After entering the office, Spencer instantly asked, "What do you want to say?"Jensen held the thing in his hand up. "Lend me your computer."He walked to the computer and tested out something. Then, he said coldly to Spencer, "Have a look."He was holding a USB drive just now. There was footage from the dashcam on the drive.The video started at the time when Ariana fell asleep. Although the person in the driver's seat couldn't be seen, his voice could be heard. After Ariana had fallen asleep, soft music was playing in the car.Then, the car arrived at the Ulrich residence. The sound of the seatbelt being unbuckled could be heard.Jensen said, "You're sleeping so soundly. Ari, we're home."There wasn't any strange sound even until Ariana got out of the car. There was nothing wrong with their conversation, too. "Are you done?" Jensen's gaze was full of hostility. "You can get someone to check if this video is real or edited. I don't like to explain myself. You can suspect me
There were some elders among the shareholders. They had been sitting for a long time, so they stood up to move around. Since Spencer had left in the middle of the meeting, they also stood up and walked around. Just when they were talking about coffee, flowers, and chess, they heard a loud noise. Then, the office door collapsed. Two men came out as they fought against each other. All the shareholders immediately gave way.They were old and couldn't take it if they got beaten or injured.However, they were surprised that the two guys had the nerve to fight in Spencer's office. However, it turned out that Spencer was the one fighting. The shareholders no longer felt any pain in their backs and moved around nimbly. They went closer to have a better look, although they might get hit and injured.That was probably the only time they could see Spencer fighting. Spencer and Jensen had been working out, so their physiques were on par with each other. Besides, they had been tr
Joanne wished Ariana would fall and break all her bones. Just as she thought about it, the two men, who were fighting fiercely and ignoring her shouts, withdrew their hands and legs before Ariana went to them. They looked shocked.The next instant, Spencer and Jensen stared at Ariana angrily and yelled together, "Are you out of your mind?"Ariana was so furious that her eyes turned red. "Are you guys crazy? You should go to the mountains in the zoo to fight if you enjoy fighting so much! Get everyone to watch you there! Fight as you like!"Jensen was the first to give in. He quickly explained, "Ari, you know I'm mad because Spencer—"Seeing that Jensen was complaining, Spencer couldn't hold himself back. "Who started this? Who said he wanted to fight? Jensen, you—""Shut up! All of you!"Ariana slammed the armrest of the wheelchair. The two immediately fell silent. Joanne was surprised to see that. If she had known it would be this easy, she would've run over just now.
Ariana wondered how Enrique found out that she had injured her ankle.Despite feeling surprised, Ariana comforted him and told him not to worry. She also told him that she would head over right away. She didn't have Enrique send someone to pick her up. Instead, Jensen sent her there. She arrived at Ulrich Estate, and the butler came to wheel her into the house. After Ariana entered the house, Enrique was waiting for her at the door. He asked, "How did you get injured? Did you break your bone?"Ariana quickly comforted, "I accidentally sprained my ankle. It's not serious. Don't worry."Enrique tugged at her and chatted with her for a while.Then, he said, "You'd better not keep something like this from me again."Ariana was baffled. "Grandpa, who did you hear this from?""If that brat didn't say it accidentally, how long did you guys plan to keep this from me? It'll take more than a month before you can remove the cast. Are you not going to visit me for over 40 days?"It tu
Somehow, Spencer was slightly angry. "We're a couple. Isn't it normal for me to sleep with my wife?""I refused, but you forced yourself on me. You'll be held legally responsible if you force yourself on your wife. You'd better not tell me that you're clueless about this!"Spencer suddenly said, "Today, Jensen—"Ariana grew more furious when he mentioned that. "You even hit my friend!"Spencer couldn't help but retort, "Can you stop being unreasonable? Even if I was wrong last night, Jensen hit me first today! Did I tell him to come to the office so that I could beat him up?"Ariana supposed Jensen had been the one who had initiated the fight.Jensen really needed to control his temper. Seeing that Ariana fell silent, Spencer said, "He told me the photo was taken from a certain angle. I misunderstood you guys."Ariana was surprised to see that he had admitted his mistake. "But you have to think about the Lubove family's businesses. If you still need my help, you should conta
Ariana was in a trance for a second. She felt as though she had married a person she loved. The man lying next to her at the moment was in love with her, too.Just then, the phone rang and snapped her out of her thoughts.Spencer's eyes remained closed. He raised his arm and reached for the phone before answering, "Who is it?"After the person on the other end of the line said something, Spencer stood up and replied, "Jojo, don't cry. I'll be there right away."The blanket slipped down, revealing his chiseled chest, abs, and wide back. His shoulders were broad, and he had firm hips.Ariana sneered and snapped back to reality. Then, she kicked Spencer with her uninjured leg. Spencer was unprepared. Although he had had military training, he couldn't react in time and tumbled to the ground. He looked up and was confused. "Who told you to get on the bed?" Ariana's voice was icy. "What did you say last night? You shouldn't go back on our word. What did you promise me?"Spencer g
Spencer couldn't muster up the courage to apologize. He didn't know how to face Ariana when he returned, so he ended up calling Enrique and unintentionally revealing the fact that she was injured.Knowing Enrique's character, he would definitely tell Ariana to return to Ulrich Estate. After that, he contacted Conner and gave him a good scolding. Upon learning the truth, Connor also felt that he deserved it.So, Connor came over again to find Ariana.Ariana felt irritated the moment she saw him. She'd never liked him since she was young.Although she couldn't remember anything when she was a toddler, she still recalled him bullying other girls when she was seven years old.From then on, Ariana had a bad impression of Connor.Not only that, he'd even gotten along with Spencer later on. Partners in crime and birds of a feather truly flocked together.In short, he was up to no good.Connor leaned against the doorframe. He twirled the car keys in his hand as he called out, "Aria
Connor didn't expect Ariana to refuse Jacob's invitation in defiance.However, Jacob didn't seem displeased. "I won't keep you any longer," he said.Connor couldn't say anything else in front of him. He drove Jacob to the restaurant and called Spencer while they were still on the road.They arrived at the restaurant, only to realize that Spencer was already there.However, he wasn't alone.There was a delicately charming young lady seated beside Spencer. She giggled as she talked to him.Jacob frowned. Spencer stood up as he gave Jacob a high-five. Then, the three of them took their seats. Joanne spoke up before Jacob had the chance to ask, "Who's this, Spence? Is he a soldier? He looks so cool!"She hooked her arm around Spencer the moment she spoke. However, he made no move to pull away.Jacob's frown deepened."He's a good friend of mine. We grew up together, and now—" Jacob stood up before Spencer could finish his words. "Come out, Spence."Jacob was older than
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