Ariana smiled and said, "If that's all, then I'll be going. After all, we're not on the same path. Different paths don't cross. So, enjoy yourselves.""Stop right there!" Spencer's face was ashen. "Who said you could leave?"Ariana raised an eyebrow. "What? Haven't you heard enough from me?"Joanne spoke up, "Ari, it's Spence's birthday. Don't make him upset. He already has a tough time at work.""You're absolutely right," Ariana said. "He has to deal with his wife at home and his flings outside. With such a busy schedule, it must be tough for him. Ms. Yates, you don't need to prepare coffee for him like usual. Maybe some supplements would do."Spencer grabbed her wrist. "Come with me!"Ignoring the reactions of those behind him, Spencer dragged Ariana out.Joanne also had a stern look. She remained silent.Connor glanced at her and said, "I'll check on them."Outside the door, Ariana shook off Spencer's grip.Spencer roared, "What are you trying to do? They're my friends. Yo
Spencer and Ariana left together, but Ariana was the only one who returned.She didn't go back to Ulrich Estate but went to Sienna's place instead.Seeing Ariana looking dejected, Sienna handed her a bottle of fruit wine. "Have some. It'll warm you up.""I have a surgery scheduled for tomorrow," Ariana said. "I can't drink."Sienna, who didn't drink herself, put the bottle away. "What exactly is Spencer thinking? Perhaps he doesn't want a divorce.""That's not likely," Ariana replied with a bitter smile. "A divorce might cause stock market fluctuations and discontent among shareholders.""So that's it?" Sienna asked. "So, you're not getting a divorce?""I will," Ariana said. "I'm guessing we have to wait until she comes back."Sienna knew who Ariana was referring to. She asked, "When she returns, won't Spencer be worried about stock market fluctuations and shareholder discontent?"Ariana replied, "Compared to her, those are nothing. Even if it means going against the whole wor
Even Connor was staring at Ariana.It was the first time Spencer had paid attention to Connor's gaze toward Ariana. He seemed to look at her with a mix of disdain and something else, but Spencer couldn't quite get it.Spencer didn't dwell on it. However, he clearly noticed the admiration in the other men's eyes.This was the most frustrating birthday he had ever experienced. Previously, his friends would have already started celebrating with him after midnight. Tonight, though, he was alone.The fact that Ariana had completely forgotten his birthday and hadn't prepared a gift for him only added to his frustration.Not knowing how much time had passed, Spencer called Ronan, "Where did Mrs. Ulrich go?"Ronan replied honestly, "She went to Ms. Jones' place."Spencer hung up the phone, and his expression turned a shade darker.Thinking of Sienna reminded him of Jensen. Ariana's relationship with them was enviably close.…Spencer spent the whole night awake, deep in thoughts.Th
Spencer said, "Then, they can leave. The Ulriches don't welcome guests like them."Boa glanced at Ariana and said, "Ari, you've been married to a man like this for three years? How did you put up with it? I warned you to think carefully before getting married. Forget it. Just get a divorce!"Boa was known for her straightforwardness and fearless nature. Spencer didn't dislike Sienna, but he had a strong aversion to Boa because she often schemed alongside Ariana. Seeing her easily mention divorce like that only fueled Spencer's displeasure.Ariana said helplessly, "Boa, Jen, you both can go home first. We'll talk tomorrow."Jensen added, "Let's go."Boa shot Spencer a provocative look before getting into the car. After they left, Spencer coldly said, "Why do you even have friends like them?"Ariana replied, "You should take a look at your friends first.""Nobody would encourage their friends to divorce. Asking someone to divorce warrants retribution!"Ariana looked at him with
"I'm just afraid Grandpa will hear us talking about divorce." Spencer sounded somewhat awkward. "It's not that I want to hug you."Ariana frowned. "Then, let go. I'm not cold.""Grandpa will scold me if you catch a cold." Spencer refused to let go. "Don't move."After a few moments of silence, Spencer asked, "Why aren't you talking?"Ariana didn't know what to say. After all, who would argue while being embraced?She said, "Let's go back. I want to sleep.""Speaking of sleeping," Spencer asked, "what did you mean by telling me to take supplements today?"Ariana replied, "I meant for you to rejuvenate and not to be so weak at such a young age.""Others might not know, but I'm sure you know how strong I am."Before Ariana could reply, he suddenly picked her up in a bridal carry.Ariana gasped and clung to his neck. "What are you doing?"Spencer looked down at her. "What do you think I'm doing? Since you're worried about my health, I have to show you how strong I really am."A
When Ariana woke up, it was already the next morning.Spencer was away on a business trip again. He went abroad this time and left in such a hurry that even Joanne didn't know.The New Year was just a few days away, and Enrique was very unhappy with Spencer's absence.Meanwhile, Ariana felt much more at ease as she could spend time with her friends.Boa had just returned from abroad and had no particular plans. So, she spent her days with Ariana.Ariana had some time off before the New Year's Eve shift, so she did some shopping with Boa.Boa had always been against Ariana marrying Spencer, even though she knew Ariana liked him. Ariana had hoped that after getting married, her relationship with Spencer would improve. She wanted to show him her genuine feelings, hoping it would eventually move him and lead to a happy ending.Three years later, not only was there no happy ending, but Spencer didn't even seem to notice Ariana's feelings."Women always have high expectations for m
Ariana lowered her gaze and said, "You know, he's my first love and the only person I've ever truly liked. Over the years, my feelings for him have become like a part of me. Extracting those lingering feelings from my heart is incredibly painful."Boa hugged her and said, "You have to go through the pain to be reborn, but that new beginning is worth it. Ari, I believe in you. Hang in there."Boa also heard from Sienna that Ariana had made some new friends and was eager to meet them.Ariana wasn't keen on getting too close to Gerald. But to her surprise, Sienna had already brought Boa to meet Gerald. By the time Ariana found out, Boa and Gerald were already close friends.According to Boa, Gerald might not be perfect, but he was still much better than Spencer. She urged Ariana to divorce Spencer as soon as possible. As for whether Spencer would end up with Joanne or someone else after the divorce, that didn't matter. There were plenty of good men in the world. She advised her not
With that, Connor hung up the phone, leaving Joanne stunned and in disbelief. She wondered if Connor was out of his mind. She didn't understand why he would say something like that.He had always been on her side. Why the sudden change?Joanne was far from naive. In fact, she was quite cunning. Getting a position as a secretary at Spencer's company was a significant achievement. Just being a small employee at Ulrich Group was enviable. The benefits and bonuses were substantial, and the cafeteria was excellent. Her educational background and experience weren't enough for her to get into the company. Hence, she manipulated another competitor to secure the position.Even her first meeting with Spencer had been carefully orchestrated.She had heard that the CEO was tall and handsome, so she had fantasized about meeting him. However, she had never dared to dream too big. Despite that, she had tried to get close to Spencer.To her surprise, Spencer had taken an immediate interest in
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