Chapter 551

After Lambert left, Aster remarked with a hint of envy in her voice, "Ah, look at how considerate our Lambert is toward his wife." Lambert had excused Ariana’s absence from breakfast, claiming she had a slight fever and needed to rest a little longer. Though most at the table knew the real reason Ariana hadn’t gotten out of bed… So while Aster’s words sounded admiring, they were laced with sarcasm—as if implying Ariana was shameless for sleeping in so late and making up such an excuse. If word got out, people would surely laugh at the absurdity. The old matriarch’s expression darkened instantly. Some things were better left unspoken, understood in silence. By voicing it so bluntly, Aster wasn’t just mocking Ariana—she was mocking the Stone family itself. The old lady’s face turned stormy. She cast a cool glance at Madelyn before saying, "Madelyn, from now on, Alvin will be under your care. Though you’re his stepmother, you have a kind heart. I trust you’ll treat him as your own." Madel