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

"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.

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

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

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