Ch. 1111..1120

Loving You In Secret Chapter 1111-Half an hour of hiding was all Vicky managed before Valencia's men found her.

It seemed that Valencia was playing for keeps this time, as the people she sent to find Vicky were all skilled bodyguards.

In the face of these professional guards, Vicky had no means of defending herself.

Knowing that resistance was futile, Vicky decided not to invite more trouble upon herself.

By the lakeside, Valencia stood on the bridge, enjoying the scenic view of the lake.

When Vicky was captured and brought back, Valencia sneered. "Weren't you running away? Why did you stop?" Valencia leisurely walked over to Vicky's side, looking down at her from a superior position. "Where do you think you are? Did you really think that you could escape?"

Restrained by the bodyguards on either side, Vicky could not move an inch. She remained silent, refusing to speak, and Valencia's gaze turned colder and more contemptuous the longer she looked at her.

Normally, Valencia prided herself on her noble status and would never sink to physically attacking someone as it would tarnish her elegance and lower her standards.

However, she could not contain her loathing toward Vicky and raised her hand, delivering a searing slap to Vicky's face.

Smack!

The force behind the blow was so powerful that Valencia's own hand tingled, yet this did not satisfy her. She continued to rain down several more slaps upon Vicky's face until she ran out of strength, gasping for breath.

Looking at Vicky's swollen face, which no longer bore its original beauty, Valencia still felt that it was not enough." Vicky, kneel before me right now!"

Vicky kept her head down, her disheveled hair obscuring her face, making it impossible to discern her expression.

Seemingly ignorant to Valencia's words, she stood motionless in place.

Valencia sneered and commanded the two bodyguards," Make this wretched woman kneel!"

"Yes, madam!" One of the bodyguards kicked Vicky's knee with force.

Vicky felt a sharp pain and lost control, sinking to her knees.

Valencia reveled in her delight and was about to continue humiliating Vicky when suddenly, Vicky forcefully shoved Valencia away.

Since being captured, Vicky had shown no signs of resistance, leading everyone to believe that she would not dare to revolt, so no one expected Vicky to strike back.

At that moment, Valencia, who was standing by the lakeside, was caught off-guard and got shoved into the icy water with a resounding splash.

This unexpected turn of events caught everyone off guard, and chaos ensued.

"Oh my god, Missus Hart has fallen into the lake!"

"She can't swim! Hurry, hurry! Go rescue her!" 1

With this turn of events, the bodyguards who had been guarding Vicky were no longer focused on her but instead jumped into the lake to save Valencia.

Vicky neglected the burning pain on her cheeks and got up to run.

Ever since she was captured, she had been reserving her energy and waiting for a chance. After being slapped multiple times, she finally got her chance.

She stared at Valencia, who was struggling in the lake, without a hint of sympathy in her heart, and looked away before stumbling to get away.

However, after all the beating she had received, she felt light -headed and was about to fall after just taking two steps forward, when someone reached out to catch her before she fell.

Loving You In Secret Chapter 1112-"What's going on?" rang a familiar, melodious voice in a tense tone.

Vicky jolted and looked up to find Tyler's face before her.

Feeling as though she had been burnt by his presence, she instinctively pulled away, yet Tyler held onto her.

He pursed his lips in displeasure as he studied her swollen cheeks. "Vicky, what happened here?"

At this moment, the bodyguards finally rescued Valencia from the water.

Since she had not been in the water for long, she was relatively unharmed, but the shock had caused her heart to ache.

The servants, upon seeing her condition, immediately took out the relaxant they carried with them and fed them to Valencia.

After taking the medicine, her pallid face gradually regained some color, but her breathing remained rapid.

Valencia was drenched from head to toe, with strands of water plants and leaves clinging to her hair, completely losing her elegant and noble image.

"How dare you?! Damn you! Damn you!" Valencia gnashed her teeth and cursed, her whole body trembling with anger." Bring Vicky to me. I want her dead!"

Even during the years when Orion went into a coma, she had never been humiliated to this extent.

Upon hearing Valencia’s voice, Vicky was startled, knowing that she had to escape from here as soon as possible, or Valencia would surely skin her alive.

Vicky tried to pull her hand away, but the man's grip was unyielding, and she grew increasingly anxious. "Tyler, let go!"

