Ch. 1541..1550

Loving You In Secret Chapter 1541-Although Tyler had not uttered much, the unwavering determination in his tone was unmistakable.

This press conference was globally broadcast in sync.

The conference had just begun when a reporter raised a piercing question. Tyler's response was composed and calm, his handsome face devoid of any emotions, his powerful presence almost palpable through the screen.

Another reporter inquired, "If it turns out your fiancee's infidelity is proven true, how would you handle it?"

"I don't wish to answer any hypothetical questions."

The reporter persisted, "Is it that you don't want to answer or that you can't answer? After all, you're standing so resolutely by your fiancee's side. If the truth isn't as you wish it to be, your words today would be like a self-inflicted blow... Is that why you can't answer?"

Tyler gave a casual glance at the questioning reporter." Since you can accurately guess what I'm thinking, why don't you go ahead and answer the follow-up questions for me?"

The reporter's expression stiffened. "Mister Hart, that is a bit unreasonable."

"A reporter with professional ethics wouldn't base their reporting on subjective judgments or engage in malicious speculations. Your professionalism is seriously in doubt."

Tyler's gaze turned indifferent as he looked away. "Next question."

The reporter wanted to interject, but another reporter already stood up eagerly to pose a question.

"Mister, Hart, even if there are hidden circumstances in this matter, your fiancee did indeed engage in a relationship with another man... Are you truly not bothered by it?"

The wealthier and more influential a man was, the more he had to preserve his reputation. With the whole world aware of this incident and everyone discussing it relentlessly, there were likely very few men who would willingly accept being in such a situation.

Tyler's voice was deep and steady. "Would you blame your wife for someone else’s mistake?"

The reporter was taken aback and was instantly rendered speechless.

"Mister Hart, you just stated that you won't cancel your engagement to Miss Yeager... Does that mean, regardless of what happens, you'll steadfastly stand by her side?" another person asked.

This time, Tyler provided an affirmative answer. "Yes."

Tyler's response stunned every person in the room.

At this point, the truth no longer mattered as Tyler would not call off the engagement even if Avery did cheat on him.

"Mister Hart, you've been quite determined since the start," the reporter continued. "Why are you so devoted to Miss

Yeager and insist on believing her?"

"Ever since I returned to the Hart Family, she's been the one who stayed by my side to encourage me without asking for anything in return. I've witnessed all the things she has done for me in the past four years, and I know her better than anyone here," Tyler said, enunciating each word. "Am I supposed to believe the person who clearly did this to ruin my wedding over my fiance?"

Silence fell over the press conference.

Loving You In Secret Chapter 1542-Seated before the television, Avery was moved to tears." Dad, can't you see it now? Tyler truly believes in me!" Avery stared dreamily at the man on the screen. "All my efforts over these four years were worth it!"

Her father's brow furrowed. "Avery, a man's sweet words shouldn't be taken seriously. Over the years, Tyler hasn't shown you much affection, yet he's suddenly taking your side contrary to his usual demeanor. Don't you find that strange?"

"That's because Tyler isn't the kind of man who's adept at expressing himself!"

At this moment, Avery's heart was filled with her love for Tyler, so she was not pleased with her father's skepticism." Besides, everyone has witnessed how I've treated him over these four years. People's hearts are fickle. Is it so weird to believe that I've moved him somehow? Would you prefer that he acts distant toward me all this time instead?"

A dismissive snort escaped her father. "If he's so fond of you, why has he refused to sleep with you all these years? A man's affection for a woman isn't limited to words."

Avery defended herself with conviction. "Tyler said he didn't want to take advantage of me. He wanted to save our first time for our wedding day." i

"How utterly ridiculous!" Her father had spent years in

Molivia and was not as conservative as people his age." Men love for the sake of pleasure. He doesn't want to touch you, yet you believe he loves you deeply?"

"Tyler grew up in Zendonia; he's just more traditional and conservative." i

"What about Vicky, then? I've heard that back when Vicky was still in university, he couldn't wait to have his way with her."

