Ariana had drunk quite a bit of soup during dinner. Enrique insisted she drank them. So, she couldn't refuse. In the middle of the night, she woke up needing to use the bathroom.As soon as she moved, she realized something was off.She couldn't believe what was happening. She didn't understand why Spencer was so full of lust. Even while they were asleep, he didn't let her go.Spencer woke up as she stirred.His voice was deep as he asked, "What's wrong?"Then, seemingly instinctively, he reached out to pat her, as if trying to comfort her. Ariana lay still for a few seconds before trying to move away from him.However, Spencer immediately pulled her back into his arms and held her close. Ariana tried to push his arm away. "I need to go to the bathroom."After using the bathroom, she slept through until morning. When she woke up, Spencer had already left.Ariana had missed the chance to discuss the divorce with him. She thought it was a pity. She didn't want to delay
Spencer didn't have much time, so they went to a nearby restaurant. After they were seated in the private dining room, Ariana got straight to the point. "What are your thoughts on the divorce?"Spencer's movements paused as he was pouring water. He then replied expressionlessly, "Let's eat first."Ariana reminded him, "The food isn't here yet. There's time. We've already signed a prenuptial agreement, so there's no need to get tangled up in asset disputes.""No need?" Spencer sneered. "What about the gifts I gave you? You want to take those with you?"Ariana was stunned. Over the three years of marriage, he had only given her one gift, which was the recent one he also gave to Joanne. Previously, he would only send her gifts when Enrique reminded him. Then, he would get someone to buy the gifts.How dare he even mention those gifts?Ariana hadn't expected Spencer to be so concerned about those. She smiled faintly. "I won't take those things from you."Before she could continu
"After all, we were once married.""Ariana," Spencer interrupted coldly, "we were only together because of mutual interests. Are you talking about feelings now? "If you're bringing up divorce, you should consider the consequences and aftermath. If you can't handle it, I suggest you give up on the idea.""But…""Before you discuss divorce, shouldn't you call home and ask your father how long your family's company can sustain itself without the investments and support from the Ulrichs?"Ariana was stunned by how ruthless and resolute Spencer was. She had assumed that even if they divorced, some of the ongoing collaborations wouldn't be canceled. But from Spencer's tone, it seemed he would withdraw any financial support he had given to the Luboves once their marriage was over.Spencer stood up, his gaze cold. "You just said you have someone special in your heart."Ariana snapped back to reality and absentmindedly nodded.She had heard from her colleagues that men couldn't toler
It was Connor.Ariana didn't want to deal with him, so she kept walking. Giving him a slight nod, she tried to walk past him."Wait a minute." Connor stopped her. "I need to ask you something."Ariana remained expressionless. "What is it?"Noticing she was alone, Connor asked curiously, "Where's Spencer? Isn't he with you?"Just as he finished speaking, Spencer emerged from the restaurant.Spencer's expression soured further when he saw Connor. "What are you doing here?"Connor replied, "I came for a meal, too. I didn't expect to run into you both here. What's going on? Did you have another argument? People with differing views just can't find happiness together.""Shut up," Spencer cut him off coldly. "If you're so free, why don't you sweep the streets?"Ariana glanced at the two men and turned to leave.Connor sighed.Spencer glared at him. "Why did you stop her?"Although Ariana didn't turn back, she could hear their conversation.Connor said, "Ariana is still as rude a
Spencer jolted awake. Snapping open his eyes, he saw Joanne sneaking around with something in her arms."What are you doing here?" Spencer asked sharply.Joanne let out a small yelp, dropping whatever she was carrying all over the floor.She widened her eyes in surprise and confusion. "Why… Why are you here?""I should be asking you that question." Spencer's eyes were devoid of the usual warmth. "What are you doing here at this time?"This was his private room at the club. With his status, the only people allowed in were those scheduled for cleaning.Joanne had been there a few times. But with her position, she didn't have the right to enter this room alone.Even Connor needed Spencer's permission to enter.Panicked, Joanne scrambled to pick up the fallen items. Spencer frowned and noticed that the scattered items were mostly decorations like ribbons and balloons.Spencer pressed on, "Answer me. What are you doing here?"Joanne thought he sounded especially indifferent toda
Joanne got a black card in return from Spencer for the handmade scarf.According to Spencer, she could buy whatever she wanted without worrying about the cost.…Sienna called Ariana. "Joanne is really flaunting her wealth. She came to my store and bought dozens of outfits. It was all charged to Spencer's card!"Ariana replied calmly, "Oh, really?""Why aren't you worried at all?" Sienna was exasperated. "It won't be long before she takes over your position!"Ariana responded, "She can take it if she wants. Are you free tonight?"Sienna asked, "Why?""I told you before that I feel responsible for Gerald's injury. He wants to have dinner with me, but I'd prefer not to be alone with him.""Got it!" Sienna laughed. "Where are you going? I'll show up for a chance encounter!"Ariana smiled. "Great."Ariana and Gerald had arranged to meet up for dinner together that night.Jensen was aware of this. He said, "Spencer might be impulsive and reckless. But if he's got a problem with
Ariana knew well that Spencer wasn't likely to do anything like that.She simply smiled at Enrique and said, "It's very sweet."The couple then went upstairs and returned to their bedroom. They both maintained a cold expression. Like strangers, they completely ignored each other.Ariana put her things down and went straight to the bathroom. She then emerged in a snug home outfit before collapsing onto the couch.Since Spencer hadn't come home the previous night, she had slept alone in the big bed. Tonight, she planned to sleep on the couch. She didn't want to share a bed with him.Spencer also kept silent. He went to the bathroom for a shower and came out wrapped only in a towel.Half-naked, he showcased his well-defined chest and abs.Ariana quickly looked away and turned her back to him.Spencer was confident about his physique. After all, many admired him for more than just his face. If he were out of shape, he wouldn't attract so much attention.He thought Ariana was confi
The next morning, Ariana had a fever.When Enrique asked the maids to get medicine, he learned that Spencer had left in the middle of the night. Furious, he called Spencer, demanding he return immediately.Last night, Spencer had lost control. In a struggle with Ariana, they had fallen off the couch. When he looked up, he saw the cold and hateful look in Ariana's eyes. At that moment, he felt an inexplicable sense of panic.Seizing the opportunity while he was dazed, Ariana pushed him away and ran out. She went to the study, where the heating had been turned off. Since she was only in her loungewear, she ended up catching a cold.Not wanting to worry Enrique, she stayed in the study until around 5:00 am before stumbling back to her room. She got into bed, feeling strangely alone. She then slept deeply until after 7:00 am, when a maid knocked on her door to wake her up.Enrique was waiting for them to come down for breakfast. When they didn't show up, he had the maids call them. Th
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