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 was anxious. She was just about to coax him and persuade him to let her get up. But she suddenly felt a part of her body heating up. The next second, she was then shocked to find that her limbs had become weak. She had no power to fight back anymore.How could this be happening? She did not… Wait! It was that bottle of water! But it was sealed. Could it be Connor's doing? Thinking about how Connor was staring at her earlier, Ariana felt her heart sink. She wouldn't overthink it if Spencer was the only one in such a state now. But she herself had fallen into the trap, too. This was clearly planned out by someone. She had once loved the scent on Spencer's body. It was cool and aloof, just like himself. It felt like the snow on high mountains, with the aroma of pines standing tall at the peak. It smelled nice. But Ariana merely felt disgusted by it now. How could Spencer do such a thing? She had never questioned his character before. But did he think this would force
"Ariana!" Connor's voice trembled with disbelief. He pressed hard on his wrist, but the blood kept gushing out. "That's an artery," Ariana said, trying to stay calm. "Without medical treatment, you'll die from loss of blood very quickly." "How did you..." Connor trailed off when he noticed her blood-covered palm. Indeed, he had drugged the water he gave Ariana. All of Ariana's caution had been for nothing. His plan was to force himself on Ariana when both of them became unconscious. Even if Spencer woke up later and confronted him, he had prepared plenty of excuses. But he never expected that just as he was about to make his move, the unconscious Ariana would suddenly slash him! She had cut right into the artery on his wrist. Connor had wanted Ariana for years. But now, with his life in danger… He gritted his teeth as his eyes bulged with rage. All his years of planning were for nothing. And after this, getting close to Ariana again would be nearly impossible! "Dr. Lubo
"I won't." Ariana had not expected him to still be hung up on this issue. "I'm glad you're okay. I'm hanging up." "Someone's trying to kill me." Ariana's chest tightened. "What did you say?" When Spencer woke up last night, he knew something was off. His physical condition had always been good. Besides, Connor would not dare to really harm him, so the drug wore off quickly. Spencer's first thought upon waking was to find Ariana. But he found himself in a strange room with no one else around. Worried about Ariana's safety, he went out to look for her. He then realized that he was being watched. He did not dare go to Ariana's room, as he was afraid that those people might do something to her. He had no choice but to lead them away. He met up with his bodyguards later. Without time to ask questions, the three of them spent an extremely dangerous night on the run. They could not act rashly because those people had weapons. But in the end, they made it through safely. After
Ariana became worried. Seeing that Enrique was swaying slightly, she quickly reached out to steady him. "Grandpa!" Enrique threw his phone away. "What a terrible son!" His eyes were red with anger as his chest heaved up and down. Ariana helped him sit down and gave him some water to drink. Closing his eyes, he took a moment to calm down. Ariana then asked, "Grandpa, is it about Spencer..." Enrique shook his head, making Ariana sigh in relief. He then said, "Ari, this matter... I'll tell you about it later. For now, I need to go abroad." Ariana was surprised. "You're going abroad? But your health..." Enrique was quite healthy. But a long flight might be too much for him. He said, "There's something I need to handle." "I'll go with you," Ariana said. "I'd be worried if someone else goes with you instead." She was a doctor, so she could at least handle any health issues Enrique might have. Enrique sighed. "I didn't want you to know, but I can't hide it from you anyway. A
Ariana frowned. "What's going on? What does this have to do with Gerald?" "Gerald... is my half brother." "What?" Ariana was awestruck. Spencer said, "You know my parents' relationship isn't good right now." Ariana did know about this. Spencer's parents were both researchers, who spent a long period of time at research bases. They could even be called research fanatics. They had a good relationship at the start, and they shared common interests. It was until Spencer's father, Bernard, had an affair with his assistant. They lived separately after that. She heard that they hardly contacted each other all these years. They were both busy with their own affairs and did not bother with their family. So, Spencer was raised by Enrique alone. Gerald was the child of that assistant from back then. When it happened, Enrique was furious and sent her abroad right away. He never let Bernard and her contact each other again after that. Nobody knew she was pregnant at the time. And Gera
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