Tyler lowered his gaze to take in Vicky's panicked expression, his dark eyes growing cold and distant.

He raised his gaze to the disheveled state Valencia was in with a chilling glint in his eyes.

"Vicky, I will make you regret ever coming into this world! Capture her and bring her back! Also, call Orion and bring in more people! I refuse to believe that I can't deal with a powerless woman like her!" Valencia screamed.

"Tyler!" Vicky's voice trembled. She had fought so hard for this brief window to escape, and if she was captured once again, she would likely get killed.

"Don't be afraid." Tyler pulled her into his embrace and said in a deep voice, "As long as I'm here, she won't lay a finger on you."

Vicky looked up at Tyler, and her heart inexplicably fluttered.

Meanwhile, the bodyguards, who had been prepared to recapture Vicky as ordered by Valencia, hesitated when they saw Tyler.

Valencia, becoming even more hysterical, shouted, "What are you all standing around for? Hurry up and bring that wench back to me!"

"Well, Missus Hart..." The bodyguards muttered gingerly.

Valencia's blood was boiling with anger and she was about to reprimand the bodyguards when a clear and crisp female voice suddenly sounded, "Missus Hart, what's going on?"

A graceful figure stepped forward slowly.

The woman had a slender figure and a delicate face, and her beauty rivaled that of Vicky.

Loving You In Secret Chapter 1113-Avery approached Valencia, who was still sitting on the ground. "It's cold on the ground. Why don't you get up first?"

Valencia's expression darkened slightly. "Avery Yeager?"

Valencia took the opportunity to pick on Vicky as Avery went to see Lincoln, knowing that Lincoln would stop her if he found out.

She did not raise Tyler, so she was not overly upset that he did not listen to her. However, Lincoln had always been obedient, and the only times he would disobey Valencia were when Vicky was involved.

It felt as though her son was being taken away by another woman, and Valencia could not help but resent Vicky because of it.

Upon hearing the voice, Vicky turned her head and saw Avery helping Valencia to her feet.

"Missus Hart, what happened? Why are you so angry?" Avery asked softly.

Valencia disliked Avery because of her scandalous past. However, considering that the Yeagers had helped Lincoln on multiple occasions, Valencia maintained frosty civility toward Avery in public despite her disgust for her.

Valencia's expression darkened at the arrival of Avery and Tyler. Unable to continue with her aggressive approach,

Valencia pointed at Vicky and spoke in a shrill, piercing voice, "This woman pushed me into the lake and almost drowned me... Tell me, shouldn't I be angry?!"

Avery put on a surprised expression as she glanced at Vicky and suddenly exclaimed, "Good heavens, what happened to this young lady's face? Why is it so swollen?"

Valencia froze.

She had been too brutal in her attack, and Vicky's cheeks were red and swollen, clearly showing the imprint of her five fingers, making it obvious that she had been heavily slapped.

Valencia purposefully kept the part where she captured and slapped Vicky untold, hoping to shift all the blame onto Vicky, only for Avery to expose the truth, leaving Valencia with nowhere to hide.

At the moment, Avery wore a mask of disbelief and clueless innocence.

Valencia felt disgusted by Avery, just like she felt toward Vicky.

She calmed down slightly and said, "This woman disrespected me. Not only did she insult me, but she also assaulted my servant... Every country has its laws, and every family has its rules. She acted recklessly in front of me, and I taught her a lesson. However, that isn't a reason for her to push me into the lake... It's nothing short of attempted murder!"

Avery furrowed her brow and nodded. "What you said does make some sense... Even if she were to fight back, she

shouldn't push someone into the lake. Your health has always been poor, and if anything happened to you, the consequences would be unthinkable."

Valencia's expression eased slightly, and Vicky glanced at Tyler.

Tyler's expression remained calm like still water, and he did not make any objection as though he tacitly agreed with

Avery's reasoning.

A chill ran down Vicky's spine as she thought to herself, 'Can it be that he also wants me to apologize to Valencia?'

Vicky spoke coldly, "Miss Yeager, I don't agree with your words. While we should respect our elders, it doesn't mean we should tolerate disrespect from them. Right and wrong have nothing to do with age, status, or position. Don't advise others on their suffering until you experience it yourself.

