Chapter 577

The news of Ariana finally regaining consciousness spread through the Stone family like wildfire, eliciting mixed reactions—some were overjoyed, while others seethed with resentment. Naturally, Hugh and his wife were among the delighted. After all, their three young sons, especially Lucian, still desperately needed their mother. Moreover, the couple could plainly see the depth of their son's affection for Ariana and genuinely wished her no harm. The elderly matriarch shared their sentiment, equally concerned about Lucian, who was far too young to endure such a devastating loss. Gwen, too, felt a flicker of relief. But beyond these few, the rest of the family greeted the news with displeasure. The family patriarch remained indifferent—whether Ariana lived or died mattered little to him. Her awakening was merely a trivial event, unworthy of note. The first and second branches of the family, however, saw things differently. Aster lounged on the sofa, her lips curling into a scornful smirk