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
Gerald had contacted Sienna.Ariana sighed when she thought about how Gerald had helped her the first time they met. She replied to Sienna's message and told her to entertain Gerald.…That afternoon, Jensen came by to drop off some documents for Ariana. She was so busy that she didn't even have time to look up. Jensen put the documents down and was about to leave when she suddenly said, "Wait!"He turned to look at her. "What is it?""About Jeremy…" She frowned. "You…"When Jensen saw her expression, he immediately turned around and leaned over her table. "What's going on? Jeremy? Did Joanne contact you? How could she be so shameless?"Ariana shook her head. "It wasn't her. It was Spencer.""Spencer?" Jensen gritted his teeth. "That's even worse! How could he?"Ariana said, "Forget about him. Don't you have an entrance exam for your department? Let Jeremy try it out, and he'll probably give up when he fails.""What did Spencer say to you? Did he force you to do it?"She s
Spencer felt irritated. It was one thing for him not to want children, but Ariana's attitude annoyed him."Grandpa wants us to have children. What's your opinion on it?" he asked. "Do you want children, too? Don't you want to strengthen your position as the lady of the Ulrich family?"In the past, Ariana had imagined what it would be like to have Spencer's child.At the time, she had been giddy and full of anticipation at the mere idea of it. Although she had known that Spencer didn't have feelings for her, the thought of having a child who had Spencer's blood running in their veins and who might even resemble Spencer had filled her with joy. Now, however…She had completely lost hope in Spencer, and children were out of the question. "Why aren't you saying anything?" Spencer's tone was irritated. "Did I guess correctly?""Whatever you say," Ariana said. "Whether I want children or not, my position's pretty secure right now, isn't it? You don't want to get divorced, after
Spencer and Ariana didn't speak to each other again for the remainder of the car ride to Ulrich Estate.After getting out of the car, Spencer walked expressionlessly over to her and held out his arm.Ariana took it with a wooden expression on her face.The two of them entered the house, and Ariana smiled at once when she saw Enrique. "Grandpa!" She let go of Spencer and handed Enrique the box of desserts she was holding. "I bought these for you!""Alright, alright." Enrique was beaming. "I'm just happy to see the two of you back here. You didn't need to get me anything." He turned to look at Spencer, who was empty-handed.Enrique snorted. "Look at how thoughtful Ari is! You're a completely useless grandson!"Spencer hadn't even noticed that Ariana had been carrying something. He glared at her before saying, "Grandpa, she and I are one. Whatever she bought is from me, too.""Don't get wise with me." Enrique wasn't fooled. "You're just not thoughtful enough!"Spencer wasn't i
Ariana couldn't help but take a step back. She avoided Spencer's gaze. "Anyway, figure it out yourself."Spencer wasn't about to let her off the hook. "Fine! Then, I'll show you what I can do!""What are you doing?" Ariana snapped. "Either you sleep on the couch or tell Grandpa the truth. Just stay away from me!"The last time they had a fight was also at Ulrich Estate.Ariana had told him to sleep on the couch, but he complained it was wet.This time, she checked specifically, and the couch was fine.She added, "Or I can sleep on the couch. Just make sure you stay away from me!"Spencer took a deep breath and tried to tame his anger. "Have you forgotten that you're supposed to fulfill your duties as a wife? You don't want me sleeping with others, but now you want us to sleep separately. Do you think I have no needs?""You can sleep with others."Spencer was stunned. "What?"Ariana said, "You can sleep and be with whoever you want. Mr. Ulrich, you're free now. I don't care an
Ariana raised her leg and kicked Spencer. "Get off me!"However, Spencer grabbed her ankle. "Ariana, my patience is running thin!"She knew all too well that his patience was reserved for someone else. Of course he was snappy with her!"Are you even a man? How can you force yourself on a woman?""You've said that before." Spencer easily restrained her. "Well, let's spice things up a bit. What do you think?"Ariana was losing her mind. "Spencer, you used to be different!"Although they had a healthy sex life in the past, he would never ignore her wishes before."You used to be different, too." Spencer's large hand traced the curves of her body with satisfaction. "I prefer the old you more.""Dream on!" Ariana was determined. Gritting her teeth, she glared at him. "Believe it or not, I'll get Grandpa here.""Go ahead. Call him." Spencer found it amusing. "Call him if you want to upset him.""Spencer, that's your grandfather!""Yes, I know." He pinched her. A wave of satisfacti
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