Spencer snapped out of his daze as he nodded in response.Joanne's gaze turned timid as she spoke up carefully, "D-Did I cause trouble for you, Spence? I'm so clumsy that I can't even boil water properly."He patted her shoulder reassuringly. "It's alright. You don't have to do these tasks in the future. I'll find a housekeeper for you."Joanne was delighted. However, she quickly suppressed it. She batted her eyes as she spoke up, "I don't think that's a good idea…""Your hand is injured now. You need someone to take care of you," he said.There was a hint of gratitude and admiration in her gaze. "Then, could you stay and keep me company tonight, Spence?" she asked.He subconsciously wanted to refuse her.But tears had already welled up in her eyes. "My hand hurts. I'm scared to be alone in the house.""Don't cry. I'll stay by your side," he comforted her gently.…Ariana lay wide awake at midnight as she stared at the ceiling without any sign of drowsiness.Spencer had to
When Spencer learned that Gerald had sent Ariana flowers, his face was cold for the rest of the video conference. Though geographically separated, his icy air gave his employees the chill of a freezer.The housekeeper he had arranged for arrived in the morning. He reminded Joanne to rest at home and gave a few instructions before leaving.Joanne clung to his arm. Her eyes were full of reluctance to part. "Will you be coming back to keep me company tonight?"Spencer patted the back of her hand. "I might have to work…"Seeing Joanne's red-rimmed eyes, he added, "I'll come back to have dinner with you, then.""Great! Don't overwork yourself."After Spencer left, the housekeeper commented in an envious tone, "Ms. Yates, your boyfriend treats you so well."Joanne smiled shyly. "That's always been the case."She called Connor after returning to her room, "Mr. Stone, how are things going with Jeremy?"Connor said, "Relax. It takes time."Joanne pointed out, "Spence asked about this
Ariana glanced at her. "You can blabber your mouth with me, but you'd better not talk nonsense when we meet Gerald."Sienna knew better than to cross the line. She obediently replied, "Fine. I got it!"They met up with Gerald, whose clear, handsome eyes seemed to only see Ariana.Sienna giggled to herself on the side.She genuinely hoped that Ariana could leave Spencer the asshole as soon as possible. Ariana deserved a better man.According to Sienna's observation, she found that not only was Gerald good-looking and well-built, but he was also wealthy. Sienna was satisfied with the way Gerald looked at Ariana and the way he treated her, even if he learned that Ariana was married.Although Gerald's eyes were only on Ariana, he was attentive, gentlemanly, and considerate of Sienna's feelings as well. During dinner, Ariana learned that Gerald would be staying in Harvoria from then on.Sienna chimed in to ask, "Is your family coming back as well?"Gerald softly replied, "I don'
Ariana accepted the coffee and thanked Jacob for it. Then she continued, "Jacob, if you'd like to talk about Spencer, let's not.""Ariana, marriage isn't like dating, where you can break up whenever you want.""Isn't that what you should tell Spencer?"Jacob sighed. "Ariana, I understand what you've gone through. Spencer is at fault, but you should have understood it when you two got married. A marriage of convenience is different. "Spence has his beloved, but Joanne isn't a threat. Don't let her bother you."Ariana laughed. "You're friends, after all. You still side with him. From now on, whoever he likes or is with has nothing to do with me.""Don't think of it that way. That woman holds a special significance for him. I'm sorry to say, although I don't agree with his actions, I understand him," Jacob replied.Ariana scoffed. Jacob continued, "Ariana, I know it's unfair for me to say this. But if you trust me, I'll make sure Spencer treats you well and takes his responsibil
Like Spencer, Connor had a strong dislike for Jensen."Is the hospital yours? Do you have any say here?" Connor retorted, only to realize that the hospital was indeed owned by the Riveras.He had been in such a haste to rebuke that he forgot all about it.Sure enough, Jensen replied, "Yes, it is. So what are you doing here?"Connor ended up failing to create some alone time with Ariana, all thanks to Jensen's appearance. He left in a huff once again.Ariana and Jensen had their discussion on surgical cases while having their dinner at a nearby restaurant.Jensen asked after they reviewed a patient's condition, "Why did Connor come looking for you? I saw him last time when you were in surgery.""Who knows? It's not going to be anything serious anyway," Ariana replied."I can't stand his smug face, and the same goes for Spencer! If we were in ancient times, they'd be working their asses off trying to repay your kindness!" Jensen fumed."Stop it. How long ago was that?" Ariana fr
Joanne immediately understood.The man must have feelings for Ariana.She thought about it and asked, "How will you help me?"The man replied, "There's a charity gala tomorrow. Get Spencer to bring you there."…Meanwhile, Sienna was talking to Ariana about the same event. "Mrs. Smith gave me two tickets. I shouldn't waste them. Come with me since your ankle's healed."Ariana agreed since she had no surgeries scheduled for the next day.Sienna needed to attend such events. Ariana didn't feel at ease letting her go alone either.Sienna's mind shifted to their outfits once Ariana agreed. Formal attire was a must for such events.Ariana decided to go along with her plans. Parading Sienna's designs could also be a form of promotion.Ariana would never expect Spencer to be attending the charity gala as well.The gala had commenced when Ariana and Sienna arrived. But some of the distinguished guests had yet to show up.The Lubove family was among the top families in Nordenton, ev
Spencer wore a cold look. The tailored suit with a handmade cashmere coat set off his charm and exuded his handsomeness.An attendant was helping him remove his coat. He lowered his head and smiled at the woman beside him.His icy presence melted with that warm smile. All colors seemed to pale in comparison to its might.Ariana thought she had sorted out her emotions after more than half a month apart.Her heart still ached at seeing Spencer smile at another woman. Her thoughts were driven into turmoil.Ariana chastised herself for being so weak. Just as she was about to look away, Spencer looked in her direction.Their eyes met.Ariana's eyes were cold, while Spencer's were deep and intense.They held their gaze for several seconds before Ariana watched as Spencer walked toward her.Joanne had never expected to run into Ariana at the gala. She lowered her gaze, yet failed to hide the jealousy in her eyes at the sight of Ariana's dress.Spencer's eyes saw no one else. They we
Spencer felt even more restless seeing Ariana in that evening gown.It had been almost three weeks since they had been together, after all.But then again, he didn't expect a look at Ariana to stir up such impulses, even if he was in his prime years. It was to the point where he forgot all about Joanne, who had come with him.Spencer still couldn't bring himself to let go of Ariana's wrist. He turned and hurriedly told Joanne, "Stay here, and wait for me."With that, he pulled Ariana away.The host of the gala was on good terms with Spencer. They had prior experience hosting such events, so there was a room ready upstairs. Spencer knew the way.Many spectators saw them as he led Ariana upstairs.The upper class was aware that the marriage alliance between the Ulrich and Lubove families was kept low profile. There was not even a wedding hosted.They had assumed that Ariana's place as the lady of the Ulrich family was threatened when they saw Spencer repeatedly appear in public w