Spencer had been on top of Joanne just a moment ago, and now, he was trying to get handsy with Ariana.Ariana was pressed against him, and she could feel that he had an abnormally high temperature."Get her out." Ariana grabbed Spencer's wandering hands as she said to Jensen, "Bring us a bucket of cold water. The icier, the better."Jensen didn't bother being gentle with Joanne. He tossed her out and shut the door before going to the bathroom to get water. Sienna had realized that something didn't seem right. She asked, "What's wrong with him, Ari?""He must have drunk something." Ariana had only heard of this kind of thing before, but this was the first time she was actually seeing it. "Can't you see that he seems to have lost all his senses?"Jensen came out holding a bucket of ice-cold water. "What should we do?"Ariana patted Spencer comfortingly on the back. He stopped being so restless and seemed to calm down slightly. Ariana said, "When I get up, toss that ice-cold w
Spencer looked grim. "Who did it?"Ariana looked at him in amusement. "Are you asking me? Do you think that I did it?"He didn't say anything. He wasn't an idiot. He knew that Ariana wouldn't do something like that.He wanted her, but she was the one who kept refusing his advances. It wouldn't make any sense for her to give him aphrodisiacs. Ariana asked, "Have you guessed who it was?"Spencer suddenly asked, "What happened to my face?"It had only felt cold a moment ago, but now, it had begun to hurt.Ariana felt like laughing.Spencer was drenched, and his hair was wet, too. His face was swelling up where Jensen had hit him.He would look completely ridiculous if it wasn't for how handsome he was.Ariana said, "Let's go."Spencer was slow to catch on. "Where are we going?""To the hospital! Where else would we go?" She glared at him. "What if this thing has other side effects?"Spencer sat down at the side of the bed. "Help me up."Ariana put aside her own emotions and
Ariana left without looking back. Jensen drove her home, and on the way back, he said to her, "We couldn't find anything odd on the surveillance footage. Someone must have planned it in advance. This doesn't seem like something that Joanne could pull off."Ariana found it strange. "It's not Joanne? Who else would it be, then? What's their aim? Do they just want to embarrass Spencer?""If it wasn't Joanne, then I can't think of what the other party's goal would be. Is it possible that it wasn't actually meant for Spencer?"Many stealthy transactions and deals took place at events like these.There was a possibility that Spencer had drunk it by mistake. Ariana pinched her brow. "Forget it. I don't care anymore."She asked, "How's Joanne?""A sniveling mess. It annoyed me, so I had someone take her home."Ariana sighed. "What the hell is going on?""Do you really still have hope for a man like that?" Jensen gritted his teeth. "He's absolute trash!"Ariana said, "I know.""Wh
Spencer was wearing a mask. He glanced at Joanne.She blinked and said, "I don't want to trouble you, but I really don't know what else to do. Spencer, can you help me? It's fine if you can't. It's my fault for being a useless sister.""Don't put yourself down," Spencer said. His voice was rather hoarse. "I'll take care of it."Joanne immediately cried out, "Spencer, did you catch a cold?"Spencer realized that someone must have hit him last night. He could guess who had been bold enough to do so. However, when he pieced together the events that had taken place, he realized that Ariana had almost caught him in bed with Joanne. It hadn't been his intention, and he was also the victim, but he didn't mind getting punched by Jensen if it would make Ariana feel better.After getting doused with cold water and going to the hospital, it had taken a toll on his health, and he had come down with a cold.Jensen had punched him and poured cold water all over him, and Spencer made a ment
"Isn't it just the two of us right now? Fine. I won't mention it again."Spencer asked him, "Did you come just to enjoy all the drama?""How could you put it that way?" Connor said hastily. "I'm just concerned about you. Anyway, Ariana's in such a bad temper nowadays that I'm sure she won't be able to accept what happened yesterday, even though you were actually the victim. What are you planning to do about it?"Spencer snapped, "Why can't she accept it? I've got a bone to pick with her, too!""You should do something about her. Her attitude lately has been terrible."Ariana had blocked Connor, and although he had tried to contact her, she had ignored him.Connor had no idea that Ariana had no reason to treat him politely when she was already getting ready to cut Spencer off. She had indulged Connor in the past because he was a good friend of Spencer.Now, Spencer didn't mean anything to her anymore, and Connor meant even less.However, Ariana's recent behavior had been dis
The newcomer had a mask on, but he was tall and elegant, and his legs were very long. No one would ever be able to emulate that regal quality he had to him.It was Spencer.Gerald had seen him, too. He turned an intense gaze on him for just a second, then smiled. "Mr. Ulrich."Spencer gave off an aloof, indifferent air. "Mr. Kirkland."He pulled Ariana into his arms. "What would you like to see my wife about, Mr. Kirkland?""There's something I need her help with, so I was asking her out to lunch. Would you like to join us, Mr. Ulrich?""Has Grandpa called you?" Spencer looked at Ariana. "We're going to Ulrich Estate tonight.""He's called." Ariana pushed his hand aside gently, but she didn't embarrass him in front of Gerald. "I'm in my scrubs. Don't touch me."Spencer pulled her back forcefully. "I'll come and pick you up tonight. Can you get off work now?"As Spencer had ignored him, Gerald had no choice but to look at Ariana. He smiled awkwardly. "Ari, since you're busy,
Spencer was wearing a mask and had a hoarse voice, but Ariana hadn't even asked him about it."It's the season for colds," Ariana said. "Isn't getting a cold normal?""Ariana!" Spencer was angry. "Aren't you a bit concerned about me?"He was acting like a child who had been denied a lollipop—one who was both angry and aggrieved. "When have you ever shown any concern for me, Mr. Ulrich?" The moment the words slipped out of her mouth, Ariana felt that it was a pointless thing to be so petty about.People only argued about petty things when they cared.She had to learn to let things go, which meant that she shouldn't care about this stuff any longer.Therefore, she said quickly, "Did you call Grandpa and say that we're going over tonight?"If she remembered correctly, the last time they had gone back to Ulrich Estate, they had been giving each other the cold shoulder. However, they had ended up sleeping on the same bed.Was it a coincidence this time, or had Spencer done it on p
Spencer pulled Ariana over roughly and pressed her hard against the cupboard. "Ariana, you're going too far!""That's beside the point." Ariana's tiny face was stony as she looked at him. "If you're thinking of someone else while sleeping with me, then it's—""Shut up!" Spencer yelped. It seemed to be a sore point with him, and the menacing look on his face intensified. "Say that again if you dare!""Am I wrong?" Ariana met his eyes, forcing herself to confront the rage in his eyes. It had only been a throwaway comment, and she hadn't even mentioned that person, but Spencer was already reacting so strongly.It was clear how important that person was to him.Ariana faced Spencer's overwhelming rage as if she were punishing herself.The angrier he was, the more it showed how deeply she had been hidden in the depths of his heart. He couldn't even stand hearing her name mentioned by anyone else.Spencer took a deep breath, but he couldn't suppress his fury.He was angry because A
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