Miss Yeager, you don't fully understand the whole situation, so it'd be better for you to stay out of it."

Loving You In Secret Chapter 1114-The smile on Avery’s face froze in place. "So, you’re saying that you don't want to apologize?"

"Why should I apologize when I didn't do anything wrong?" Vicky said coldly.

"Is it not wrong for you to shove Missus Hart into the lake?" Avery asked in surprise.

"Are you saying that when someone's life is in danger, it is wrong for them to act out of self-defense? Are you saying that if they end up injuring the person who was hurting them, they should apologize?" Vicky retorted.

Avery was instantly rendered speechless.

As a highly educated noble lady, she could not bring herself to be unreasonable, but Valencia was different.

She pointed angrily at Vicky and exclaimed, "Don't think you can get away with some fabricated nonsense, Vicky. I won't let you off the hook today until you're properly punished for your actions. The Harts won't let you off either! And-"

Before Valencia could finish her words, Tyler spoke up," Vicky, apologize to Mother."

Vicky was taken aback and looked up at Tyler.

His exquisitely handsome face was completely devoid of emotion. His tone was steady and his voice remained calm as if he was discussing a perfectly normal matter.

Vicky could not believe what she was hearing and asked," What did you say?"

Tyler lowered his head, his gaze meeting Vicky's astonished eyes as he softly repeated himself, "Apologize to Mother."

At that moment, Tyler assumed a protective stance, his tall figure enveloping her in his embrace, as a guardian would. His hands held her frozen fingers, providing a constant stream of warmth that dispelled the chill of moments ago.

Her blood ran cold within an instant upon hearing his words.

Valencia was stunned as well but soon revealed a satisfied expression.

From her perspective, her son had been ensnared by Vicky years ago to the point where he abandoned his own parents. Just recently, to seek justice for Vicky, he even publicly demanded an apology, showing no regard or respect for Valencia as his mother.

Valencia thought that Tyler would act the same way this time as well, but surprisingly, Tyler stood by her side.

Observing this, Avery smiled and said, "Miss Shaw, regardless of how you feel, Missus Hart, Mister Hart, and myself believe that you should apologize... It may not matter when one person accuses you of wrongdoing, but when everyone thinks it's your fault, Miss Shaw, don't you think you should reflect on your actions?"

Vicky’s lips curled into a cold smile.

She had indeed made the mistake of believing Tyler's lies about protecting her and wasting precious time that she should have utilized to get away.

She had forgotten that she had a fight with Tyler over Lincoln's injury merely a few days ago, and Tyler could not possibly let it go so easily.

Vicky expressionlessly withdrew her hand from Tyler's palm. "When one wishes to give someone a hard time, it's not difficult to find a reason to do so. Miss Yeager is soon to be Missus Hart's daughter-in-law, and Mister Hart is her son. If you all think I'm at fault, I truly have nothing to say."

Tyler sensed the implications in her words, furrowed his brow, and firmly gripped Vicky's hand. "Don't be foolish."

"I won't apologize," Vicky said with annoyance as she tried to shake his hand off. "Let go."

Tyler seemed to want to say something when a warm, deep voice rose in the air. "What's going on here?"

Loving You In Secret Chapter 1115-All heads turned toward the source of the voice.

A tall, slender man appeared seemingly out of nowhere.

He wore a hat, a mask, and sunglasses that almost obscured his entire face, but one could still make out small red rashes on the exposed skin.

As soon as Valencia caught sight of him, her expression changed instantly. She hurriedly approached him, her voice filled with concern. "Lincoln, why are you here? Your injuries haven't fully healed, and you shouldn't expose your face to the wind... Hurry, hurry, go back and rest!"

Valencia paid no attention to Vicky and attempted to usher Lincoln away. However, he stood his ground, unmoving. "I heard you fell into the water, so I came to check on you. Are you alright?"

Lincoln's concern seemed to greatly please Valencia. "Can't you see that I'm perfectly fine now? There's nothing wrong with me. You don't have to worry about me. Go back and rest."

Instead of leaving, Lincoln's gaze shifted toward Vicky." Vicky," he said, his eyebrows furrowing as he noticed the redness on her face. "What happened to your face?"

