Ariana shook her head. "I'm not just saying it because I'm angry..." "But you are, though," Spencer said. "I'll talk to Connor. If his attitude toward you doesn't improve, I certainly won't allow it." Ariana found it so ironic that she laughed. Spencer continued, "In any case, no one will disrespect you in the future. Besides, they wouldn't dare to do that, given our current relationship." "Does that mean their previous behavior toward me was actually on your orders?" It was not. However, it was true that Spencer's attitude toward Ariana had encouraged their arrogance. He could only apologize, "I said it wouldn't happen again. If you're not satisfied, I'll have them apologize to you in person when we go back home." "Will you apologize to Jensen, then?" Spencer was taken aback. Ariana continued, "After you married me, did you ever show Jensen a kind face whenever you met him?" Spencer retorted, "Did he ever show me a kind face, then?" "Let's not discuss this anymor
No wonder Ariana did not believe Spencer. He was silent for a few seconds before saying, "I understand." He had even thought about using their physical relationship to tie Ariana to him. Looking back now, it seemed quite ridiculous. Seeing him backing away, Ariana finally relaxed. "I'll continue to stay here, and I hope you won't interfere."It would be best if Spencer could face reality. Spencer said, "Then, what about your safety?" Ariana replied, "You weren't here for over three months, and I didn't encounter any danger." "Alright." "You should go," Ariana said. "You should also figure out how to handle Gerald's situation." "I'll go down and check things out, then." When Spencer went downstairs, Gerald was still arguing with Enrique. However, the root of this issue was Bernard's mistake.When Enrique cursed his wayward son on the phone, he meant Bernard. Bernard's affair and Enrique's arrangement for Gerald's mother to go abroad were the causes of this matter. In
Having experienced life's ups and downs since childhood, Gerald was skilled at reading people and situations. Although Spencer did not die, Gerald would have another chance to attack him again. Even if Spencer survived, he should still suffer. Would he allow Spencer to remarry Ariana? Dream on! As expected, when Ariana heard the words "affair during marriage", she could not help but recall past events. Ariana did not even want to think about those three years of married life with Spencer ever since she was free from it. "Ari!" Spencer saw Ariana and could not help but call out to her. Thinking about what Gerald had just said, he explained, "I never had an affair during our marriage. You have to believe me!"Gerald chimed in from the side, "Who would believe that?" Spencer angrily retorted, "Who are you to talk? You think you can drive a wedge between us?" Gerald looked at Ariana. "Ari, you've already been blind once. Are you going to be blind a second time?" Ariana ignor
Since it was a simple favor, Ariana did not think much of it. But just as she left the research center, a car door suddenly opened by the roadside, and she was pulled inside. Her heart almost stopped for a moment. After the initial panic, Ariana quickly calmed down. "Who are you? Where are you taking me?" The car quickly sped away, but no one spoke. It was dim inside the vehicle. Ariana could only see three men. One was driving, and the other two were flanking her on either side. "Who sent you?" Ariana spoke up. "If someone hired you, I can offer double the price..." "Be quiet," one man said. "Shut up." Another man spoke, "Our families are in their hands. No matter how much money you offer, it's useless. Don't be afraid. Someone doesn't like you and asked us to have some fun." The first man snapped, "Why are you telling her so much?" "Well, she's pretty. We're not losing out here!" He then touched Ariana. "Your face really does make a man's heart race. No wonder other wom
After Ariana saw who it was, she realized she recognized the wrong person. This woman resembled Joanne somewhat. Rather, she looked more like Irene. Ariana asked curiously, "Who are you?" Shanice walked over. Her gaze was filled with undisguised jealousy as she scrutinized Ariana's features, and then, she said, "You're nothing special, after all!" Ariana could see the malice and resentment in her eyes, but she did not even know this woman. "So you're the one who orchestrated all this? What do you want? I've never wronged you. Do you realize what you're doing is illegal?" Shanice smiled. Actually, she seemed pretty harmless. She was even better at playing innocent than Joanne. But as Ariana looked at her now, she felt like Shanice was a man-eating plant. Even though she was smiling, her face was full of ill intent. She might appear friendly on the outside, but she had ill intentions. With two men flanking Ariana, Shanice naturally felt emboldened. She approached Ariana. "N
However, Ariana had heard of most of those girls and knew many of them. But she had never even heard of this woman before her. "Jensen? Who's that? I don't know him!" Hearing her denial, Ariana became even more confused. "Then, why did you kidnap me? Did you grab the wrong person?" "Other than having a pretty face, you're as dumb as a pig!" Shanice said through gritted teeth, "You were married to Spencer for three years. Not only did you fail to make him fall in love with you, but you also caused so much trouble and ended up divorcing in disgrace. With skills like that, how could you be worthy of his love?" Ariana replied, "In disgrace? I'll admit it if you said that I suffered in silence. But I'd say I had handled the divorce quite spectacularly." After all, she had slapped Spencer's face in front of so many shareholders. How was that leaving in disgrace? This woman had to be looking at her through a lens of pure disgust. "Then, couldn't you even notice that there's some
Shanice had just described that man as incredibly handsome, brave, tall, and exceptionally capable. She also said he was attentive and caring and had been looking after Ariana for years. Could that possibly be Connor? Was it the same Connor that Ariana knew? Had the world gone mad? Like Spencer and Jensen, Ariana had known Connor since childhood. Growing up, Connor had used every opportunity to target her, humiliate her, and bully her. He would put her down and embarrass her whenever he had the chance to. Sometimes, Ariana wondered if she had done horrible things to him in a past life for him to target her so relentlessly in this life. But now, someone was saying that Connor had done all of this out of love. Ariana was almost laughing at how absurd it was. "That's right! That's the Connor you've been ignoring! He's always been by your side, but you never gave him any attention!" Ariana looked at her. "So, are you here today to right this wrong on his behalf? To teach me a les
Ariana could not help but ask Shanice, "What do you love about him?" "Didn't I just say?" Shanice's eyes softened when speaking of Connor. "Of course, you don't even know any of Connor's good qualities!" Indeed, love could make one blind. Shanice was blind in the eyes and heart. It would be impossible to talk sense into someone who was willfully blind. Ariana had given up trying to reason with her and simply asked, "So... you want to teach me a lesson to avenge him?" "Avenge him?" Shanice snorted. "I'm afraid he'd be heartbroken if he knew I had brought you here! I wonder if he will still treasure you so much if you sleep with thousands of men." To hell with being treasured! Ariana was so infuriated that she wanted to curse. If there really was someone who loved her so deeply that they ignored other pursuers, Ariana might accept it. But who the hell was Connor to her? Even if she died, she could not bear the nauseating stigma of being liked by him!Ariana said, "You've mis
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