The dress eventually sold for a sky-high price of two million dollars.After leaving the auction venue, Ariana headed to the restroom, waiting for Sienna to complete her paperwork.As soon as she stepped out of the cubicle, she spotted Joanne touching up her makeup outside."Ari." Noticing her, Joanne flashed her a sweet smile. "You're here, too. I'm sure you know Spence bought Ms. Jones' design as a gift for me, right?"Ariana replied faintly, "Congratulations.""Oh, it's nothing. I told him I didn't want it, but he insisted on buying it for me."Thinking of something, Ariana chuckled and asked, "Did Spence only buy emerald for you before this? Didn't you ask him for anything else?"Of course, Joanne had requested gifts from Spencer. But he didn't pay her any attention.She still didn't understand why Ariana kept bringing this up, but she sensed something was amiss.She would never allow herself to appear weak in front of Ariana. "Of course, he bought me other things, too. Sp
When Sienna came out, Spencer and Joanne had already left.She saw Ariana and immediately asked, "Ari, why did you increase the bid?"During the procedures, Sienna didn't know who the buyer was, nor did she recognize the voice of the bidder, which turned out to be Spencer's.Ariana smiled. "Because I like your dress, of course. I feel it's worth that price," she answered truthfully. She genuinely liked the dress and didn't want to see Joanne wearing it.But in the end, Spencer outbid everyone and secured the dress.Their overseas trip came to a close.Sienna didn't know about Ariana's terrifying experience outside the bar. She didn't get to watch The Gentlemen Show either. So, she was eager to go.She was very excited about it, and Ariana didn't want to dampen her mood. Hence, they headed straight there.However, Ariana didn't expect to encounter Gerald at the bar.Gerald looked surprised when he saw them. "Ari? Are you two here for the show, too?"Since Ariana made up he
Ariana then said, "Mr. Kirkland, I'm sure you haven't experienced the anguish of being pressured by your family into an arranged marriage.""Pressured? Anguish?" Gerald was greatly shocked. "If the person I'm supposed to marry is a goddess like you, I wouldn't feel anguish at all. It would be a huge stroke of luck. I'd wake up laughing in my dreams!"This time, Ariana genuinely laughed at his joke.Just then, Spencer entered and saw Ariana laughing cheerfully at Gerald.His last gathering here ended abruptly due to Ariana's accident.Since his work was also coming to a close, his friends invited him here once again to meet up.He hadn't expected to run into Ariana again.This time, she wasn't in any danger. But seeing her sitting across from another man with a charming and radiant smile, he felt even more furious.Spencer walked directly past Joanne and his friends and strode toward Ariana.Joanne wanted to follow, but Connor held her back and shook his head at her.Joanne im
Spencer had no idea if it was because of Ariana's smile or words, but he felt his heart contract slightly. However, he soon came back to his senses and sneered. "Jealous? Ariana, are you drunk? Why would you say nonsense like this?"He didn't even spare Ariana a chance to speak and simply wheeled her wheelchair out. Sienna pulled Spencer's hand. "Spencer Ulrich, can you show some respect to Ari? You can come out to have fun. Why can't she do the same?""I respect her." Spencer paused. "But why don't you ask her if she can keep herself safe? Get your hand off me!"Sienna widened her eyes as she confronted him. "Why can't she? I'll protect her! Mr. Kirkland can, too! I won't let you go!"Sienna didn't know about what had happened the night before.Ariana patted Sienna's hand to comfort her. Then, she looked at Spencer."It was an accident. I'm going back in a while. There's no need to trouble you, Mr. Ulrich."Gerald offered, "I can send these two pretty ladies back to the hot
Connor called the number he had gotten from asking around. After chatting for a while, the person from the other end of the line felt odd and said, "The lady in a wheelchair? You just want to scare her and not harm her? Do you want me to do the same thing for the second time?"Connor was stunned. "What do you mean?"The person asked, "I thought you did this once?"Connor immediately grasped the meaning behind his words and questioned, "Do you mean that someone instructed you guys to do the same thing before?"Upon hearing that, the person immediately knew Connor wasn't the one who had hired them earlier. Although they were hooligans, they followed the rules well. They wouldn't expose the identity of the person who had paid them.He immediately replied, "I was probably mistaken."Connor was still baffled and said, "It's fine, then. I'll look for you guys again if I need anything."He hung up the phone and frowned. He wanted to teach Ariana a lesson, but he wondered who the ot
Ariana was indeed a top student. During her school days, her results had always been good. After she started studying medicine, her mentors had been impressed by her ability and had said that she was extremely talented. She had never faced any issues in her studies, work, or family. Kieran and Winifred weren't close to Ariana, as she had been brought up by her grandparents. Besides, they had been preparing to have a second child when Ariana was about three years old. However, Winifred hadn't been able to conceive for years. They had gone everywhere to seek treatment just to have another child. All their efforts had been in vain.In the end, they weren't able to have a second child and even neglected Ariana. Hence, Ariana's relationship with her parents had been affected. After that, they had a marriage alliance with the Ulrich family. Ariana was fond of Spencer, but no one knew about this. It was evident that Kieran merely took Ariana as a tool for the marriage of co
Ariana quickly held Sienna. "Sisi, take it easy. You can block Joanne, but since the gown has been sold, it's foolish if you don't take the money. Why should we pay so much as compensation because of her?"Ariana set the phone aside. "We'll design better clothes. By then, I'll wear them out and drive her mad.""That's right!" Sienna clenched her fists. "She doesn't look good even when she wears nice clothes! She has been posting on her social media. "A relationship will end faster when someone keeps parading it. I'd like to see how long she can show off like this!"Jensen said, "Spencer isn't only a jerk, but he's also blind. You should've dumped a man like him in the trash can.""Exactly!" Sienna felt indignant and took Jensen's side. "Jensen's right! Trash should stay where they belong. He should be considered toxic waste!" Ariana couldn't help laughing. She had been frustrated because of love, and at that moment, she finally saw a glimmer of light within the darkness. She
Spencer paused and looked down before averting his gaze. Connor took a sip of the alcohol and said, "I mean it."Spencer's gaze grew cold. "If you have nothing better to do, you should go for a jog outside."Connor set the bottle down. "I shouldn't have let you—""Connor Stone." Spencer's voice wasn't loud but cold. "Get out."Connor immediately stood up. "I've only said this because I regard you like my own brother! Do you know you've been cheated on?"Spencer shot him a fierce look.Feeling enraged, Connor took out his phone and handed it to Spencer. "You don't trust me? We've been friends for so many years. Have I ever gotten you in trouble?"Spencer didn't take the phone. He merely cast his gaze on it.The photo wasn't clear, but he could tell from the angle that it had been taken secretly. He could vaguely see that the man in the photo was Jensen. The woman in the passenger's seat with a small face and fair skin was actually Ariana."They kissed!" Connor gritted his
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