Ariana applied some moisturizer and dragged her weak legs back to the bed. She didn't want to move at all.However, Spencer was still clinging to her. Like a koala bear, he never left her side.Ariana couldn't take it anymore and asked him, "Aren't you going to the office?"Spencer replied, "No.""You've been away for several days. Aren't you afraid something might happen if you neglect your company like that?""Neglect?" Spencer turned her face toward him. "Why would you say that?""Didn't you go abroad?" Ariana turned her face away again, not wanting to look at him. "You had a great holiday. You wouldn't have time to deal with company matters.""Stop spreading rumors." Spencer pinched her chin, forcing her to look at him. "I've been working day and night abroad while also handling the company's affairs back home. How could you say I was on holiday?"Spencer naturally wouldn't admit the real reason for his trip abroad, and Ariana didn't intend to confront him about it. They ha
Spencer raised an eyebrow. "Then, you lie down."Ariana was so angry that she pulled the blanket over herself and wrapped herself tightly. She could hear Spencer laughing and feel his chest vibrating.Ariana knew she could feel it because he was holding her. If she listened closely, she could even hear his heartbeat. He was laughing, but for some reason, Ariana's tears started to fall.Spencer was only fond of their physical intimacy. But she wasn't. She wanted more than that. She wanted his heart but knew that was a vain wish."Are you angry?" Spencer's voice came from outside the blanket.Putting everything aside, they seemed like an ordinary couple at that moment. They had just had an intimate moment, laughing and teasing each other. But reality was always so cruel.Spencer had never intended to give her what she wanted.Ariana shook her head, her voice muffled by the blanket. "No. I just want to sleep.""Go ahead and sleep." Spencer looked satisfied and content. "When you
Spencer was about to embrace Ariana when he heard her words. He paused in his movement. "Can't you stop being so sarcastic?"Ariana turned her back to him. "You should go quickly, or your mistress will be upset.""Ariana!" Spencer flipped her over. "It seems like you're not tired enough. Otherwise, you wouldn't have the energy to talk so much."Ariana glared at him angrily. "Are you saying I can't criticize you after what you've done? What? Do you feel embarrassed now?"A sudden thought struck Spencer, and he looked at her in disbelief. "Are you perhaps jealous?"Ariana was more than just jealous. She wished she could confine Spencer, keep him as a captive, and make him dependent on her.Who said only men could dominate women? Women with power could also take what they want.But Ariana knew she didn't have that power. Besides, admitting jealousy would only lead Spencer to humiliate her further. She didn't want to embarrass herself."No way," she immediately replied. "I don't ev
"What's wrong with me having dinner with my friends?" Ariana said. "Even if there's something going on between us, it's none of our business! I don't meddle in your affairs, anyway.""You're still a member of the Ulriches. If I don't keep an eye on you, are you going to go out and embarrass the family?""You're not afraid of embarrassing yourself. So, why should I be?""Ariana, you're simply…" Spencer wished he could strangle her. "You seemed quite fiery, huh?"Before Ariana could react, Spencer pressed her down, ripped her clothes, and kissed her forcefully.Ariana struggled with all her might but couldn't escape his grip.This time, Spencer showed no mercy.Already exhausted, Ariana had her wrists bruised while struggling, and hickeys filled her body.Spencer's body was hot, but his voice was icy.He whispered in her ear, "Only I can satisfy you. So, stay away from other men. If I find out you've been with them, Ariana, don't blame me for being ruthless!"Ariana gritted her
After returning to Ulrich Estate, Ariana greeted Enrique and mentioned that she wasn't feeling well before heading upstairs.She lay down on the couch.It was New Year's Eve—a time for family reunions.Ariana unlocked her phone and saw people sharing photos of them and their families on social media.The feast at Ulrich Estate was lavish, but Ariana had no appetite at all.Sienna had gone back home to spend the holiday with her parents, and Jensen was still on duty at the hospital. Boa was the only one talking in their group chat.After scrolling her phone for a bit, Ariana replied, "I'm on duty tomorrow, but I'm free on the second day of the new year."Boa immediately texted back. "Let's meet up, then."In fact, Ariana wasn't really in the mood.Outside the window, the streets were filled with dazzling lights and bursting with festive mood.Ariana suddenly thought of the saying, "Every family had their dirty laundry".Perhaps she had been too greedy. After all, love was a l
Spencer answered impatiently, "Why would I lie to you?"Connor asked, "Why didn't you go see her? Aren't you worried about her?"Spencer said, "She didn't want to see me."Connor was utterly speechless.That was impossible. If she really didn't want to see Spencer, she wouldn't have let Connor know she was sick. It was clear she wanted him to pass the message along.Connor said, "Girls are at their most vulnerable when they're sick. How could you…""She said she didn't want to see me." Spencer's voice was low. "Why would I visit her, then?"Connor wasn't sure if Spencer was really this dense or purposely being sarcastic. However, considering Spencer's personality, he felt that was just how Spencer was.Connor felt a mix of frustration and amusement. "So, you won't visit her unless she says she wants to see you?""Yes.""Even if something happened to her, you still wouldn't see her?"Spencer answered firmly, "No."Connor couldn't help but ask, "Do you really like her? It's b
Confused, Connor asked, "What do you mean by 'in the future'? Will you still look out for her even after the divorce?"Spencer replied, "No."Connor heaved a sigh of relief. "That's great.""But you and the others had better not think about giving her a hard time," Spencer said. "Don't embarrass me!"Connor was puzzled. "What do you…"Before he could finish, Spencer cut him off, "That's it."After ending the call, Spencer headed downstairs and found Ariana and Enrique chatting and laughing in the living room.As he joined them, Ariana immediately said, "Grandpa, I'm going to check on things in the kitchen."Enrique smiled. "Go ahead, but don't touch anything. There are enough people working in there. I don't want you hurting your hands."Ariana nodded and made her way to the kitchen.Spencer spoke up, "Grandpa, there's something I wanted to discuss with you."Enrique looked at him. "What is it?""Well…" Spencer glanced at the kitchen. "You mentioned wanting us to have a chi
"Did you complain to Grandpa that I didn't get you a gift when I went abroad?" Spencer said coldly, "Just tell me if you want something. I'll have someone get it for you.""Thanks, but no thanks." Ariana scoffed. "I don't need anything from you! And for the record, I wouldn't bother Grandpa with such a trivial matter.""Ariana, can you stop pretending?" Spencer added, "You're even worse than Joanne!"At least Joanne knew how to get what she wanted.Ariana glanced at him but remained silent.Spencer continued furiously, "Are you feeling guilty now?"Ariana finally snapped, "Spencer, you should see a doctor and get your head checked. Who cares about your gifts? I might not be like her, but at least I don't interfere in other people's marriages!"Frustrated, Spencer felt the urge to smoke but remembered they were at Ulrich Estate. He forced himself to suppress his desires."Do you have anything else to say?" Ariana's tone was indifferent. "If not, I'm going downstairs."Spencer s
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