Vicky remained silent.

It was only at this moment that Valencia, who was driven by her maternal instincts earlier, suddenly realized that Lincoln's presence here could not have been solely because he heard about her falling into the water.

Their residential area was a considerable distance from the lake, and it had not been long since she fell in. Even if Lincoln received words about the incident, it would have been impossible for him to arrive so quickly.

The only possibility was that Lincoln had learned that Vicky was being picked on and hurried over.

With this thought in mind, Valencia's expression darkened." Lincoln." Her tone softened. "Do you know how your mother ended up in the water?"

Lincoln averted his gaze. "How did you end up in the water?"

Valencia pointed at Vicky. "It was this woman who pushed me into the lake, nearly killing me. Lincoln, what do you think should be done to someone who tried to harm your mother?"

Lincoln's smile remained unchanged. "Mom, you're still drenched, and there are many people around here. Why don't you go back and change your clothes? If there's something you want to say, we can discuss it when we get back home."

"I'm just worried that once we go back, the culprit will flee in fear," Valencia said sarcastically.

"It won't happen," Lincoln assured her. "I promise to make this right for you. Mother, don't you trust me?"

Indeed, many people had started to notice the commotion and glanced in their direction from time to time. If they continued to cause a scene, there was a chance that Old Mister Hart would catch wind of it and, given his tendency to meddle, he might take Vicky away without any chance of resolution.

With that in mind, Valencia relaxed slightly and finally relented. "Let's go back so I can get changed, then." Valencia glanced at Vicky. "Miss Shaw, don't forget to come along. We still have some matters to discuss...and clarify."

Vicky was brought back to where Valencia lived, and along the way, Tyler kept a firm grip around her wrist, preventing her from running away.

In the end, she gave up as she needed to preserve her energy for the fight that was to come.

Avery, too, followed the group.

Upon returning to the house, Valencia went to get changed, while Tyler brought Vicky to an empty guest room.

After ordering the servants to bring the first aid kit and ice pack, Tyler started to apply ointment onto Vicky's swollen cheeks.

Loving You In Secret Chapter 1116-Tyler was the first to break the silence. "Does it hurt?"

Vicky kept her head bowed wordlessly.

"What exactly happened?" he asked.

She remained quiet, and tension rose in the air.

He pursed his lips at her reluctance to speak or look at him." Vicky, how am I supposed to handle this if you don't tell me anything?"

Her lashes fluttered at his words, and she finally looked up at him. "Handle this? Isn't your way of handling it having me apologize?"

His dark and intense eyes stared at her unwaveringly. "It's a fact that you pushed her into the lake, isn't it?" he asked.

In fact, he had arrived in time and witnessed the scene.

Vicky admitted, "Yes. So what?"

"Her health is fragile, and she has had heart problems for a while. By pushing her, you could've caused unforeseen consequences-"

Tyler's words were abruptly cut off by Vicky's cold interruption. "Are you accusing me of trying to kill your mother?"

"I'm merely stating an objective fact."

"Is that why you're not interested in knowing the reasons and asked me to apologize to her?" Vicky sneered. "Back when Missus Hart locked me in the basement, your effort in looking for me and how you made your parents apologize for it had all been an act, right?"

Vicky did not fully believe what Lincoln had told her, but seeing Tyler react to the situation, she was finally convinced.

Tyler's expression hardened. "An act?"

"Stop pretending, Tyler. I know everything," said Vicky with a slight laugh. "It was all your doing, right? Your purpose was to use me and sever ties with your parents. It wasn't your parents who captured me; it was you. Am I wrong?"

There was a flicker of astonishment in Tyler's eyes, followed by a trace of anger. "Who told you all this?"

"Do I need someone to tell me?" Vicky chuckled. "All your previous tenderness and caring efforts had all been carried out to seek revenge. You orchestrated this whole play, not only to free yourself from your parents' control but also to make me fall for you completely. Killing two birds with one stone, huh?"

Tyler gripped her shoulder, his eyes pitch black and icy as they locked with hers. "Vicky, is that what you think of me?"

"What I think of you depends on what you've done to me." Vicky coldly brushed off his hand; even the slightest touch from him filled her with disgust.