Avery's breath hitched. "Toys are meant to be played with as one pleases," Avery defended. "I won't deny that Tyler used to like Vicky a lot. Still, lust is about indulgence, while love is about restraint." i

Avery turned her head, her gaze tenderly shifting back to Tyler's face on the screen. "It’s precisely because Tyler cherishes me that he won't treat me casually."

Her father was frustrated. "He's brainwashed you!"

Avery looked at her father, a peculiar light shimmering in her eyes. "Dad, you've always liked Tyler, so what's wrong with you today? Why do you keep badmouthing him? Has someone said something to you?"

Mister Yeager flinched, and Avery instantly smiled in realization. "Brielle did, huh?"

Mister Yeager wanted to argue, but Avery interrupted him." So what if what Tyler said was all fake? Don't you think that it's the right action that aligns with our interest that he openly announces that he stands by me? Have you considered that he'd be admitting that I cheated on him if he wavered even a bit? Should that happen, the Yeagers will all be the subject of mockery. At the same time, our company's market value will drop. It doesn't matter if he meant what he said, but he was willing to side with us to protect me and the Yeagers. Instead of feeling glad that he stands by our side when there is a crisis in our family, you question his intention."

Avery shot her father a disappointed look. "Do you understand how much pressure he subject himself to by announcing that he believes me? Still, he stood by my side. You're right about saying that love is more than just words."

Loving You In Secret Chapter 1543-"Tyler's actions speak volumes. Though he's been so cold to me in the past years that I've doubted his feelings at times, I can now see how truly cares about me."

With a final glance at her father, Avery's smile faded. "I suppose you're unwilling to ruin the spy you've placed by Lincoln's side. Are you still hoping to profit from it? If you don't want to deal with Lincoln, I can't do anything about it. What I can say is that if there comes a day when your interests clash with Tyler's...don't blame me for not standing by your side."

Her father's expression shifted. "You... You'd forsake your parents for Tyler?!"

"After that incident, all you cared about was your reputation and the reputation of the Yeager family. You never once cared about how I felt or whether I was being manipulated." Avery smiled mockingly. "You still have another daughter. If Tyler and I broke up, you could easily shift the investments you made in me over to Brielle. You could find her a suitable marriage, and you'd lose nothing. Over the years, while it seemed like we were supporting Tyler, the benefits we reaped from the Hart family and Tyler himself, far exceeded what we invested. You sure have it all figured out, haven't you?"

Avery could not be bothered to spare another glance at her father and focused solely on Tyler.

She knew that Vicky would see the press conference and hear about what Tyler had said as well. Anyone could be replaced, and Avery believed that she was the one who held the most important place in Tyler's heart. 1

Tyler's speech spread globally within a day.

What was even more shocking was that he was not mocked but instead supported by many. After all, a man who was willing to stand by his woman under all circumstances was the dream lover of countless women.

The topic of discussion was no longer the scandalous video released at the wedding, but the love story between Tyler and Avery instead.

Avery, who had been vilified by the public, was miraculously vindicated in an instant. Most believed she had been set up, especially considering the explicit timing of the video’s release on her wedding day. The intention to disrupt the wedding could not be more obvious.

As the discussions continued, someone even leaked that Tyler was married once.

The online posts vividly described how that ex-wife plotted to sleep with Tyler through nefarious means and subsequently married him through even more despicable schemes. In the end, she was abandoned.

However, despite these expository articles, there were no photos of the so-called ex-wife, let alone any evidence to

support these claims. The authenticity was questionable at best.

Aurora, upon seeing the recent news, was filled with indignation.

"Is Tyler under Avery's spell or something? Not only did he organize a press conference to protect her, but he even willingly accepted the fact that she cheated on him! Are all these social media users stupid? Why would they believe whatever people tell them? And now they are calling this true love?! Ew! Tyler would've been dead by now because of that woman had you not done anything about it, Vicky!"

Aurora turned to look at Vicky. "You can't just suffer so much just so that Avery can take advantage of Tyler. You need to come forward and explain everything. Show everyone what a vicious woman she truly is!"

