Chapter 384

After that incident, Ariana's reaction didn't catch much of her attention. It was only when they returned home that Ariana, in tears and fury, lashed out at her. At the time, she felt a twinge of guilt herself. However, when Ariana nearly slapped Jane, who was hiding behind her in fear, her anger flared up completely. From then on, Ariana never participated in any parent-child performance events again. Even when it was necessary to perform with an adult, she would have the butler step in instead. Back then, she thought Ariana was finally acting like a proper elder sister. Reflecting on it now, she realized how unworthy she had been as a mother. The image of Ariana's tear-streaked face and reddened eyes haunted her, causing a dull ache in her heart. How she wished she could turn back time to apologize and hold her close. But it was all too late. Ariana had grown up, just as she had always hoped—no longer capricious, but also no longer in need of her. Kiara listened intently to her aunt'