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
Joanne had burst into tears when Spencer received her call this morning. It turned out that she had been frightened by a bug in the house.She punched him. "I was scared!"All of a sudden, he recalled the time when he'd gone to find Ariana. She'd been dissecting a white rat then. Her icy gaze seemed to be devoid of any warmth as she moved her hands skillfully.Spencer snapped out of his daze. He patted Joanne's hand reassuringly when he saw the timid look in her eyes. "It's alright. I'm here."…Jacob hung up on the call at the end of the corridor outside of the private room. Then, he saw Connor.Walking over, Connor asked, "Some military affairs?"Jacob shook his head but didn't say anything. "What's the deal with Joanne? Why didn't you talk some sense into Spence when he's befuddled?"Connor smirked. "Looks like you didn't even take a look at what she looked like.""So what if she's beautiful?" Jacob continued, "There're plenty of beautiful women out there. He should settl
"Considering Jacob's personality, aren't you worried about leaving Jojo with him?" Conner asked as he watched Jacob pull her away."What's there to be worried about?" Spencer replied. "If he wants to say something, then just let him. It's not a big deal."Connor smirked. "Well, it's not a big deal to you. I'm just afraid she'll have a hard time.""There's one thing…" Frowning, Spencer trailed off.Connor found it odd when Spencer hesitated to speak. "What's so hard for you to talk about?""It's just… How do you coax a woman?" Spencer asked.Smiling, Connor replied, "So you're thinking of coaxing Jojo later because you're afraid she'll be upset?"Spencer mumbled noncommittally. "You've asked the right person. I have my way around women," Connor declared.The two of them were chatting when Spencer's phone rang. He picked it up and said a few words before he hung up."Was that a call from Jacob?" Connor asked."He told me to call Ariana over to dinner tonight," Spencer said.
"What plans could you possibly have?" Spencer's voice grew colder. "I told you we were holding a welcome dinner for Jacob. He specifically invited you.""So, should I be grateful?" Ariana asked. "Or should I get on my knees and thank him?"She had also tried to smooth things over with his friends when she first married him. But in the end, all she received was humiliation. It was clear from Connor's attitude toward her.Ariana could hardly care about Jacob now, so why would she bother with Spencer's other friends?"What's with that sarcastic tone, Ariana?" Spencer snapped. "I've already sent you a gift. What else do you want?"If it were a year ago… No. Not even a year. She couldn't even imagine herself quarreling with Spencer three months back."Nothing much," she replied. "I just find it all pointless now.""Great! Just great," he seethed. Then, he hung up on her. Although Ariana had finally stood up for herself, she still felt upset every time she confronted Spencer.She
Jensen arrived earlier to pick up Ariana when she got off work. He grumbled a few words when she told him that she would attend the dinner. "Why are you having a meal with them? They're all scoundrels!""Jacob's back," she replied."He's back?" Only then did his expression ease slightly. "Well, he's the only one who's normal."Ariana had outpatient duties in the morning and ward rounds in the afternoon. Tired, she closed her eyes. "I'm going to take a shut-eye. Wake me up when we arrive."He snorted. "You'd better unbuckle the seatbelt on your own later, lest someone take another photo."Ariana remembered the photo Connor had sneaked of her. She couldn't help but scoff coldly when she recalled the bag Spencer had gifted her.Jensen knew she had a temper. However, she would only show it in front of the people who were closest to her.He smiled as he comforted her, "It's alright. Let bygones be bygones. Don't be angry anymore."Soon, they arrived at the hotel. Jensen escorted h
Spencer couldn't voice out his grievances. There was no way he could say that Ariana had blocked his number twice.So, he let out a scoff and drank an entire glass of wine. Jacob shook his head. Then, he looked at Ariana."Could we talk in private, Ariana?" he asked.Spencer spoke up before she could react, "If you have anything to say, you can just say it here."Jacob glanced at him in surprise. Spencer hadn't reacted when Jacob told him he would be sending Joanne back in the afternoon. So, why did Spencer object now when he only wanted to speak with Ariana in private?Connor also looked over. Ariana smiled instead. "Sure. I'll wait for you outside." With that, she maneuvered her wheelchair and left. Spencer's expression darkened. Puzzled, Jacob looked at him. "What do you mean by that? Don't you trust me?"Spencer felt that Ariana had changed a lot recently. He already gave her a bag today. Joanne was clearly delighted when she received it, so why didn't Ariana re
The gathering ended on a sour note.Seeing the dark look on Ariana's face, Jacob nudged Spencer when he didn't speak up. "Why aren't you going back with Ariana?"Spencer suppressed the strange feeling in his heart. He was just about to push her wheelchair when his phone rang.He immediately became hasty when he saw the call. "Jojo?"Jacob narrowed his eyebrows as he glanced at Ariana. Sure enough, her lips had curved upward. There was a clear hint of mockery in her smile.Spencer said a few words before he hung up. Then, he pushed her wheelchair. "I'll send you home first."Ariana held down the power switch. "I wouldn't dare to trouble you, Mr. Ulrich. I'll leave you to it." He couldn't help but utter a few words of explanation, "Something's happened to Jojo…""Spence!" Jacob shouted. "What are you doing?"Spencer looked at Jacob without hesitation. "I really have something going on. I'll take my leave first. You can send her back."With that, he strode off and left. Con