Vicky shook her head.

Aurora wanted to press on but refrained in the end when she spotted the gloomy look in Vicky's eyes.

Just then, Vicky's phone rang.

"Vicky, I'm downstairs," Harvey said through the phone.

"Sure. I'll come down now," Vicky said and hung up, before adding to Aurora, "I'll get going now. Harvey mentioned that we can't leave the party before it ends, so I'll probably come home late. Don't wait up and go to sleep like normal."

Loving You In Secret Chapter 1544-Aurora nodded. "Sure.

Harvey had a party to attend and needed a partner, so he went to Vicky for help.

After all that Harvey had done for her, Vicky naturally had no reason to refuse to do such a small favor for him.

Once they arrived at the party, Vicky realized that there were more guests than she imagined. "Is today some kind of special occasion?" she whispered to Harvey. "Why are there so many people?"

Harvey seemed to be taken aback as well. "This is a rather major business party for people looking to expand their businesses, but this is still a lot of people."

Many of them were from foreign countries, too.

Vicky glanced around and asked, "Maybe some bigshot is coming to attend this party?"

Vicky had attended her share of galas, and such occasions usually heralded the arrival of some significant figure.

Harvey's brow furrowed slightly, "I didn't receive any advance notice."

As they puzzled over this, the once lively banquet hall suddenly fell silent. Following this, obsequious and respectful voices came from the direction of the entrance.

"Mister Hart, your presence graces us. Please come in."

"Mister Hart, I've heard you're planning to invest in the Zendonian market next. The Larson Corporation in Stoneford City has had continuous business cooperation with the Hart family. Would you be interested in considering a collaboration?"

"Mister Hart, please come inside."

Vicky lifted her head and spotted a tall, familiar figure entering slowly amid the crowd. He was dressed in a tailored black suit, exuding an air of aristocratic grace.

Due to Avery's unresolved cheating scandal, Tyler had not brought a female companion. However, even though the world knew of this news, no one dared mention it in front of him.

Harvey's expression subtly shifted at the sight of Tyler. Instinctively, he turned to look at Vicky.

Vicky was looking at Tyler, her gaze wavering at the slightest.

"Vicky." Harvey smiled regretfully. "I'm sorry. I had no idea he would be here."

Vicky mustered a faint smile. "It's alright."

Her gaze was probably too piercing and Tyler, who was encircled by a group of elite individuals in the center, suddenly turned his attention in their direction.

In an instant, their gazes intertwined.

His black eyes were cool, and he said something to the men around him before striding purposefully toward them.

Vicky's heart skipped a beat.

Harvey had been closely observing Vicky. Noticing the anxiety in her gaze, he trailed her line of sight and saw Tyler, who was almost in front of them.

Loving You In Secret Chapter 1545-Harvey's gaze grew slightly deeper as he was about to speak, but Tyler extended his hand toward him.

"Mister Sparks, it's been a while," Tyler greeted.

Both Vicky and Harvey were taken aback, but Harvey quickly recovered and shook Tyler's hand politely.

"Indeed." Harvey smiled. "When did you return, Mister Hart?"

"I just landed yesterday," Tyler responded.

They exchanged pleasantries politely, their expressions and tones revealing no hint of hostility. Tyler did not spare more than a passing glance at Vicky.

Glancing at Vicky, Harvey offered a faint smile. "After all these years, I didn't expect you to still remember me, Mister Hart."

Tyler's voice, deep and pleasant-sounding, replied, "Back then, you were brimming with confidence and came close to taking over Hart Corporation. How could I ever forget about a man like yourself?"

"Times have changed," replied Harvey. "Today, your accomplishments have surpassed all. The rest of us can only dream of ever achieving such success."

"You are being too modest, Mister Sparks. Everyone knows that the Sparks family is thriving now, and your worth is considerable. Several of my cousins have quite a favorable impression of you and would be honored to get to know you. If

"You are too kind," Harvey said.

At this point, Tyler seemed to finally notice Vicky. "And this is..."

