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
"No," Spencer said. "Besides, it's hard to convince Grandpa without sufficient evidence.""Spencer, with the right strategy, you could make Ariana appear bad no matter what. Or, perhaps you don't actually want a divorce?"Irritated, Spencer responded, "I came out here for some peace and quiet. Why do you have to keep talking?"Connor paused for a moment before speaking again, "Spencer, how long has it been since you last contacted her?"He didn't mention the name, but they both knew exactly who he meant.Spencer closed his eyes and furrowed his brows. "If you really need someone to talk to, go somewhere else and leave me alone."Connor said, "I'm just reminding you not to forget your original intentions. Alright. Get some rest. I'm leaving."He then went outside and called Joanne. "Spencer is at the club alone. Can you come over and keep him company?"Joanne arrived quickly. But when she tried to enter Spencer's room, she found the door was locked from the inside. No one answer
Jensen was still giving Ariana some last-minute advice when he noticed her gaze shift to something behind him.He turned around and immediately frowned. "What are you doing here?"Spencer's voice dripped with sarcasm as he spoke, "I had to come to see how affectionate you two are."Jensen was irritated by his tone. "You…"Ariana tugged at him. Jensen took a deep breath and said to her, "Stay in touch when you get there."With that, he left.Once Jensen was out of sight, Ariana asked, "Mr. Ulrich, do you have any instructions for me?"Spencer sneered. "I was worried about what you might do at the base, but it seems you're already starting to make connections before you even leave."Ariana was so infuriated by his attitude that she almost wanted to slap him. She fought to control herself and turned to walk away.Spencer grabbed her wrist.She snapped. "What are you trying to do?"Spencer himself wasn't sure what he was trying to do. He had initially intended to visit Joanne
Ariana replied, "I'm doing good.""Glad to hear that. By the way, I didn't get a chance to wish you a Happy New Year yesterday.""Thanks, and Happy New Year to you, too." Noticing he was alone, Ariana softened her tone. "Are you still in Mauris?""Yes. I didn't want to bother you on the holiday. I was wondering if I could have the honor of taking you out for a meal today?""Sorry, but I'm quite busy lately," Ariana explained. "There's an event at the hospital, and I have to go on a work trip. Let's catch up when I get back."Gerald was curious. "Doctors go on work trips, too? Where are you headed?"Although phones were confiscated and no photos or base information were allowed once Ariana entered the base, the collaboration between Feynman Hospital and the military was covered by local media every year. It wasn't a secret.Ariana hesitated but decided it wasn't necessary to hide it. "Our hospital has a partnership with the military, and I'll be working at the base for 20 days."
Jacob checked his watch and said, "This isn't the best place to talk. Get settled in first, and I'll find you later."After handling things at the base, Jacob returned to his office and called Spencer.After watching the bus drive away from the hospital, Spencer stood in the cold wind for who knew how long. His anger was still boiling, and it only seemed to intensify.His phone rang. It was Joanne.He had completely forgotten that he was supposed to pick her up.When he reached her building, Joanne greeted him with a sweet smile. "Were you too busy? If you're tied up, I can manage on my own."Seeing her, Spencer cooled down a bit.As he was driving, he answered Jacob's call. They hadn't reached the office yet."What's going on with you and Ariana? Why is she talking about a divorce?" Jacob went straight to the point.Spencer's frustration flared up again. "She told you about wanting a divorce?""Yes. She's here for training with our team. I just saw her." Jacob continued, "So
Spencer said, "You don't understand."He said Jacob didn't understand. But honestly, he himself didn't quite get it either. He didn't understand why he was so angry and why Ariana had changed so much.Jacob sighed. "So, what's your plan? Are you going to continue with the marriage?"Spencer said, "We will get a divorce, but not now.""Why? Isn't it better to get it over with sooner?""I have the say in this," Spencer said. "She wants a divorce? I won't make it easy for her."Jacob fell silent for a few seconds before saying, "Spencer, I never knew you could be this petty, especially toward a woman."Spencer snapped, "Are you still my friend?"Jacob said, "Forget it. I think you're too emotional to discuss this right now. But I still advise you to think twice about the divorce."Spencer was so angry that he almost threw his phone.Within minutes, Connor called and said, "Spencer, I've come up with a way to get you two divorced."Before Connor could finish, Spencer roared, "Ge
Gerald was here.Even though he was dressed differently, his face was so distinctive. He looked handsome and memorable. Ariana recognized him immediately.She had been wondering if it was someone who looked similar. But when Gerald glanced her way and flashed her a slight smile, she knew it was really him.In the morning, the soldiers had to do a three-mile weighted run.Given that the medical staff had just arrived, they only had to run one mile and didn't need to carry any weight.Being the tallest among the women, Ariana was running at the back. Soon, someone joined her."Ari," Gerald called out to her.Although Ariana was generally fit, running early in the freezing cold was a real challenge. She adjusted her breathing and asked, "What are you doing here?"Gerald replied, "Keep running. I'll catch up with you later."Ariana nodded.The three-mile run with weights was a breeze for the soldiers but grueling for the medical team.After finishing, they were all out of brea
Jacob immediately caught on. "You want me to keep an eye on Ariana, right? Don't worry…""No way!" Spencer snapped back. "I just want to ask if she's been behaving appropriately at the base. After all, she's representing the Ulriches while she's outside."Jacob frowned. "First of all, she's an outstanding person. Your concerns are unfounded. Secondly, it's the modern era, and women have freedom. When she's outside, she represents herself, not the Ulriches. No one even knows she's part of the Ulriches."Spencer simply made up an excuse to call Jacob to find out how Ariana was doing at the base. Of course he would never admit his intentions."What do they usually do? They're not really training alongside the soldiers, are they?"He was still worried about Ariana's period. Although she seemed tough, he knew she was quite delicate.He remembered once seeing her in pain, clutching her stomach and crying, only to find out that it was due to severe menstrual cramps.Now she wasn't only
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