Spencer mumbled something that Joanne didn't catch. She asked, "What is it?"Spencer shook his head. "It's nothing. What do you want to eat tonight? I'll take you out. Also, regarding your brother, if things don't work out in Feynman Hospital, are there any other hospitals he wishes to work for?"Joanne looked down. She then raised her head again, her eyes full of warmth. "He just doesn't have what it takes to be a doctor. He's in a bad mood, and I'm trying to comfort him.""He's still young. It's normal to be emotional," Spencer said. "If he wants to start a business or something, I'll support him."Hearing that, Joanne immediately spoke up, "Spence, thank you. You're so kind to me."Spencer looked at her with a gentle expression. "As long as you're happy."After the meeting break, everyone saw Joanne linking arms with Spencer as they entered the meeting room.Spencer seemed less intimidating now.…That evening, Ariana returned to Ulrich Estate alone.Enrique's face was g
Ariana was frantic, and she didn't have time to explain. She simply said, "Sisi is there, but I suddenly can't get through her. I need to get there now!"So Ariana wasn't calling to ask about Spencer.Spencer's face darkened, but he knew Sienna was like Ariana's sister. "I'll send you my location."He ended the call, sent her the location, and returned to the private room. Joanne quickly linked her arms with his. "Spence, let's sing a song."This club had everything from dining to entertainment. It wasn't the first time Spencer brought Joanne here.Sitting nearby, Connor chimed in, "You two should sing a duet. I'll find you a love song."Spencer glanced at him. "Have you ever seen me sing?"With that, he turned to Joanne. "Go ahead if you want to sing. I need to step out for a bit."Connor asked, "You're leaving again? Didn't you just go out?"Spencer shot him a glare. "Just shut up if you don't have anything important to say."Joanne quickly smiled. "Go ahead. I'll wait fo
"Was he the one who caused your family's downfall?" Ariana's voice suddenly rang out. Spencer and Sienna turned to look at her.Ariana had rushed over in a white down jacket and bare face. She stared at Sienna with confusion and shock.Sienna flinched and quickly waved her hand. "No, I…"But Ariana no longer looked at her. She turned her attention to Spencer. "Did you do it?"At that moment, Spencer felt a pang of panic.Sienna also realized what was happening. She hurriedly grabbed Ariana's hand. "Ari, let's go…"But Ariana's eyes were fixed on Spencer's. She repeated herself, "Did you do it?"Spencer's stare lost its previous defiance and displayed a hint of unease. His silence provided Ariana with the answer she needed.She turned to Sienna. "Tell me the truth if you don't want to end our friendship."Tears streaming down her face, Sienna confessed, "I didn't mean to keep it from you. I'll tell you everything. Back then, Spencer acquired my family's company."Ariana's ga
The cold war between Spencer and Ariana dragged on.Ariana couldn't even remember when the arguments had started.Was it after Spencer fought with Jensen or when she caught him with Joanne? Or was it after the latest fight where she'd yelled at him?She wasn't sure.Regardless, even with Enrique as the mediator, their relationship showed no signs of improving.Spencer slept on the couch every night, no longer sneaking into Ariana's bed in the middle of the night. He was out early and came home late. So they barely saw each other.This continued until New Year's.Originally, the collaboration project between Feynman Hospital and the military was scheduled for after the New Year.However, due to a sudden military exercise notification, the project had to be moved up to before the New Year.This meant that after the New Year, Ariana would be heading to the military camp with some hospital staff for 20 days of intensive training.The hospital's collaboration with the military was
The marks Spencer left on Ariana's skin had disappeared, and her fair skin was flawless.Spencer felt his body heat up, and he gulped. He struggled to control himself.He knew he was a man with self-control, yet Ariana didn't think the same. She even repeatedly accused him of sleeping with other women.Spencer felt his anger burning as he thought of this.They hadn't seen each other much recently. Every time he came home, Ariana was already asleep. When he left, she was still in bed. He knew she was avoiding her, but she didn't have to be so indifferent.Ariana seemed to be enjoying her life.Spencer thought it was unfair for her to live in comfort while he was left feeling tormented and neglected. He was a normal man with needs. As his wife, Ariana had a duty to fulfill those needs.With this thought in mind, he gave up his self-restraint.Driven by a surge of impulse, he climbed into bed and pulled her close.Half asleep, Ariana felt a growing warmth and an unexpected tingli
Enrique's voice was full of authority. He said, "What day is it today? It's New Year, and you're going out? Everyone else is at home with their families!"Spencer was dressed up neatly, showing no sign of the wild night he'd had. Ariana came down the stairs and heard Spencer say, "I have some errands to run. I'll be back in the afternoon.""Afternoon? Why not just stay out overnight?" Enrique was trembling with anger. "You're only behaving now because I'm here to keep an eye on you. I can't imagine how you'd treat Ari if she were living alone with you!"Ariana sat beside Enrique and took his arm. "Grandpa, I'm here with you. He has to deal with his work. Just let him go.""Look at how understanding Ari is." Enrique was still fuming. "Job is never more important than family!"In the end, Spencer still left. He didn't say a word to Ariana or even glance her way.Enrique comforted Ariana, "That scamp has always had a terrible temper. He seldom speaks and has such a grumpy nature