Upon feeling Tyler's gaze, Vicky reflexively tensed.

Noticing Vicky’s unease, Harvey subtly positioned himself in front of her and offered a simple introduction, "She is my companion."

It was evident that Harvey did not wish to provide much detail about their relationship.

Tyler looked at Vicky and extended his hand. "Ms. Shaw, we meet again."

Vicky forced herself to reach out, her voice steady as she replied, "Hello, Mister Hart."

Vicky had not mentioned her previous encounters with Tyler, so a look of surprise flickered across Harvey's face as he heard Tyler.

"Vicky, have you...met Mister Hart before?"

The matter of Vicky having witnessed Tyler during his hypnotic episode had been shared among their group. After all, Old Mister Hart warned her not to rely on her friends to keep her informed.

Vicky did not dare gamble with her friends' safety, so she only shared a portion of the truth. Fortunately, everyone understood and cooperated.

Before Vicky could respond, Tyler's voice interjected, "You seem rather surprised, Mister Sparks."

Harvey's eyes briefly dimmed as he looked at Tyler.

Tyler stood tall and graceful as his lips curled into a subtle, gentle smile.

"Vicky is a good friend of mine. I'm just surprised she didn't mention it," Harvey said.

"Ms. Shaw isn't a part of the business world, so it's normal that she doesn't know me," Tyler said.

At this point, Vicky had no choice but to explain, "Jennifer and I ran into Noah at Mister Hart's wedding. Noah's cat went missing, and while I looked for the cat, I ran into Mister Hart."

Harvey knew Vicky had run into Noah, but she never mentioned her encounter with Tyler. Not even Jennifer and Noah knew about it.

Countless thoughts crossed Harvey's mind, and the look in his eyes dimmed slightly. He soon regained his composure, however, and smiled. "I see."

"I've only come over to greet you since it's been some time since we last saw each other, Mister Sparks," Tyler said. "I'll leave you two alone now."

With that, he turned to leave without hesitation.

Loving You In Secret Chapter 1546-As Tyler walked away, Harvey remarked, "Tyler does look like he hasn't forgotten anything."

After a brief silence, Vicky added, "Except for me."

Vicky did not know for sure what he had forgotten but was certain Tyler had forgotten all about her. That was enough.

Harvey turned around to study the sorrowful look on her face. "He has changed quite a lot," he commented.

Vicky chuckled. "Maybe, but personality-wise, I don't think he's changed all that much."

Tyler was still as sincere in love. The only difference was that his sincerity was directed at another woman.

Harvey was a perceptive man, and he instantly grasped the meaning behind her words.

"Vicky, do you think emotions gained through manipulation can be genuine?" he asked.

He expected her to deny such a notion. However, Vicky surprised him by responding, "Why wouldn't they be?"

Harvey was taken aback.

Vicky gazed at the mingling crowd, her smile faint. "Reality isn't like a fairy tale. Not all good people receive rewards, nor do all villains meet tragic ends. Perhaps, in the end, the good suffer, while the bad thrive."

Mixed emotions settled onto Harvey's expression. "Vicky, that doesn't sound like something you'd say."

"People change. The version of myself from four years ago believed in fairy tales, and if I stayed the same four years later, I’d be quite a fool. Besides..." Vicky's voice paused." Emotions gained through manipulation might not be as hard to accept as one thinks. Even if Tyler finds out about it, he might not care."

Harvey's expression turned pensive, knowing that Vicky was talking about herself.

Back then, Tyler used every means necessary to win her over. Despite finding out about the truth in the end, she still loved him deeply. At present, the same thing happened again with Tyler, with Avery being the one manipulating him.

For someone like Tyler, he might empathize with Avery's behavior.

As the two conversed, a few people at the banquet observed Tyler approaching Harvey to chat and assumed a strong camaraderie between them, so they got closer to Harvey, hoping to gain a favor or two from him. 1

As Harvey's companion, Vicky found herself surrounded by some high-society ladies as well.

The banquet was bustling with many attendees, creating a lively atmosphere.

