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."
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,
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 li
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?""..."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
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.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
...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
Tyler calmly interrupted Vicky's words. "Are you trying to say I dragged you into the room?"Vicky opened her mouth, but before she could speak, Tyler continued, "There are surveillance cameras in the corridor, Ms. Shaw. It's better not to make baseless claims."Vicky's expression turned bitter. "Tyler, don't tell me you conveniently forgot everything that happened last night."His tone was indifferent. "I was drunk."Being drunk seemed a universal excuse for most misconduct. It seemed that as long as someone was inebriated, any action could be excused.Vicky nodded. "Alright, so you were drunk and don't remember anything. I'll explain the whole situation to you, then, Mister Hart. Yesterday night, I ran into you in the elevator..."Tyler questioned, "In the elevator? How convenient."Vicky knew what he was suspecting and took a deep breath. "Harvey got drunk, and I was taking him back to his room. When we were getting off the elevator, I ran into you.""Getting off the elevato
'Tyler's right. What am I trying to convey? Whether it was consensual or not, the deed has been done. If I truly found it unacceptable, I can just report it to the authorities. Why go through the trouble of explaining myself to someone who could be considered a perpetrator?' she thought. 'Do I still harbor some unrealistic fantasy about him?'At that moment, the abrupt ringing of a phone shattered the silence.Tyler picked up the phone and glanced at it. His gaze deepened before he answered. "Avery."Hearing Avery's name, Vicky's blood ran cold."Tyler, what were you doing last night? Why didn't you answer my calls?" came Avery's sweet, teasing voice from the other end of the phone."I was at a banquet last night and had a bit too much to drink." Tyler's voice remained slow and melodious."You scared me. I thought something happened to you.""I'm fine. There's no need to worry.""Tyler, I've booked a flight for this afternoon. I'll be in Stoneford City tomorrow to be with you."