"Do you know what he just said to me?" Enrique frowned. "What did he say?" "He said a scumbag who cheated in a marriage has no right to comment on his relationships." Expressionless, Bernard said coldly, "Dad, you've raised your grandson well." Enrique angrily retorted, "What? Did he say anything wrong?" Bernard felt wronged, too. "So, why did you call me back? Besides, I've said before that the incident wasn't my fault." Enrique nearly thrust his cane in Bernard's face. "Bernard! Are you even a man? You should own up to your mistake! You slept with her, and now, you say it wasn't your fault?" "I've said it was a misunderstanding..." "Spencer is right. You are indeed a scumbag," Enrique said. "With this attitude, how do you expect others to forgive you?" Bernard furrowed his brows. "Dad, it's all in the past. Can we not bring it up?" "Since Spencer is in a bad mood, why don't you stay and comfort him—" "How old is he that he still needs comforting?" Enrique was fu
Enrique actually did not want to get involved in this matter. To be fair, since Spencer was his own grandson, he should side with him. But he loved Ariana like his own granddaughter. During Spencer and Ariana's three-year marriage, it was Ariana who cared for Enrique's health and daily life while Spencer was busy with work. Enrique truly liked her. Who wouldn't like such a caring and sensible child? But Spencer had driven his granddaughter-in-law away. Of course, Enrique hoped they could reconcile. But if Ariana absolutely refused, he would respect her wishes. However, Enrique truly feared something worse might happen now with Spencer's insomnia and stomach issues. He had no choice but to say, "I can contact Jensen and ask about Ari's whereabouts. But you must promise that if you find Ari, you won't pressure her and will respect her wishes. "Can you do that?" Spencer quickly said, "I definitely won't pressure her! Grandpa, please call him now!" Although Spencer and Jensen w
To be honest, Spencer's own subordinates had been involved in quite a few shady dealings before.If they truly wanted to find someone, there would naturally be a lot of ways to do so. But even with all this effort, they still could not find Ariana, even with Jacob's and Connor's help. This meant that either Ariana had gone abroad to some small country through special means, or someone was interfering with their information. It was deterring them from finding her. But honestly, their power, combined with Jacob's, was practically unbeatable in both legal and illegal circles of Mauris. If someone could still hinder them, how powerful should that person be? That was why Spencer ruled out that possibility. Now, he just needed to confirm if Ariana had left the country through special means during that period.On the surface, Spencer seemed to have returned to normal. He went to work on time daily and ate regularly. His insomnia had then improved somewhat compared to before. He called
Came to think of it, it had been a while since the three of them last got together.Especially after Spencer got divorced, he barely ever went to any gatherings. Jacob and Connor were shocked to see him again. He seemed somewhat better compared to how haggard he looked when he had been hospitalized last time. However, he was still much thinner than before. Not only that, his entire demeanor basically seemed to change.He used to be full of conceit and was distant. Yet, he would easily boast his confidence and pride that only a truly successful person would have.He was still conceited, of course. A leopard could not change its spots. However, he became much more reserved.In other words, his previous flamboyance was akin to flaunting a legendary sword. It was razor-sharp and glimmered brightly. Now, that sword was well hidden in his sheath. That glimmer would no longer be seen by anyone.Perhaps the entire sheath itself was covered in dust. It wasn't even worth paying attention
Spencer curled his lips and asked, "Don't you need to go for training?""Some time will be taken for preparation before the training camp," Jacob explained. "I can make time. A few days off is doable.""Alright, then."Seeing the two easily figure out the details of the outing, Connor quickly spoke up, "I'm coming, too!"Jacob glared at him. "You're coming? Forget it."Connor was reluctant."What do you mean 'forget it'?""Just stay put here."…The outing was decided. Spencer didn't have to do much, whereas Jacob had to handle preparation for two days before managing to find time to head out.The two of them didn't go that far.Jacob was the one who organized things. They first departed on the high-speed rail. Then, they rented a shared bicycle after getting off and rode to the base of a mountain together. All this was quite interesting for Spencer.The two hiked their way up the mountain. Lush greenery was everywhere they could see. The view from the top was astoundin
Spencer was hospitalized once again. This time, his duodenal ulcer had bled out.Jacob didn't expect him to be this childish. Spencer was a grown man nearing his 30s, for God's sake!Who exactly said he wouldn't do anything rash yesterday? Yet, he went and downed multiple bottles of foreign wine by himself in the middle of the night?Jacob was greeted by the smell of alcohol as he opened the door to the hotel room. Spencer lay there, unmoving like he was dead.Jacob practically had a heart attack. Upon reaching the hospital and learning that it was a bleeding ulcer, he nearly got scared to death.This would have been fatal if Spencer had lost too much blood!Thankfully, they noticed in time. He hadn't lost too much blood. After an emergency treatment, his vitals finally became stable. Jacob didn't dare to call Enrique as he was out of town.Thankfully, the doctor said that it was not life-threatening. Spencer just had to rest well and be mindful of his diet."You can't even
Ariana forgave him. The two embraced one another tightly.And then, Spencer awoke from his dream.Jacob was sitting by his bedside. After scolding him, he said, "Look what you've done to yourself! What am I supposed to tell Mr. Ulrich Senior when I get back?"Spencer opened his eyes, then kept them shut again.It felt like Ariana's warmth and familiar, tantalizing fragrance were still lingering in his arms.But now, it was all gone.If he had the option, he would wish he could keep dreaming forever and never wake up.Jacob inhaled deeply and began giving him instructions.Finally, he said, "Not even celery. You hear?"Spencer still had a dazed, lost expression on his face.Jacob seriously wanted to punch him right then and there. He inhaled deeply again. "I'm going back to the division. I've already wasted half a day…"Spencer opened his eyes again. "Then, you should go.""How am I supposed to go when you're in this state? You're basically on death's door!" Jacob yelled. "W
The person that Spencer was longing for was currently sitting by a river.The river was clear and shallow enough to see the weeds beneath swaying with the water.Ariana held a stick in her hand and dragged it through the water. She held her phone up to her ear with her other hand. Her lips curled slightly as she spoke softly, "Jen, I'm seriously fine. You don't need to worry about me."On the other end of the call was Jensen.Jensen used the identities of two of the guards in the hospital to make a few phone numbers. He didn't have a fixed one to contact Ariana with. Regardless, he wouldn't leave anything that would give Spencer a hold over him."I really want to visit you.""Nah," Ariana said. "I'm doing pretty good here. I'm getting along well with the people here, too.""Ari, do you…" Jensen paused. "Do you miss him?"He didn't have to spell the name out for both of them to know who he was referring to.Ariana laughed. "You don't need to be so guarded. I'm over him. I'm jus
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