Harvey had a carefree personality, good social skills, and was a charming conversationalist, so he quickly bonded

with the people around him.

For men, social interactions often involved alcohol, and many raised their glasses to Harvey.

For Vicky, women raised their glasses to her. Since she accompanied Harvey to the event, it would not be appropriate to decline their gestures.

As she took a glass and was about to sip, a hand took the glass from her.

"Vicky can't hold her liquor well. I'll drink this on her behalf," Harvey stated, promptly finishing the drink.

The onlookers responded with teasing smiles.

"Mister Sparks is such a considerate boyfriend for not letting his date drink."

"Hahaha! I guess the only time we will get to see Ms. Shaw drinking will be at their wedding!"

Jokes were exchanged among the crowd, and Harvey took it all in stride, deflecting anyone who attempted to toast Vicky.

Loving You In Secret Chapter 1547-The gathering was abundant with attendees, most of them of esteemed status and significant standing, so refusing their offers to toast was a formidable task.

As Harvey's drinking escalated, Vicky could not help but feel concerned. "Take it easy. Don't overdo it," she advised.

"No worries, I can handle my liquor," Harvey assured.

Vicky knew Harvey had a robust tolerance for alcohol, but drinking so much could still lead to intoxication.

Sure enough, after a while, Harvey's steps grew unsteady, and his pupils lost their earlier clarity, indicating that he was drunk.

Fortunately, the banquet was winding down at this point.

Vicky watched as Harvey, hardly able to stand, was assisted by the waitstaff and guided upstairs to rest.

After ensuring Harvey, who was already unconscious from the alcohol, was comfortably settled, Vicky checked the time and prepared to leave.

The hallway was illuminated with warm, golden lights.

Vicky walked on the soft carpet, her shadow elongated by the light.

Reaching the elevator, she pressed the button and quietly waited for it to arrive.

Ding!

After a while, the elevator came to a smooth halt. A tall, well- built man stood inside the elevator. 2

Vicky was momentarily taken aback at the sight of a familiar face.

Observing her hesitation to enter, the man's deep voice followed. "Are you going to get in?"

Vicky snapped back to attention and quickly stepped into the elevator. "Sorry."

After pressing the first-floor button, Vicky realized that the elevator was ascending.

She was puzzled. "Isn't the elevator going down?"

"..." Tyler stood silently in the elevator, offering no response.

The elevator would stop on this floor, either because someone was getting off or because she pressed the up button. Otherwise, it would not stop and would continue upward before returning to this floor.

It was only Tyler inside the elevator, which led Vicky to conclude that she might have pressed the wrong button. 1

The elevator remained eerily quiet.

Although Tyler was not particularly close to her, for some inexplicable reason, Vicky felt like she was having trouble breathing.

Ding! The elevator came to a halt at the top floor.

As the doors opened, no one disembarked.

Watching the doors slowly closing again, Vicky finally spoke, "Mister Hart, we've reached the top."

"Uh-huh." His response was distant, and he showed no intention of stepping out.

Unable to resist, Vicky turned her head.

Tyler was massaging his forehead, his eyes half-closed as if he was battling a headache.

A sudden thought made Vicky blurt without thinking, "Do you have a headache again?"

Distracted by the pain, Tyler did not notice anything amiss. He rubbed his throbbing temples and casually replied, "I probably had a bit too much to drink."

Since no one exited the elevator for a while, it automatically closed.

Realizing this, Vicky pressed the open button, and the elevator doors reopened.

"Mister Hart, this is your floor."

Tyler hummed in response and frowned as he prepared to step outside. However, he stumbled on his way out, and Vicky reflexively steadied him. "Tyler, are you alright?"

He frowned in silence but seemed uncomfortable.

The elevator door was closing once again.

Not wanting to keep the elevator occupied, she helped Tyler out of it.

With their faces inches away from one another, she caught a whiff of alcohol, and she realized that he had plenty to drink.

The elevator descended, and Vicky pressed the button again. "Mister Hart, do you need me to call a hotel staff over for you?"

Tyler simply closed his eyes and did not respond.