It was during that time that Ariana saw another side of Spencer and ended up falling for her long-time rival.Later on, she even saved Spencer and a few others.However, it was a special case at that time. After rescuing them, she got injured herself, and the military issued a directive forbidding the matter from being discussed.So, even now, Ariana had never talked about it with Spencer. She never intended to use the fact that she saved his life as leverage to get anything from him.She turned over and propped one leg up on a nearby pillow. Her silk pajamas slipped off. When Spencer walked in, he was greeted by a view of an alluring beauty.Ariana's skin was as white as snow. The black silk of her pajamas made her skin look smooth and delicate, like creamy milk.Her slender wrists, graceful neck, elegant calves, and tiny waist were all exquisitely beautiful. Even her small feet looked enticing to Spencer.Gulping, he silently observed her from the doorway before coughing lig
Ariana didn't want to entertain Spencer, so she simply responded with a hum."What are you going there for?" Spencer's stern face clearly displayed his disapproval. "Is the hospital out of options? Are you the only choice?"Ariana retorted, "Why can't I go?"Spencer looked her up and down. "You're a pampered princess. What can you even do in the military? Do you want to attract attention or cause trouble?""Spencer!" Furious, Ariana sat up abruptly. "Just because you have poor morals and a corrupt character doesn't mean everyone is like you!""Who are you calling morally corrupt?"Ariana's eyes blazed with anger. "Who else do you think I'm talking about, Mr. Ulrich?"Spencer was so enraged that he nearly lost control. "Do you know what the military is like? It's full of men! They'd consider even a female pig charming! Do you even know how you come across to them?"Ariana gritted her teeth. "Yes. They're in a closed environment with no contact with the opposite sex. But they c
Ariana lowered her gaze, her lashes hiding the emotions in her eyes. Spencer could not see them, but he imagined her expression remained as distant as ever."I just want to know if we could still be friends," he continued softly.Ariana paused for several seconds before shaking her head. Spencer's voice was strained with pain as he spoke, "I know it's an inappropriate request, but if we don't try this approach, I might not be able to stop pursuing you." "So you're saying if I don't agree to be friends, you'll keep bothering me?" Ariana finally looked at him directly. "Are you threatening me?"His words reminded her of Zane, who had used the same tactic. She wondered if all men thought this way—when pursuit failed, they would settle for friendship as a consolation prize.Spencer met her gaze. "That's not it. Ari… I'm just asking for your mercy."His eyes were bloodshot with dark circles underneath, clearly showing signs of sleepless nights. Ariana looked away, unable to bear
Jacob rubbed his temples in frustration. "I've warned you about this. She has a boyfriend now, and they have a kid. If you get involved, what does that make you? The other man?""I know…" Spencer mumbled. "But I love her and can't control these feelings." "Having control is what makes us human," Jacob said firmly. "Losing control makes us no better than animals. You're better than that.""Maybe being an animal would hurt less," Spencer muttered."If that's your attitude, then there's nothing left to discuss." Jacob was getting exasperated with him. "That man isn't right for her!" Spencer burst out, recounting everything that had happened.Jacob shook his head. "They have a child together. What's the point of saying all this now?""He's manipulative and deceitful!" Spencer's voice rose with frustration. "How can Ari be with someone like that? Even if I didn't love her, I couldn't stand by and watch her be with someone so toxic!"Jacob took a deep breath and offered another per
"Still, he shouldn't have hit anyone!" Ariana sighed as she looked at his face, now swollen and red. "Does it hurt?"Sam's eyes welled up with tears. "Yeah, it hurts like hell..."Spencer stood nearby, his fists clenched tight. For some reason, Sam just made his blood boil, and he wanted nothing more than to punch him again."Mr. Ulrich," Ariana said while supporting Sam. "Let me say this one last time—stay out of my life. Since Sam's willing to let this go, I won't press charges, but if there's a next time, I will call the police."After her warning, Ariana helped Sam inside their house. They both froze in their tracks when they saw Leo standing in the doorway—neither knew how long he had been awake or how much he had heard."Leo," Ariana quickly spoke up. "Go back inside.""Mom, you two go ahead. I'll close the door," Leo responded quietly.Ariana had no choice but to help Sam inside while Leo walked to the doorway and looked up at Spencer. The little boy barely reached Spence
