Although Avery understood Tyler's personality, the fact that he did not ask more left her disappointed.Ever since the annulment of their engagement, Avery grew increasingly uneasy. Despite having numerous means at her disposal to manipulate Tyler, she still felt restless.Avery mulled over her thoughts and eventually attributed this unease to the fact she had never been intimate with Tyler.The thought that Vicky slept with Tyler filled Avery with jealousy. However, she was the one who cheated first, and she dared not to confront Tyler.It seemed things were spiraling in an unfavorable direction, and Avery made up her mind that she could not wait any longer. She had to secure Tyler with whatever means necessary.Raising her glass, Avery softly said, "A toast to you, Tyler."Tyler lifted his glass and lightly clinked it with hers.As he drank, a glint of determination flashed in Avery's eyes.In the dimly lit room, Tyler's face seemed even more radiant. Avery's gaze was fixed o
Tyler was gone by the time Avery woke up the next day. She gave herself a few seconds to feel disappointed before picking up her phone and dialing the number she memorized by heart. The phone beeped three times before Tyler picked up."Hey, Avery," greeted Tyler coldly, chilling her to the heart. How he treated her today was far different than how he treated her last night! She could not help but feel hot and bothered by the contrast."Where are you?" she asked softly."In my office," replied Tyler in the same cold tone. "Something happened in the company, so I need to handle it."As upset as she was about Tyler leaving for work without letting her know, she told herself that she should be grateful that they made some progress in their relationship last night."Alright. I won't keep you, then. By the way, are you free tonight? Do you want to have dinner together?"After a brief silence, Tyler answered, "Sorry. I don't have the time to spare.""That's okay. Bye, then," said Avery
Vicky nodded.Cece looked at her and said in a low voice, "Vicky, Avery is here too.""Avery?" repeated Vicky, surprised."Yes. She arrived not long ago. She says she wants to see you and won't leave no matter how many times I tell her you're not here. She said she'll wait until you come."After thinking it over, Vicky said, "Show me to her."…Avery sat gracefully and played with her manicured nails in the meeting room.Vicky pushed open the door and walked over to her. She looked at Avery, who smiled smugly at her the moment she walked in."Miss Avery, I heard you were looking for me. How can I help you?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.She wondered why Avery did not just call her if she wanted to talk to her. After all, it was more convenient than making the effort to come to her studio."I heard your business is booming, so I thought I'd see for myself," said Avery languidly. She glanced at Vicky before continuing, "You don't mind, do you, Miss Vicky?""Forgive me, but
Avery scoffed. "You're in no position to judge me since that's how you manage to climb into Tyler's bed, too. Plus, I've met too many bitter women like you.""That's where you're wrong, Miss Avery.""Huh? How am I wrong?"Vicky smiled gently. "You're the bitter woman here because I was the one who didn't want Tyler. In a way, you're using my hand-me-downs."Avery's expression froze. She suddenly stood up and pointed rudely at Vicky."I warn you, Vicky Shaw! I'll make sure you won't ever make a living in Zendonia ever again if you don't stop pestering Tyler. Have you forgotten what happened after people found out you're his mistress? Tyler knew I tipped off the reporters. Not only did he not blame me, but he didn't even question me about it!"Avery smiled sinisterly. "You're nothing but a booty call to him! Don't think you're special to him just because you slept with him a few times. Stay away from him, or I'll give you a fate worse than death!"Vicky stood up, too. She was a li
"I slept quite well, thanks," answered Vicky in a tone colder than usual.For the past few days, she had been treating Tyler cautiously so he would not trouble Harvey.Tyler narrowed his eyes at Vicky's back.For some reason, Vicky had been constantly feeling exhausted. She still had some work to finish, but she found herself unwilling to get up from the sofa after changing her clothes.Tyler pushed open the door and walked into her room. Knowing it was him, Vicky did not even spare him a glance.She felt him looking down at him a minute later, so she opened her eyes, but it was too late."Did you miss me?" he asked while kissing her.Vicky turned her face away in disgust. "Mister Hart, we see each other every day. Why would I miss you?""You're right. But didn't you miss me when I didn't come home last night?" he asked again.Vicky breathed in his familiar scent. Usually, she would be able to stomach it, but for some reason, she could not help but feel like puking.All she c
Vicky had asked Cece about Harvey's condition this morning at work, and she learned that Harvey's recovery was promising. There was no mention of him having been discharged from the hospital at all.Vicky met Tyler's gaze and asked hesitantly, "When was he discharged?""This morning."Vicky fell silent. 'This morning? He should stay in the hospital for monitoring since he just woke up, so why did he leave? Is it because he found out about what happened at the blood bank and he wanted to save me from being blackmailed by Tyler?'"What's the matter? Are you feeling sorry for him?" asked Tyler.Vicky did not want to answer him.She walked past him emotionlessly, but she did not get far as Tyler suddenly grabbed her by the wrist and pinned her against the cold wall. He pressed his body against hers, leaving her no room to escape."The only reason I kept you by my side is to have fun with you." Tyler's cold lips brushed against her face, causing chills to run up her body. "But you're
Vicky thought Tyler would leave her alone since he knew she was having her period. However, he still came every day after that, which disturbed her.To Vicky, being a kept woman was like being friends with benefits. He would sleep with her when he felt like it, and when he did not, he would leave her alone.Thus, she did not expect him to go to her every day like clockwork as though they were a real couple."Why aren't you eating?" came Tyler's clear voice from across the table. "Is the food not to your liking?"Vicky snapped back to the present and looked at him. It seemed like he was not that busy at work these few days since he would leave quite late in the morning and come home every evening at six in the evening. The two of them even got to eat dinner every night."The food's fine. I was just thinking about work," she answered.Tyler left it at that and instead told her, "I have an event I need to go to tomorrow night, and you're coming with me."His tone left no room for r
Vicky knew nothing could stop Tyler, not even if the earth was to blow up, when he got into one of his moods.She turned her face away and said quickly, "Just let me turn off my computer, and I'll go to the room after that."Tyler finally let her go. "You have five minutes."Vicky nodded.Only then did Tyler leave her study.Vicky took a deep breath. She finally understood why Tyler insisted on keeping her as his mistress: It was so he could satisfy his perverted desire to control her.…The next evening, Vicky wore the gown Tyler prepared for her to the party. At first, she thought it was just some run-of-the-mill party, but she realized it was Old Mister Hart's birthday party when they finally arrived.It had been a long time since she had any contact with the Hart family, so she did not know how Old Mister Hart was doing then. At that moment, she stood at the main door and fell into a daze as she saw one familiar face after another. It was as though she had traveled back to