfort, but instead, he scoffed at her for being melodramatic. Without so much as a glance, he picked up the child and walked away, cooing and playing with the baby. The rejection cut deep.

And after that, whenever anything went slightly wrong with the child, the entire second branch blamed her. Now, Gwen spoke less and less.

Her silence was a stark contrast to the woman she had been when she first married into the family.

Although the relationship between the third and second branches of the Stone family wasn't particularly cordial, Ariana and Lambert still sent gifts to celebrate Finley's son's hundred-day ceremony.

That evening, on their way back, they made a special visit to see the newborn. Due to their busy schedules at the company, they hadn't attended the daytime celebration—only Hugh and his wife had gone.

Aster was displeased but didn't dare offend Ariana, who was clearly the future matriarch of the Stone family. Forcing a stiff smile, she exchanged a few polite words before instructing Gwen to escort Ariana out when she left. Gwen nodded silently and accompanied her without a word.

Once they stepped outside the villa, Ariana paused and said gently, "No need to walk me back, Second Sister-in-law. It's just a short distance—I can manage."

After all, they were still within the main estate.

It was merely a small garden away.

Gwen pressed her lips together. Just as Ariana, noting her silence, turned to leave after fulfilling the expected courtesy, Gwen suddenly spoke up.

"Beverly is coming back."

Ariana: "?"

Gwen lifted her gaze, meeting Ariana's eyes directly. "I said, Beverly is returning."

At that, Ariana's expression gradually turned serious. She studied Gwen intently before responding, "What exactly are you trying to say, Second Sister-in-law?"

Gwen gave a bitter smile, though it vanished almost instantly. Her voice slightly hoarse, she continued, "She called me two days ago. Asked about the current situation here—about you and the Stone family. And she made it clear she's coming back soon. She even proposed... an alliance with me."

Ariana: "..."

Gwen seemed utterly unaware that she had just dropped a bombshell. With unshakable composure, she continued, "I agreed."