Spencer hurried outside, catching up with Ariana just before she got into the car."Ari!"At first, Ariana didn't want to acknowledge him, but after a moment, she turned to face him. "Spencer, Grandpa's health isn't great. Can you please stop making him worry about things like this?"Spencer nodded quickly. "Don't worry. I won't let just anyone disturb his peace and quiet from now on."Ariana didn't say another word and turned back to get in the car.Spencer stepped closer, wanting to reach out and stop her, but hesitated. In the end, he held back. "Ari, can I ask about your son?"Ariana turned around again. "My son? What about him?""It's about his birthday. When was he born?" Spencer's voice was thick with emotion, his eyes pleading.Ariana looked at him steadily. "My son's birthday has nothing to do with you, but since you're asking, I'll tell you."She gave him a date.Spencer, though not an expert on pregnancy, quickly did the math. If the child was his, the birth should
The Stone family had, in fact, acted even more decisively than Spencer had anticipated.In the wake of Connor's disgrace, all the personal wealth he had accumulated over the years evaporated as banks blacklisted him. His assets, including properties, cars, and personal items, were auctioned off under court supervision to pay back his debts. Almost overnight, Connor went from being one of the wealthiest men in Nordenton to a pauper.Jacob knew Connor would come to him eventually.When the latter arrived, seething with rage and bitterness, Jacob had only one thing to say."Spencer might be ruthless in business, but he wouldn't have turned on you if you hadn't forced his hand. Did you ever stop to think about what you did to make him react this way?"Connor snarled. "Everyone thinks Spencer's in the right! But am I the only one at fault? Is it a crime to love someone? I couldn't help myself. What was I supposed to do?"Jacob shook his head. "If you can't control your own feelings,
"I know," Ariana said calmly. "I won't let Leo have anything to do with Spencer.""Good. Oh, and I almost forgot to mention in between all the ranting. Connor has lost everything. He's flat broke now, and with his personality, you should have Dennis keep an eye on things. Who knows what he might do in desperation?""With Dennis around, it won't be an issue."Boa nudged Ariana playfully. "You sure you're not interested in Dennis? A guy like him would give you all the security you need."Ariana shot her a warning glance. "Don't start matchmaking again. Sam's coming in a few days."Boa scoffed. "A blond-haired, blue-eyed man? Please. No comparison to the charm of our Harvorians."Ariana smirked. "Yet, I don't see you treating Rowan all that nicely. You boss him around constantly.""He's lucky enough for me to boss him around." Boa flipped her hair with a grin. "You need to learn from me. Once you let go and see things the way I do, life becomes a whole lot more fun."Ariana shook
Winifred remarked, "I don't think there will be any issues. Nadia is quite talented in painting, and Mr. Harper seems to be very pleased with her."Kieran nodded in agreement. "We can't count on Ariana anymore, but it must be God's blessing that Nadia came to us. We won't need Spencer's backing until the engagement with Mr. Harper is secured. No one will dare underestimate the Lubove family."Winifred added, "But she's not even my own child."Kieran glanced around cautiously, his brows furrowing. "Watch what you're saying!""Fine," Winifred relented. "I'll keep quiet."Kieran continued, "Those shareholders are all close with Ariana, which is why they've been so hostile toward Nadia. But once the engagement with the Harper family is set, they won't have a leg to stand on."Winifred hesitated. "But what if those shareholders tell Ariana the truth?""They won't," Kieran replied confidently. "They've signed the non-disclosure agreement. As long as we don't slip up, they won't have t
There was always a way to counter every move.Zane couldn't help but laugh in exasperation. What started as a private lunch with Ariana became a company gathering. Still, he managed to corner her for a brief chat outside the restroom."I've been thinking, Ariana, that we'd be pretty compatible," Zane said, his tone casual yet persistent. "I heard your boyfriend's not from Harvoria. You know how it is—different cultures, different lifestyles. It's not easy to make those kinds of relationships work."Ariana smiled politely. "Thanks for your concern, Mr. Marshall, but my boyfriend and I have already worked through those things. We respect each other's differences.""Is he planning to stay here with you in the long run? Or are you going to pack up and move abroad?""I plan on staying here, and of course, he'll be with me," Ariana said confidently.Zane clenched his jaw. "I also heard he's quite young. No offense, but younger guys are not always the most loyal. They're impulsive. I'm
Ariana understood the message clearly. Boa was suggesting that Nadia needed to be kept in check. It was best to stop her from marrying into the Harper family. If that engagement went through and Nadia gained powerful backing, there was a real chance she could try to claim the Lubove family assets.Ariana raised an eyebrow. "But if the Harper family is a well-respected, scholarly family, they wouldn't allow their women to engage in something as underhanded as seizing another family's fortune, would they?"Boa scoffed. "Oh, come on! In the world of power and money, honor is not worth much. And I suspect Nadia latched onto your parents because she's aiming high, trying to marry up."Ariana shrugged. "Don't worry. My grandparents made sure everything was secure before they passed. The shareholders will keep an eye on things for me, and if anything goes wrong, they'll inform me immediately.""Good," Boa replied. "Still, you have to admit that Nadia must be something special to catch t
Spencer had not followed along, and Ariana thought she had already left. She only glanced back once before quickly averting her gaze, intending to head back to her place while deliberately keeping her distance from Spencer. However, something unexpected happened the next second—a man with a knife charged toward Ariana like a madman. Her instincts kicked in before her mind could process what was happening, and she managed to dodge the initial attack. The attacker seemed fixated on Ariana. When she evaded him, his face contorted with rage as he lunged at her again."Watch out!" Just as Ariana turned to run, someone grabbed her arm. In an instant, she was pulled backward, colliding with a muscular chest. Ariana dropped everything she was holding and pushed the man away forcefully. Then, he clutched his arm and yelled, "Run!"They should be running for their lives now. After all, the attacker was probably mentally unstable. Spencer was being dragged along by Ariana
Ariana put her phone away and spoke softly, "If you still have doubts, Leo will be back in a few days, and you can meet him then.""His name is Leo?" Spencer asked."Yes, just a regular name," Ariana replied. "Thank you for today, and I hope... you find someone to spend your life with." With those words, she turned and walked away.Watching Ariana's retreating figure, Spencer felt like his heart was being torn apart. He clutched his chest. The pain was almost suffocating. Yet, he knew he had only himself to blame.He was the reason for all this misery. Even though Connor had interfered, everything stemmed from his lack of trust in Ariana, allowing Connor the opportunity to poison his mind. Looking back at his past actions, Spencer realized he had shown Ariana absolutely no respect. No wonder she had always insisted that he needed to learn to respect her first. After discovering his true feelings, Spencer considered using forceful methods just like five years ago. However
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