All of Tyler's previous actions to stand up for her in front of his parents were all calculated, until this moment when siding with her no longer held any benefit for him.

Hence, it did not matter if she endured a little mistreatment.

Vicky's attitude easily ignited his anger. "Did Lincoln tell you all this?" he asked.

Vicky laughed. "You've always blamed everything on others."

"Vicky, I'm asking you to apologize, not because I think you did something wrong, but because it's a fact that you

pushed her into the water, and there must be consequences.

Loving You In Secret Chapter 1117-As long as Vicky was willing to apologize, Tyler had a way to keep Valencia quiet and prevent her from exploiting the situation any further.

A certain level of justice was expected, and an immature, unjust dictatorship would never work.

While he could use his power to suppress others temporarily, in the long run, Vicky would find it increasingly difficult to survive in the mansion, and her situation would only worsen.

As long as Vicky stayed in the Hart household, his favoritism toward her would be putting her in danger, making her the enemy of everyone, subject to constant attacks.

No one would like someone who disregarded reason and used brute force to oppress others.

However, Vicky seemed to completely misinterpret his intentions.

"If you don't want to apologize, that's not an issue." He looked at Vicky, his voice deep and clear. "Leave the Hart family with me, and you won't have to apologize. I'll fight for justice on your behalf."

Upon hearing this, Vicky instinctively took a few steps back. Her gaze became guarded. "Tyler, what is your motive this time?"

Her lack of trust and misunderstanding only worsened Tyler's mood. "Right now, you have two choices." Tyler's tone turned cold and hard. "Apologize, or leave with me."

"I don't want to apologize, and I don't want to leave with you. But if I have to choose, I'd rather apologize."

"You'd rather apologize than leave here with me?" Tyler's expression darkened slightly. "Do you know that today is only the beginning?"

"But if I leave with you, it won't be the end either, will it?"

"This is the Hart family we're talking about, and there are always places I can't oversee." Tyler suppressed his anger and spoke coldly. "If one day they take you away when I'm not paying attention, do you know what you'll face?"

Vicky remained cold and composed. "Whether it's a dragon's den or a tiger's cave, there's no difference to me. At least here, I still have some freedom of choice. Being with you would only mean you controlling every aspect of my life."

Vicky remained unappreciative, which irritated Tyler even more.

Knock, knock, knock!

Just then, a knock came from the door and Avery's voice came from outside. "Tyler, Missus Hart is dressed and wants to talk to you alone."

As for what Valencia wanted to discuss, it was something everyone knew well.

Tyler knew that this matter could not be easily brushed aside and responded, "I understand." Turning his head, he looked at Vicky. "You are to stay here. Don't go anywhere. I'll go and see what I can do."

Vicky remained silent.

After not seeing each other for a few days, not only did Vicky not show any sign of missing him, but she also ignored him completely, which left him bitter.

"Vicky, did you hear what I said?" he asked.

Vicky continued to ignore him, and Tyler finally lost his patience.

He forcefully pulled her into his embrace, cupped her head, and kissed her forcefully.

Even without looking into a mirror, Vicky could tell from the burning sensation on her cheeks that her entire face was swollen.

Disgusted that Tyler still felt the urge to assault her when she looked so hideous, she struggled to push him away, but he remained still like a rock.

It had been so long since he last kissed her and he could barely contain himself; all the frustration and anger he felt eased.

Though he was still annoyed, he managed to suppress the urge to take her away by force.

Tyler could sense that Vicky's attitude toward him was worsening and that he could no longer exert a forceful approach toward her.

Loving You In Secret Chapter 1118-Tyler felt more relaxed after the kiss, and his tone of voice was no longer as rigid. "Wait here. I'll come back soon." He lowered his head and planted a gentle kiss on her forehead." Don't worry. I will give you a satisfying ending."

With that, he let Vicky go and stepped out of the room.

Shortly after Tyler left, someone knocked on the door again, and a beautiful woman strode in elegantly. "Are you alright, Miss Shaw?"

Vicky studied Avery, who stood before her.

Avery sized up Vicky and smiled. "Although the injuries on your face may look frightening, they're just superficial wounds and nothing serious. However, Missus Hart was pushed into the water, and even if you acted in self-defense, you've overdone it."