After that, Sam told Ariana softly, "Go check on Leo. I'll handle this."Wanting no part in this confrontation, Ariana went back inside. Sam closed the door and cracked his knuckles. "Why are you always bothering Ari? She's my girlfriend now, and you should stop.""You're not right for her," Spencer replied coldly."Are you?" Sam raised an eyebrow. "I'm younger, more devoted, and I'd never hurt her or flirt with another woman. What makes you think you're better?""This is between Ari and me. It doesn't concern you.""It doesn't concern me? Or you just can't think of a response? Did I hit a nerve? I guess getting older really does make people shameless.""Don't get cocky. You're not Ari's type at all."Sam leaned in closer, lowering his voice. "That's where you're wrong. Ari loves everything about me, especially my young body..."Before he could finish, Spencer threw down the food container and swung at him. Sam, anticipating the move, dodged quickly. Before long, the two me
Boa quickly called Ariana back and reported, "It's not Zane.""Then, it must have been Spencer," Ariana concluded."That obsessive jerk!" Boa exclaimed. "He just won't give up!"Ariana asked, "Boey, since Rowan and Zane are close, could you tell Rowan to let Zane know that nothing will ever happen between us?"Boa sighed. "I already told him, but I'll emphasize it to him again. By the way, when are you heading to Orkney? I want to pick up Leo!""Tomorrow afternoon," Ariana replied. "But don't worry about picking him up—he's coming with me."When Ariana hung up, she found Leo watching her expectantly. He jumped into her arms as soon as she put down her phone. "Mom, are you done? Can you play with me now?"Ariana's heart melted. "Of course, baby. What would you like to play?""Let's play house!" Leo's eyes sparkled. "You be the mommy, and I'll be the baby, and you have to carry me!""Alright." Ariana laughed, scooping him up."No, not like that," Leo directed. "Carry me like
Dennis could not help glancing in the rearview mirror at that comment. Meanwhile, Ariana looked at Sam and blurted out, "Marriage? Did you forget what we agreed on?""I remember," Sam replied. "But with your ex-husband and that Zane guy, we've got our work cut out. I'm worried they'll figure things out. Maybe we should turn this act into reality."Ariana shook her head firmly. "I'm sorry, but I can't do that. You're already doing me a huge favor by helping. Marriage is sacred, and when you find someone you truly love—" "But Ari, you're the one I love! I want to marry you!" Sam interrupted."Sam, you're still young..." Ariana smiled gently.Sam protested, "I'm not that young! You always use that excuse, but you're only five years older than me!"Before Ariana could respond, Dennis chimed in from the front seat, "There's an old saying—you can't force love. Sam, if you really care for her, win her heart properly and make her say yes to you. This isn't the way." "You sound like
Ariana smiled politely. "That really won't be necessary. Don't put yourself through that, Mr. Marshall. You're quite the catch, and I'm certainly not worthy. If you'll excuse me, they're waiting for me."With that, Ariana turned and headed downstairs, where Sam was leaning casually against the car, waiting for her. Even though he and Dennis knew each other, they did not get along well, so Sam stepped out of the car to wait.Being a handsome foreigner with striking features and bright blue eyes, Sam naturally drew admiring glances from passersby. He was used to the attention, but suddenly, his gaze fixed on someone watching him with unmistakable hostility.He quickly realized it was the same guy from the airport yesterday, who had tried to block their path but was completely ignored by Ariana. Sam met Spencer's gaze with calm confidence and the natural arrogance of someone who knew they had won. As far as he was concerned, Spencer was the defeated rival—someone who did not stand a
"That jerk..." Boa muttered under her breath before turning to Leo with a bright smile. "Leo, I'm going to treat you to something yummy!""Thank you, Aunt Boa," Leo replied with a blank face."Come on. Give me a smile," Boa cooed, pinching his cheek. "Oh, my goodness! You're just too cute!"Leo responded by burying his face in Ariana's shoulder. Jensen rushed to join them after finishing his surgery, making it a lively meal with five adults and one child. Leo only showed his bright smile when interacting with Ariana, maintaining his composed expression with everyone else.However, his stoic demeanor only encouraged Boa to tease him more, filling the dinner with laughter and joy. After that, Rowan arrived to pick up Boa, accompanied by Zane. By then, Leo was fighting to stay awake after his long flight and emotional reunion.He managed to open his eyes briefly to look at the two tall men before drifting off on Ariana's shoulder. Though the glimpse was quick, it was enough for
"Me, too!" Sienna exclaimed, and Ariana could not help but laugh at her precious son's perfect little face, now adorned with two lipstick marks.Even though Leo felt that he was too grown up to be carried, he had not seen Ariana in so long that he did not want to leave her arms. Just this once, he decided to indulge himself and enjoy the comfort of her embrace.As the group walked toward the exit, sharing laughs, Ariana suddenly stopped in her tracks. The others paused, confused."What's wrong? Why did you stop…" Boa's voice trailed off as she spotted the man standing ahead of them.It was Spencer, his eyes fixed intently on the child in Ariana's arms. Now, Boa understood why Ariana had been so confident that Spencer would not question Leo's parentage. With those bright blue eyes matching Sam's, there was no way Spencer would suspect Leo was his.Boa thought it was a brilliant plan, and she looked at Spencer smugly. On the other hand, Leo glanced at Spencer before resting obed