Loving You In Secret Chapter 1548-Since Tyler did not respond, Vicky had no intention of being presumptuous.

"Rest up. I'll be leaving now," Vicky said, moving her hand away from where it was supporting him.

However, her wrist was firmly held by Tyler, and for a moment, she could not pull away. At this point, Vicky realized that the man was relying on her for support, his upper body leaning heavily against her.

"Mister Hart, please let go-"

Her words were cut off by Tyler's low, hoarse voice. "Help me back to my room."

Vicky paused for a few seconds. "Mister Hart, shall I call the hotel staff to assist you?"

His tone held a hint of impatience. "Aren't you the staff?" n n

Vicky glanced at him and noticed his glossed-over eyes, realizing that he might not recognize her at all.

"Do you know who I am?" Vicky asked him.

Tyler's gaze slowly turned to her, and he uttered, "The hotel staff."

Vicky was rendered speechless.

"I am not a hotel staff." Vicky tried to push him away. "If you need assistance, I can help you call for help, but please release my hand."

Talking to a drunkard was undoubtedly like talking to a wall as Tyler's response remained the same. "Help me back to my room."

Vicky attempted a few times to no avail in pushing him away.

It was at this moment that the elevator began ascending.

Vicky was unsure if anyone else needed the elevator. If they were caught Vicky and Tyler in this compromising situation, who knew what sort of story people would come up with?

Helplessly, Vicky asked, "Which room are you in?"

"The room key is in my pocket," he mumbled.

While his response was not quite to the point, at least it gave her some useful information.

Vicky slipped her hand into his coat pocket, searching multiple times, but found no room key. "Mister Hart, the room key isn't in your coat pocket."

"Mm-hm."

"What do you mean, mh-hm?' she screamed inwardly.

"Mister Hart." Vicky patiently persisted. "I didn't find the room key."

After a period of silence, Tyler answered slowly, "It's in my pocket."

"..." Vicky struggled to keep her patience. She started to suspect that he did not even know what he was saying.

Vicky had the urge to leave him in the corridor.

Casting a glance at the pocket of his trousers, Vicky begrudgingly started searching again. She checked both pockets and still could not find the room key.

With a hint of irritation, Tyler hoarsely grumbled, "What are you doing?"

"Looking for the room key."

Ignoring her answer entirely, Tyler's intoxicated gaze fixed on her. "Why are you touching me?"

"... If you don't want me touching you, just let go." Vicky's patience ran thin. "I can't find your room card. Go back to your room on your own."

"Room card?" Tyler lifted his gaze and slowly retrieved a car from the inner pocket of his suit jacket. "This?"

Vicky suppressed the urge to curse and thought to herself,' Is that considered a pocket on his clothes? I guess so.'

She snatched the card from his hand and found his room.

All she wanted was to deliver Tyler back to his room and leave as soon as possible.

Loving You In Secret Chapter 1549-The room was dark.

Vicky struggled to guide Tyler into the room.

Just as she reached out to find the switch on the wall, a large hand suddenly grabbed her wrist. Before she could react, she was forcefully pressed against the door.

Thud!

A muffled sound echoed as the door panel took the impact. Immediately after, Vicky's lips were sealed in a deep kiss. Caught off-guard, she found herself suppressed as she tried to resist. i

The room remained dark with only the flickering neon lights from outside casting a faint glow, which was hardly enough for them to make out each other's expressions.

"Tyler, let go of me... Mmph!"

The hand gripping her wrist felt scorching, and she struggled to escape.

As the cold night passed, a passionate night unfolded inside the room.

The next day, Vicky slowly opened her eyes. Her head felt heavy, and she was exhausted.

It was this discomfort that kept her sleep from being sound.

It caused her to have a terrifying nightmare.

Vicky moved to sit up and instantly realized something was off when she sensed the weight on her waist.

She trembled and instinctively turned her head, only to see a sharply defined handsome face.

At that moment, Tyler's eyes were closed, and Vicky quickly realized she was naked under the sheets.