"What are you trying to say, Miss Yeager?"

Avery smiled faintly. "I saw Tyler going to see Missus Hart just now. I assume he went to plead for you. It's only my first day at the Hart household, and I already get to witness such a spectacle... I imagine it won't be lonely for me once I settle in here."

Vicky detected the underlying meaning in Avery's words." Settle in here?"

Avery feigned surprise. "Yes, didn't you know? I've already discussed it with Missus Hart. I'll be staying here for a while, and she has agreed..." Turning her head, Avery looked at Vicky with an ambiguous smile. "Miss Shaw, you're truly impressive. In such a short time, you managed to captivate both Tyler and Lincoln. One disregards his own injuries, while the other uses all sorts of schemes and methods... They can't even stand to see you hurt, yet both manage to stay patient until now... They're both willing to go to great lengths to have you."

Vicky's eyes narrowed. "Seeing me captured and beaten?" Comment by Bella Ash: Pardon if I missed it...but I didn't see any reference to 'captured and beaten', though I do see 'hurt '? Comment by Lam Venise: As in captured by Valencia's men and beaten by Valencia. Comment by Bella Ash: So perhaps 'Did you see me captured and beaten' is better?

Because the way Vicky said it here, it looks like she repeated what Avery said, but Avery didn't blatantly mention anything about seeing Vicky being captured and beaten. Comment by Lam Venise: I see where you are coming. I think it's best to edit Avery's words to "they can't stand seeing you captured and beaten" because I think it's more important to the plot that Avery let it slip.

Avery changed the subject and said, "I wonder which of the Hart brothers you are interested in? Or...do you want them both?"

Vicky ignored the sarcasm in her voice and said, "You and Tyler saw everything that happened earlier, didn't you?"

Vicky recalled that not long ago, she and Aurora had seen

Avery chatting with Tyler.

Shortly after, Aurora had to leave for something.

Vicky accompanied Aurora to the door and then returned-a round trip that took about half an hour.

'So, has Avery been with Tyler all this time and witnessed Valencia's men capturing and beating me?' Vicky thought.

However, Avery was denying it. ”1 don't understand what you mean, Miss Shaw... Please don't try to change the subject."

Vicky walked up to Avery, looking directly into her eyes. "Am I the one changing the subject, or are you?"

Lincoln was Avery's fiance, yet he showed great favor to Vicky and openly admitted that she was his girlfriend. In theory, Avery should feel justified to confront Vicky.

However, at this moment, Avery avoided Vicky's eyes and dared not meet them.

Vicky's heart sank, and her tone inadvertently became more assertive. "Miss Yeager, did you see what happened to me just now?"

Avery's expression became somewhat flustered in the face of Vicky's assertive tone, but soon, she regained her composure.

"So what if I did?" Avery looked at her coldly. "You stole my fiance, and I was just watching from the sidelines. That alone can be considered benevolent. Do you expect me to save you?"

Loving You In Secret Chapter 1119-Vicky continued to stare at Avery intently. "Tyler saw it too, didn’t he?"

Avery stiffened and remained silent, which confirmed that Vicky guessed right.

In an instant, disappointment crashed over her like a tsunami, shattering the last trace of affection she had for Tyler in her heart.

If Tyler had been indifferent and remained a bystander throughout the time she was abused by Valencia, she would not have blamed him, but he instead appeared at the right moment, giving her hope and radiance so that she would be grateful toward him.

In the end, it was all a lie and a calculated manipulation on his part.

'How is this any different from before when he trapped me by being tender and considerate before casting me aside?' she thought.

These were indeed the tactics Tyler was accustomed to, and Vicky's heart sank little by little.

Had Tyler only seen her as a means to an end and someone to exploit?

Seeing Vicky's vacant expression, Avery seemed unwilling to continue the discussion and spoke coldly, "My engagement

with Lincoln will not be canceled, and I will be staying at this mansion for this period. I warn you to stay away from Lincoln, or...I won’t mind showing you what I'm capable of."

With that, Avery left the room.

Vicky stood frozen in a daze, feeling an inexplicable ache on the cheeks that Tyler had carefully treated with medicine; it hurt even more than when Valencia had beaten her.

