Spencer had repeatedly set aside his ego by apologizing, yet Ariana wouldn't give him a chance to make amends. It seemed rather ungrateful of her. He never thought love would occupy such a large part of his life. A man should be ambitious by working hard to conquer the business world. Those caught up in romance and sentimentality were people Spencer typically looked down upon. He had been quite disagreeable when Ariana started working at the hospital. With his ability to earn money, could Ariana not just be a full-time housewife and enjoy life? It would be normal if she had lived like Joanne, who spent her time shopping, strolling, caring for him, and being clingy. But what? Ariana was nothing but a thorn in his side! He didn't ask for much anymore. He had apologized, but Ariana still put on airs. Fine! Didn't she think she was capable? Wasn't she so sure he would beg her? This time, he would show Ariana that her little tricks wouldn't work on him anymore! And then… The
Spencer was lost in thought for a moment. If only… If Ariana had been this gentle, caring, and considerate toward him, how wonderful that would have been. "Spencer?"Spencer snapped back to reality and asked, "Has Connor contacted you?" "He's busy." Shanice poured out the chicken soup and handed it to him. "Says he has to go to many places." "Expanding his business overseas isn't as simple as it seems." Spencer took a sip. "It's very tasty. Thank you. I still have work to do. So, you can go now." "Alright." Shanice smiled. "I've noticed you don't look well lately. If you want to eat anything, just tell me, and I'll make it for you. You're like a brother to me since Connor is out of the country. Don't be so formal, Spencer.""Okay." After Shanice left, Spencer didn't touch the chicken soup again. He had a business dinner that night and only returned home close to midnight. He still lived in Ulrich Estate with Enrique. As he went upstairs to his bedroom and looked at the
The smile on Gerald's face froze. But he quickly adjusted his expression and handed the phone over. "It was Spencer." Ariana frowned. "No way! I blocked him." "He used another number," Gerald explained. "I was going to bring it to you, but I accidentally hit the answer button. I thought you might not want to talk when I heard it was him." "So, you answered the call for me?" Ariana didn't look too pleased. "Even if it was an accident, you shouldn't have talked to him, right?"Gerald stood up and looked at her. "I'm sorry. I didn't want to talk to him. But after the call was connected, what he said... was very unfriendly. I got worried, and..." Gerald knew the art of mixing one lie with ten truths. The call was indeed from Spencer using an unknown number, and he did accidentally hit the button. Also, Spencer's words were truly unfriendly. Gerald was telling the truth. As for the rest, he wouldn't tell Ariana. He was sure Ariana wouldn't check it with Spencer, either. Sure
Connor told Spencer the name of a country and city. He then asked, "Why are you calling so late?" Spencer said, "I have a few projects I'm planning to launch overseas. The city you're in now... Is it close to where Ariana is?" Connor replied, "Let me see... It actually is. And I have a project there in a few days, so I'll be heading over. I could meet her if you need to contact her about something." "No need," Spencer quickly said. "Why would you meet her?" Connor said, "I don't really want to see her. It's just... I thought you might still have some feelings for her. After all, Ariana is pretty cunning. I don't think many men can see through her intentions." Spencer frowned. "What feelings could I have? Who likes cunning women? If that's all. I'm hanging up!" Connor put down his phone and smiled to himself. He had been preparing for months. And now, he could finally seek out Ariana without raising Spencer's suspicions. Spencer would certainly have been suspicious if Conn
Jensen's relationship with Spencer was terrible, and his relationship with Connor was equally bad. When Jensen saw Connor's annoying smile, his face grew colder. "What are you doing here?" "Waiting for someone." Connor glanced at his watch. "But what about you? What brings you to this middle of nowhere?" "You're not waiting for Ari, are you?" Jensen scoffed. "Still looking to get scolded, just like old times?" In elementary school, their relationship wasn't as hostile. Back then, Connor would wait at Ariana's door to walk to school together. But he had always been a jerk. He would say things that provoked Ariana to scold him before slinking away. Ariana lived with her grandparents at that time, who were quite nice to Connor. Because of them, Ariana and Connor had occasional ceasefires. That was until Connor announced he liked one of her friends. It was followed by the love letter incident, which led to their final falling out. But before that, Connor often used visiting A
"Just do your work," Jensen said. "I'm not interfering anyway. Whenever you're done, we can just grab a meal together." "You should go to the capital for ten days and have fun," Ariana said. "There's not much scenery at this place. What's the point of you staying here? Don't worry about me. I'll eat properly." "I know." Jensen smiled. "It's not that I'm worried. This place might not be famous, but it's less hectic. I just want to relax during my vacation." Ariana frowned. "Why won't you listen?" "It's fine." Jensen poured her a glass of water. "You focus on your work. Don't mind me." After some thinking, Ariana told him the truth, "I might... have to go on a business trip." Jensen was taken aback. "Where to?" Although this research center was said to be a collaboration project between the hospitals and other units, it was actually wholly funded by Jensen. He was one of the investors. While not involved in research matters, he would get a direct share of any future profi
Jensen took a bite of dessert. "Don't try to stop me, either." "You!" Ariana was furious as she sat there, breathing heavily. After a few minutes of silence, she said, "Fine! You won't go back? I'm calling your parents right now." "Go ahead." Jensen remained unmoved. "While you're at it, tell them how dangerous the place is. Let them get ready to bury their son..." "Shut up!" Ariana was livid. "How can you say such things?" Jensen said, "What you're feeling right now is exactly how I felt earlier." Ariana couldn't argue with him and just sat there, fuming. She was usually cool and composed around others. But she would always show her true emotions to her close friends. Seeing her puffed up with anger, Jensen couldn't help but smile. "Come on. If you can go there, why can't I? Am I inferior to you in medical skills or physical ability?" "That's not what I'm upset about," Ariana said. "This isn't in your plan. You only want to go because of me. Besides, in a place like th
Ariana was among them. Connor flew into a rage. Summoning his mole, he wished he could give him a good beating. "Why didn't you tell me Ariana was going to the border?" The man replied, "You didn't ask." "Do I need to ask? Didn't I say to tell me everything about her?" "Oh.""What do you mean, 'oh'?" "That means I understand, and I'll tell you next time." "What's the use of telling me this now? She's already gone!" After his outburst, Connor knew being angry was useless and a waste of time. The urgent matter was what to do next. The chances of getting Ariana to return were slim. He had managed to come this far. But if he went to the border, his intentions would be too obvious. After all, he hadn't expanded his business there yet. It wouldn't be good if Spencer grew suspicious. While Connor was worrying, Ariana and Jensen had already arrived. With ongoing conflicts between the two countries, the border had seen years of warfare. The locals there were suffering great
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