Their clothes were strewn messily on the floor, and she immediately acknowledged that what happened the night before was not a dream.

This realization turned Vicky's brain into a tangle of confusion, leaving her incapable of thinking clearly.

She gently moved the hand looped around her waist, pushed back the covers, and got out of bed before bending down to pick up the scattered clothes on the floor to escape.

Yet, after picking up a few pieces of fabric, Vicky's movements froze upon realizing that her clothes were no longer wearable.

"Did I not satisfy your appetite last night, Ms. Shaw? Are you planning to continue your seductress way so early in the morning?"

A low, magnetic voice came from behind her, and Vicky slowly turned.

Tyler, who was still asleep moments ago, was leaning on the bedhead and looking at her mockingly.

Vicky moved her lips to speak but struggled to find her voice.

His gaze landed on her, and the look in his eyes darkened.

Spotting the rising lust in his eyes, she sobered and backed away. Ignoring the fact that she was naked, she turned to run but was lifted before she could get away.

The world spun before her, and she was once again pinned against the bed.

Before she had the chance to resist, Tyler kissed her lips.

The curtains in the room were not fully drawn, so the sunlight shone in and cast a golden light over the room. The vague memories from the night before were jogged.

Loving You In Secret Chapter 1550-The passion died down after a long while.

The man rose without a hint of attachment and headed into the bathroom while Vicky was discarded like a tattered doll.

The sound of running water echoed from the bathroom.

After what felt like an eternity, Tyler emerged from the bathroom. He casually draped a bathrobe over himself, water droplets from his hair falling onto his fair, muscular skin.

Back in the bedroom, he looked at the still woman on the bed and coolly said, "Don't you want to take a shower first?"

Upon hearing his voice, Vicky finally stirred. Her gaze moved slightly and slowly shifted toward him.

The years had been kind to Tyler, and he looked almost exactly the same. However, his gaze was deeper, his aura more impenetrable.

"I could assume you were drunk last night," she gazed at him and firmly added, "but what about just now?"

Tyler lifted an eyebrow. "Were you not trying to seduce me by standing in front of me naked?"

"Even if I was, that doesn't mean you have to do anything about it, do you?" Vicky found it amusing. "Are you that easy to seduce?"

"Oh, that's not the case."

Tyler seated himself on the couch, lazily leaning back." Avery loved me deeply, but even she couldn't resist cheating, so I figured I should try it as well."

Vicky had not expected to hear such an answer, and her eyes widened in surprise. "What are you saying?"

Tyler picked up the cigarette case and lighter from the table, lighting up a cigarette. The white smoke curled around his handsome face. "It's only fair this way."

Vicky clenched her fist. "You're using me as a tool for revenge against her?"

"Revenge?" Tyler glanced at her, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Ms. Shaw, you think quite highly of yourself. You're just a woman who came knocking at my door; I just thought I shouldn't let an opportunity that presented itself go to waste, n

Vicky gaped at him in disbelief. "Not let it go to waste?

When did you become like this?"

Back then, even if drugged, he would rather take an ice-cold bath than sleep with Gloria, yet he seemed to have transformed into a womanizer who felt no guilt about cheating.

Vicky found it completely unacceptable, but Tyler seemed entirely comfortable with her shock and chuckled. "I'm born this way. What on earth gave you the impression that I'm loyal, Ms. Shaw?"

"But you said on the press conference that-"

"It was just an act. Ms. Shaw, how old are you now to believe that?" He smoked. "You wouldn't hold me responsible for this, would you?"

She looked at him in disappointment, feeling as though she was looking at a complete stranger.

Just then, his cold, melodious voice sounded again. "Ms. Shaw, forgive me for being blunt, but I will never marry a woman who throws herself at me."

"I threw myself at you?" She snapped out of it. "Was that really the case, or did you..." She looked him in the eyes." Rape me?"

He lifted an eyebrow. "Go ahead and call the police if that's what you think. I'm curious to see if the police would believe a woman who found her way into my room and accuse me of rape."

"I didn't find my way into your room. You were the one wh-"