Connor didn't expect Spencer to follow Ariana here again. From the sound of it, he wouldn't be returning to Harvoria anytime soon. If this went on too long, Connor naturally wouldn't have a reason to stay there, either. Spencer wasn't a fool. This project wasn't that profitable to begin with. Connor might fool the other shareholders with his grand tale, but not Spencer. Why would Connor come to this small, troubled country, risking project failure and financial loss? The answer would be obvious.So, Connor didn't have much time left. And with Spencer staying here, would Connor still have a chance?…Meanwhile, Gerald also received the news. After he heard about everything that happened at the border, his eyes glinted sharply. Why did Spencer not die in that collapsed building? If he had died, all problems would have been solved. Besides, the Ulrich family wouldn't be able to do anything if he passed away in that turbulent country. Gerald suddenly had an idea. Spencer didn'
Ariana thanked him. Spencer then pulled out a chair for her. As Ariana glanced at him, Spencer raised an eyebrow. "Didn't you say to respect you? I'm being respectful enough, aren't I?" Ariana shook her head with a smile and sat down. Both of them were hungry, and she didn't want to talk to him, so it was quite a peaceful meal. After eating their fill, they went to the living room. "Let's talk," Ariana said. "When are you going back to Harvoria?" "I said I'm not going back for now." Ariana asked, "Then, what are you doing here?" "I thought you already knew." Ariana didn't say a word. Spencer moved closer to her. "Ari, I know you're still angry with me. I did many wrong things. I'm sorry, and I hope you can forgive me." "I don't want to bring up the past anymore," Ariana said. "You've apologized, and I've accepted it. We're even now.""So, can I pursue you again?" Ariana thought she misheard him. "What?" "I said, I want to pursue you." Spencer smiled as he loo
"Of course I know that!" Spencer got a bit flustered. "But how can you reject me before I've even started?" Ariana said, "Then, go ahead and start." Spencer was taken aback. Ariana's unexpected response left him unsure of how to proceed. He could only say, "Well, tomorrow, let's..." "I don't want to." Ariana smiled at him. "Mr. Ulrich, may I leave now?" "Ariana!" He now realized Ariana was toying with him. Spencer was quite angry. "You're going too far!" Ariana looked at him. "You need to have the right attitude when pursuing someone. Is this little setback enough to make you lose your temper? Is this what you call liking someone? That's not very impressive." He had always known Ariana was quick-witted. But today, he truly experienced how good she was. Watching her lips move, Spencer just wanted to cover them with his own. He wished to stop her from speaking, where she would only be able to make embarrassing sounds. But clearly, the great Spencer knew he couldn't afford
Ariana didn't look back. Spencer walked alongside her. "I'll walk you there. It's not as safe here as back home, so I'd be worried if you walk alone." Ariana barely said a word during the walk. Spencer was used to being the center of attention. Having been in a high position for so long, he had no experience in pleasing others. With Ariana remaining quiet, he tried a few conversation topics, but she didn't engage. He tried his best to suppress his anger. Finally, Ariana reached the research center and was about to go in. He held her back. "At least give me some kind of response." Ariana looked at him. "I said, I don't want to be with you. Mr. Ulrich, just go back to Harvoria. Don't waste your time on me." Spencer frowned. From the look on his face, he seemed to be saying, "Why are you being unreasonable again?"But he held back and said, "If you want to enjoy being pursued, I'll satisfy you. I understand that some people like attention and gifts." Ariana smiled. Giving
Ariana hung up right after speaking. Stunned for a few seconds, Spencer thought his hearing had to be off. He couldn't have heard wrong, could he? What did Ariana just say? To stay far away from her? How dare she! He had apologized so sincerely and even said he wanted to pursue her, yet she still didn't trust him. How dare she even joke with him like this? He immediately called back. Ariana answered. She asked, "Anything else? Or did you not hear what I just said?" "Ariana, I'm not joking with you," Spencer began. "I genuinely want to pursue you and hope you'll give me a chance. But don't go too far. Even if I was wrong before, I won't tolerate such insults." "You feel that I insulted you?" Ariana said. "I can't help it if that's how you want to see it. If you can't accept this, then just don't pursue me." "You!" Faced with Ariana's nonchalant attitude, Spencer didn't know what to say. What did she mean by, "If that's how you want to see it, I can't help it"? She
With how cold and noble Spencer was, Ariana thought he would surely not tolerate her blunt words. He might even return to Harvoria out of anger. So when Spencer called her again, she was genuinely surprised. Answering the call, she asked, "Is there anything you still don't understand?" Spencer said directly, "I'm going back to Harvoria tomorrow." Ariana immediately smiled. "Then, I wish you a safe journey." "Seeing me off before I leave isn't too much to ask, is it?" Ariana didn't want to go. Spencer added, "Even if we can't be spouses or friends, Ariana, don't forget. You'll have to return to Nordenton sooner or later." That was true. Nordenton wasn't too big or small. If Spencer decided to make things difficult for her, it would indeed be hard to deal with. So, it was important to pretend to be friendly on the surface. "Alright." Spencer ended the call as he smirked. He called Connor and asked about a few things. Connor said, "You want to win her back. Although I
Ariana said, "I've heard about that place, too. It's quite lively and famous with hookups and one-night stands. But, Mr. Ulrich, why do you want to take me there?" "Am I that kind of person?" Spencer angrily retorted. "I just..." He turned his face away, his earlobes slightly red. "I just want to spend more time with you before I leave."Ariana was unperturbed. "Sorry. I have to wake up early tomorrow. I won't be able to accompany you." But despite her protests, Spencer pulled her out of the restaurant and into the car. They then headed straight to the bar. As soon as they entered, they saw Connor. Ariana was usually a generous person who would rarely hold grudges. Throughout her life, she had seldom disliked anyone. But Connor truly repulsed her. Not only did he stir up trouble and instigate things around Spencer, but Ariana also really hated the way Connor looked at her. It was hard to describe whether it was disgust or something else, but she definitely didn't like it.
Ariana felt that something was off. She knew how high Spencer's alcohol tolerance was. For the past few years of their marriage, Spencer would often come back home after having dinner with his clients. Although he would be a little tipsy, he was still clear-headed. Even Spencer himself had said that his tolerance was quite good.But now, he was down just after a few drinks. She asked, "How are you feeling? Do you feel ill?" She wasn't just being overly cautious. This country wasn't as safe as Harvoria. There were many kinds of criminal activities happening here. She was careful even when she drank water, and she would rarely leave the research center. Spencer pinched the bridge of his nose. "I feel a little dizzy." "I'll bring you to the hospital." When Ariana heard that, she panicked. "Do you feel ill anywhere else?" Spencer quickly said, "I'm alright. Perhaps the alcohol has a strong aftereffect. I'll be fine after resting for a while."Ariana despised Connor, so she na
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