Rebirth Revenge Is Everything (Ariana) novel Chapter 513

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Aster was nothing like that airhead Khloe.

She was the classic type—all smiles on the surface, but a dagger hidden beneath.

Under normal circumstances, she would never slip up like this. But the problem was, she had grown so accustomed to treating Gwen this way that the words had already left her mouth before she could stop herself.

Aster’s face paled slightly.

She glanced at the old lady, whose expression had turned icy, and knew she had truly angered her.

After all, setting aside the significance of the occasion, Gwen was still a member of the Castro family. Even if the Stone family secretly despised her, appearances still had to be maintained. The Castro Family might very well be aware of Gwen’s plight, but chose to turn a blind eye. However, if such disrespect was openly displayed—

The Castro family would have no choice but to intervene.

Otherwise, people would mock them for being afraid of the Stone family—why else would they stay silent while their own daughter was humiliated?

That was precisely why the old lady was furious.

Ever since the poisoning incident, though, Gwen had been manipulated and threatened by Beverly—

The old lady had lost all fondness for her. But personal dislike was one thing; decorum was another. If the old lady let Aster’s attitude slide without reprimand, it would be seen as outright contempt for the Castro family. So now, for the sake of the family’s reputation, she had no choice but to stand up for Gwen.

Second Uncle silently cursed Aster for being more of a liability than an asset. Hurriedly, he interjected, "Mother, Collin hasn’t been well lately, so Aster’s been overly anxious. Normally, she and Gwen get along just fine."

Aster quickly added, "Yes, Mother. I’m sorry—that was terribly rude of me. It’s just that Collin’s health has been so poor recently, and I’ve been beside myself with worry. But Gwen—" She turned to Gwen now, forcing a smile. "You know I didn’t mean what I said just now, right? Please don’t take it to heart."

The old lady narrowed her eyes but remained silent.

Gwen stole a discreet glance at her, then at Aster, before lowering her gaze with a quiet, bitter laugh. "I understand, Mother… Here, let me hold Collin for a while. He’s probably just tired—that’s why he’s fussing."

Aster didn't want her scheming daughter-in-law to hold her precious golden grandson.

But right now, both Old Mr. Stone and the old madam were watching her.

So she forced a smile and said, "Alright, just don't tire yourself. Hold him for a while and then hand him to the maid. You're not in the best of health."

Gwen smiled sweetly. "Thank you for your concern, Mom." With that, she took Collin from Aster's arms. Aster watched with barely concealed reluctance, her lips pressed tight, but she said nothing in the end. Still, her eyes remained fixed on Gwen, scrutinizing her every move as if expecting some underhanded trick.

The old madam had been observing Aster the whole time and naturally didn't miss her expression.

Her displeasure grew.

With a slight frown, she said, "Second daughter-in-law, Collin is Gwen and Finley's child. While it's understandable that you, as his grandmother, dote on him, the child belongs to Gwen—she knows how to care for him." The unspoken implication was a reminder of the condition under which the second branch had allowed Collin to be recognized as part of the family. The child... had to be publicly acknowledged as the son of Finley and Gwen.

After all, the Stone family would never accept an illegitimate child.

Aster grasped her mother-in-law's meaning instantly. Flustered, she glanced at the old madam before nodding stiffly in reluctant understanding.