Spencer's expression soured when Jacob mentioned Connor. Annoyed, Jacob took a drink, too. "You think I don't want to date? I'm in the military all day—even the mosquitoes flying by are male!" Spencer laughed at him, but his laughter turned bitter. "What should I do? I'm really at a loss with her." Jacob sighed. "The key now isn't you. It's Ariana's attitude. What did she say?" "What could she say? Just... stubbornly claiming she doesn't like me anymore." Jacob looked at him. "Is it possible that she's not just being stubborn?" "She definitely likes me." Spencer clenched his teeth. "Her anger is temporary." Jacob said, "Then, keep trying to win her over. There's always hope." Spencer fell silent. Jacob then asked, "By the way, has Connor been pretty busy lately?" Spencer grunted in affirmation. The last incident with Ariana was all orchestrated by Shanice. Connor had explained that Shanice was just trying to scare Ariana out of jealousy, not actually harm her. But
Spencer gave a bitter laugh. "Yes. Being heartless makes you invincible." Just as he finished speaking, his phone rang. Seeing the caller, he answered, "What is it?" He suddenly stood up after hearing something from the other end. "What did you say?" The look on his face changed dramatically. It startled Jacob. "What's wrong?" Spencer hung up and strode out quickly. No matter how Jacob called after him, Spencer seemed not to hear. Jacob was worried when he saw Spencer like that. Spencer got in his car, and Jacob chased after him, but the car had already driven off. Left with no choice, he had someone follow Spencer's car. They followed Spencer all the way to a villa. Jacob suddenly had a feeling that the phone call might have been about Ariana. After Spencer got out of the car, Jacob quickly followed. When Jacob entered the house just seconds after Spencer, he found Spencer already in a fight with someone. Seeing who Spencer was fighting, Jacob rushed forward to stop them.
Jensen pulled Ariana behind him. Snickering, he said, "Spencer, whatever happened before, at least I thought you were still a man. But now, I see you're nothing but shit! No wonder Ari wants to divorce you. "You think she likes you? Keep dreaming! Who would like someone like you?" Being hit right where it hurt, Spencer nearly lost it. Even after marrying Ariana, he had never felt superior to Jensen. Ariana and Jensen's relationship was something he had always cursed at but, truthfully, envied.Only after realizing his own feelings did he understand it was jealousy. He was jealous that Jensen and Ariana could always be so close. Even now, with Ariana wanting to divorce him and desperately trying to escape, Jensen always had a place by her side. And what about Spencer? The sense of crisis and jealousy made Spencer speak recklessly. He said, "At least she liked me once. You? You're just a pitiful wretch—" "Jensen," Ariana spoke softly. She did not look at Spencer. She merely look
"That's all, Grandpa," Ariana said. She released Enrique and turned to support Jensen. "We'll be going now." "Wait," Enrique quickly called out. "Ari..." He wanted to say something but eventually, could not bring himself to do it. At this point, what right did he have to ask Ariana to give Spencer another chance? Look at the terrible things this foolish boy had done! Enrique sighed, then said, "If you ever need anything in the future, you can always come to me. The doors of the Ulrich family will always be open to you." Ariana understood Enrique's care for her. She nodded at Enrique. "Grandpa, I will. Thank you. After I leave, please... take care of your health. I'll come back to visit you when I have the chance to." "Stop right there!" Spencer's eyes bulged. "I won't let you leave!" "You scoundrel!" Enrique raised his cane to strike again. "You have no say in this! Look at what you've done, you fool!" "Grandpa!" Spencer clenched his teeth. "If she leaves, what about me?"
During the first few days after Ariana left, Spencer could not go anywhere. Enrique kept watch over him himself. He did not let Spencer step foot outside Ulrich Estate. Spencer could not claim that he wanted to leave for work. The Ulrich family's businesses were not so fragile that they would go bankrupt after a few days without management. He was to stay at home obediently.Previously, Spencer had imprisoned Ariana against her will. Now, Enrique was giving him a taste of his own medicine by making him experience what it felt like to lose freedom. Spencer knew that Enrique was partly punishing him and partly buying time for Ariana to leave more easily. But Spencer was confident that no matter where Ariana went, he could find her and bring her back. So during these days of confinement, Spencer was not too panicked. He also knew his actions had been somewhat extreme, so he had been spending these days reflecting. But he still felt that everything he did was to win Ariana back. So
"So, if... you really liked her—even loved her—would you want to have her?" Connor asked. "Knowing she's Spencer's wife? That's impossible." Jacob frowned. "Maybe I'd have a secret crush. But as long as she's with Spencer, I'd never let her know I like her. The difference between humans and animals is that humans can control their emotions." Connor scoffed. Jacob asked him, "Why are you asking these unrealistic questions? What you need to do now is stop adding fuel to the fire in front of Spencer. Stop feeding him your biased and immature opinions." "I'm biased and immature?" Connor gritted his teeth. "You're in the military most of the time. You have no idea how sharp-tongued Ariana can be—" "If she's sharp-tongued, it's definitely because you provoked her," Jacob said. "Or are you saying there's another reason why you're so hung up about her reactions?" Perhaps Jacob's words were just a spur-of-the-moment question, but Connor felt inexplicably guilty. He said, "Of course
Enrique finally relented after a week and allowed Spencer to go out normally. On the day he regained his freedom, Connor arranged a celebration for him at a club and invited a group of their friends. Most of them were childhood friends, and even those who were not rich heirs from good families were present. Naturally, Spencer held the most prestigious status among them. Though he was not much older, not many managed family businesses in their early 20s. While other rich heirs still relied on allowances from their elders to splurge, Spencer had long been independent. Those who grew up with him were fine, but those who met him later through family connections often felt as if Spencer was of the same generation as their parents. Spencer was reserved and composed. With an air of dignity and aloofness, he was set apart from the flamboyant, energetic young people around him. Even in this crowd, he was the most eye-catching one here.His exceptional looks and the confidence that came f
"I..." "Enough," Spencer said. "Besides, I've told you before. I hope you can respect her from now on, no matter what happened in the past. If you say anything else to upset her, don't blame me for disregarding our brotherhood.""Come on!" Connor looked aggrieved. "I didn't say anything, did I? If you're going to be like this, I might as well keep my mouth shut and be mute from now on." "Fine by me," Spencer said. "Good that you're self-aware." Connor laughed helplessly. "I was just joking." Spencer said, "I'm not. Anyway, if she doesn't forgive you, try to keep a low profile at gatherings like this in the future." Connor could not help but say, "You should focus on winning her back first!" Spencer frowned. Shooting Connor an icy look, he did not say anything. Connor felt a chill as he sensed a murderous intent. He quickly said, "Alright! I won't get in your way in the future, okay?" Hearing that Spencer was finally free, Jacob called specifically, "When you seek Arian
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