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
That person knew that he couldn't offend the Stone family. Hence, he quickly went to Joanne. Joanne didn't know that Connor had talked to Spencer. She wondered why Connor didn't do anything after seeing the photo. She was afraid Connor would find out it was her after further investigation, so she could only tell that person to heed Connor's order.At the same time, she also dared not send the photo around. Since Spencer was resting, she could seize the chance to ask Connor about it indirectly. She remembered that Connor had issues with Ariana. After chatting for a while, Joanne intentionally mentioned Ariana. After pondering for a while, she asked, "Do you still remember my brother, Jeremy?"Connor had only seen Jeremy once from afar. He nodded absent-mindedly. "Yes.""He studied medicine. But I didn't know it was so difficult to get into Feynman Hospital."Jeremy was Joanne's only brother. Under her family's influence, she cared a lot about him. When Connor heard her
Back then, Joanne would nod obediently at everything Connor said.This time, she replied, "That won't do. Jeremy insists on getting into Feynman Hospital. His dream is to be a doctor there."Connor smiled. "What did Spencer say, then?""Spence had someone contact the head of the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, but it didn't work."Connor darted his eyes back and forth. "It's okay. Leave this to me."Joanne was surprised. "Do you have a solution? But didn't you tell me to let it go just now?""I'll try." Connor added, "I'll try my best for you."Joanne immediately replied, "Mr. Stone, thank you so much.""No worries. Spence's my best friend. You don't have to thank me."Joanne seized the chance and said, "You're such a nice person. Why isn't Ariana getting along with you? Is there any misunderstanding between you two?"She had long heard that Spencer's friends had issues with Ariana. Connor replied, "Misunderstanding? No. I simply hate her."Joanne felt at ea
Spencer held her wrist. "It's fine. You should rest.""I'm not tired.""Sit down."Joanne knew he wouldn't repeat himself, so she sat down obediently. Connor said, "Jojo treats you so well. Don't you know how to be nice to her?"Joanne quickly explained, "Spence's just too tired. I heard that he worked overnight last night. It must've been exhausting.""Jojo, you're so caring and gentle. You'll make your family happy." Connor clicked his tongue and said, "Someone's so lucky."Spencer wanted to shut him up, but he glanced at Joanne and held himself back. After Joanne went to the bathroom, Connor said, "I think Jojo is a nice girl.""Do you think I don't know?"Connor asked, "Why did you—""Why would I not know? When did you become so nosy?" Spencer looked at him and warned, "You should just keep your mouth shut.""Are you coming back in such a hurry because of Ariana?" Seeing the stern look on Spencer's face, Connor promised, "This will be the last question!"Spencer snor
Ariana was in an appointment with her patient when Spencer called previously. She had hurt her ankle and couldn't perform surgeries, but she could still check on her patients.Jensen had answered the phone for her and informed her after that. He had told her that Spencer had thrown a fit and blithered, so he had talked back to him.Ariana knew Spencer's temper and how Jensen would react. The two had fought before, so it was no surprise that they would argue with each other.As soon as Spencer woke up and saw her, his gaze was intimidating. She had no choice but to stop him from speaking. Patients who suffered concussions shouldn't get too emotional, or it would worsen their conditions. However, Spencer didn't know about that. When he saw Ariana and recalled those things Jensen had said, he was so furious that he sat up immediately.Before he could speak, his body swayed, and he felt a bit dizzy.His fierce look was gone in an instant. Ariana took a pillow and placed it b
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