Just then, Lincoln walked in and noticed the pale look on her face. Solemnly, he said, "Vicky, I saw Avery just leaving... Did she say or do something to trouble you?"

Vicky turned her head slowly and saw a pair of concerned eyes looking back at her. "I'm fine," she replied softly. "Why did you come?"

"I was worried about you, so I came to check on you." After hesitating for a moment, Lincoln added, "I actually wanted to come earlier, but Tyler was here, and I didn't want him to misunderstand, so I didn't come right away..."

As he studied Vicky's swollen cheeks, a hint of guilt appeared in Lincoln's eyes. "I'm sorry I was late."

Vicky's scattered mind gathered at the sight of Lincoln, and she asked, "Why did you come? How did you know about what just happened?"

Lincoln remained silent for a few moments and said, "I haven't been able to get out and I was worried that Mother might come after you, so I arranged for my men to follow you and report to me if something goes wrong."

Realization dawned on Vicky. "I see. Thank you."

"Regardless, I was still too late. I'm sorry for what you had to suffer," he said guiltily.

Vicky shook her head and said sarcastically, "You were never the one who arrived late."

"Vicky, can you tell me what happened in detail?" Lincoln asked gently.

Vicky fell into silence for a few moments before proceeding to recount the earlier event.

Lincoln scowled. "You rarely get out of the area where Grandfather lives, yet Mother caught wind of you getting out the moment you did... That's too much of a coincidence."

Loving You In Secret Chapter 1120-Vicky's brow furrowed. "Are you saying that...'

Lincoln nodded. "Either someone has been watching you on my mother's orders, or someone is tipping her off. However, because of my persistent injury, my mother has been devoting most of her time to taking care of me, so she probably hasn't had the chance to arrange for someone to spy on you.”

"So you're saying someone might be informing her of my whereabouts?" Vicky asked.

Lincoln looked at her. "Vicky, when you and Miss Starling were walking around the mansion, did you encounter anyone?"

The base of where the Harts resided was in Molivia, so there were not many people living in the mansion in Zendonia.

Vicky considered for a moment and was about to say that she had not encountered anyone when something suddenly struck her, and her eyes widened.

Lincoln noticed her change in expression and asked, "Vicky, did you think of something?"

"I did not encounter anyone, but...Aurora and I did see Tyler and Avery. However, we only caught a glimpse of them from a distance, and they didn't notice us at that time.”

Vicky chose her words carefully. Because Tyler and Avery did not notice them back then, it did not mean they had not been discovered later.

Lincoln looked at Vicky. "Avery just arrived today, so she probably isn't aware of the grudge between you and my mother..."

Although Lincoln did not proceed any further, Vicky instantly understood what he was implying.

Since Lincoln managed to announce Vicky as his girlfriend, it was only natural for others to assume that he did so with Valencia’s approval, and in Avery's eyes, Vicky and Valencia were allies.

If Avery was not aware of the conflict between Vicky and Valencia, she would have had no motive to tip Valencia off about Vicky's location, which left only one suspect: Tyler.

The current situation seemed to benefit him and had no drawbacks.

Vicky had been tormented by Valencia, and she definitely would not want to stay at the Harts' mansion any longer. Hence, Tyler watched as she was beaten and bullied, making sure she knew that she could not stay as she pleased. He then waited for the 'appropriate' moment to appear before her, rescuing her from danger, so that she would grow dependent on him once again, and he could cast her aside when he eventually grew bored of her once more.

'A cunning plan, I'll say,' Vicky cursed inwardly.

Lincoln seemed to have come to the same conclusion as well and spoke up. "We shouldn't exclude the possibility of coincidence. Perhaps we're overthinking it."

Vicky's lips curled slightly, revealing a smile devoid of warmth. "A coincidence? In Tyler's world, there's never such a thing as a coincidence."

Lincoln rarely badmouthed Tyler, so he did not continue the subject. "Vicky, I'm sorry for what happened." He paused and shot her a smile. "You don't have to apologize for what happened. I will talk to Mother about this."

In the other room, Valencia has showered and changed into her new clothes when someone knocked on the door.

"Come in," said Valencia.

Tyler waltzed in elegantly.

Valencia felt less annoyed by him since he took her side and asked Vicky to apologize earlier.