Vicky furrowed her brow. "Send me the client's contact information, and I'll try reaching out," she said to Jennifer.Jennifer promptly sent over the client's contact details.Vicky made a call, introduced herself, and explained the purpose of her call."Missus Ridge, would you and Mister Ridge be willing to meet with me?" Vicky inquired.Upon hearing that Vicky was the owner of a design studio, Missus Ridge was more accommodating and did not refuse a meeting as decisively as before."Sure. I happen to have some free time this evening. If we need to discuss something, let's meet at the Royal Club," she suggested.Royal Club was a well-known members-only entertainment venue in Stoneford City. Vicky had been there a few times and had a membership card, so she agreed to the proposal.After ending the call, Vicky dialed Jennifer's number again to explain the situation.Jennifer listened and said, "Vicky, since Willow reports to me, I'll go with you.""Okay."After setting a meeti
Aurora had devised countless strategies to torment Tyler. For instance, during their meals, she would have Tyler watch from the sidelines. They would have cold drinks under the scorching sun, and she would even assign him childishly mundane tasks like serving food and pouring wine, treating him as if he were a waiter.Vicky allowed Aurora to do as she pleased without intervening.After several days of these antics, Tyler remained unfazed while Aurora started to tire herself out. Compared to the torment Tyler endured in the past, Aurora's choices hardly caused any discomfort.Aurora's goal was to make Tyler feel uncomfortable, aiming to make him suffer as she had believed Vicky had. However, Tyler remained unresponsive, which made Aurora lose interest in her endeavors.Recently, Aurora received a new script, so she was more focused on studying her lines at home and no longer wanted to waste her energy on annoying him.Vicky and Jennifer walked ahead, all while discussing Willow's s
Vicky smiled politely and replied, "It's true we didn't provide a satisfactory service experience to our customers. However, we can't apologize for things we didn't do, Miss Thompson. Are you suggesting our studio should offer services beyond the scope of our work just to please customers?"Miss Thompson had a strong personality. Despite her young age, she managed a large company. Her employees and subordinates always treated her with utmost respect and flattery. Wherever she went, service staff bent over backward to cater to her whims. There were times when service staff would apologize to her at her command even if they did not do anything wrong.At this moment, Miss Thompson perceived Vicky's words as a direct challenge.Her cold gaze swept from Jennifer to Vicky, and a hint of jealousy flickered in her eyes.She was not unattractive herself, but in the presence of Vicky and Jennifer, she felt overshadowed.The man sitting beside Miss Thompson, although appearing timid, could n
The air seemed to have frozen when Vicky spoke, leaving only the faint sounds of the kettle wheezing while the water boiled.After a few moments of silence, Bella smiled. "So, you've figured it out, huh?"Vicky stared at Bella and asked, "May I know how I offended you, Miss Thompson?"Bella, no longer hiding her intentions, replied, "Back then, as soon as Harvey was imprisoned, you couldn't wait to break off your engagement with him and marry someone else. You tried to reel him back in after your divorce and made him stay single for so many years! Once you found a better option, you simply discarded him!" Her gaze bore into Vicky's, cold and venomous."A despicable person like you deserves a good lesson," Bella continued.The way this woman looked at her seemed oddly familiar to Vicky, so realization hit her in an instant. "It's you!"Years ago, when she and Harvey had first been engaged, a woman constantly pestered him, even teaming up with Harvey's sister to make trouble for Vi
Jennifer hurriedly grabbed Vicky's arm, shaking her head vehemently. "Vicky, don't."Vicky gave Jennifer a reassuring look and then turned her gaze toward Bella."It seems we won't be able to reach an agreement today, Miss Thompson," Vicky said calmly. "I have some other matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave."She refused to succumb to Bella's threats.Bella's purpose was to target her. Even if she complied, it would only make things more interesting for Bella. Vicky knew she had no intention of setting Willow free at all.Seeing Vicky's resistance, a sinister glint flashed in Bella's eyes.She had harbored resentment toward Vicky for years. If Vicky's life took a turn for the worse, she might have found satisfaction to a degree. However, Vicky's life had only improved over the years, and her career soared.Bella's hatred for her had reached an unbearable level, especially after her recent confession to Harvey, which he rejected. Bella wanted nothing more than to kill Vick
The white shirt clung to Tyler's body, soaked through by the scalding water. The heat still lingered, and one could distinctly feel the heat emanating from his clothing.As Vicky was about to speak, a low, hoarse voice reached her ears. "Did you get burned?"Jennifer snapped out of her shock and nervously approached. "Vicky, are you alright?"She was aware of Vicky's pregnancy. Even if the boiling water had only landed on her body, the high temperature alone could pose a risk to the baby's well-being."I'm fine," Vicky replied, her complexion pale but her expression composed. "He's been burned. Jennifer, please help us get to the hospital."Jennifer nodded with a grave expression.At this moment, no one had the luxury of paying any attention to Bella as getting to the hospital was the top priority. The three of them hurriedly left the private room, not sparing another glance at Bella....Inside the car, Vicky sat with Tyler in the back seat. Due to his back injury, he could no
Tyler had not yet emerged from the operating room when Harvey, upon learning of the incident, made a phone call."Vicky, I'm sorry to trouble you again." Harvey's voice sounded weary on the other end of the line. "I've taken care of this matter and will ensure you receive a satisfactory response."Bella had imprisoned one of Vicky's employees and even attempted to scald Vicky with boiling water. Had Bella succeeded, the consequences would have been unimaginable, and Harvey felt responsible.Upon hearing what Bella did, Harvey felt deeply guilty."Alright," Vicky responded emotionlessly.After a few moments of silence, Harvey asked, "How is he doing?""He's been scalded. They're currently treating the wound.""Vicky, are you two..." Harvey seemed to want to ask something but hesitated to finish his sentence."I will give birth to this child," she said.It took Harvey a long time to respond, his voice distracted. "Vicky, do you want to get back together with him?""Harvey," Vic
The following day, Harry arrived. He appeared much more mature compared to four years ago.Upon seeing Vicky, his emotions remained mostly unchanged, and he greeted her with the same respect as he had four years ago."Ms. Shaw," he greeted.Vicky nodded in return. "Have you gathered all of his belongings?""Everything has been packed up."Vicky was about to say something else when her expression suddenly changed, and she rushed into the bathroom to vomit.During this period, her symptoms of morning sickness had lessened considerably. However, since arriving at the hospital last night, Vicky started experiencing severe nausea and started vomiting again.Vicky hardly slept throughout the night, and the same held true for Tyler. Seeing her retching in the bathroom once more, he furrowed his brow. "Harry, arrange for a doctor to come and examine her."Vicky had experienced a shock the previous day, but her body had not shown any signs of discomfort, so neither of them thought much
[Alright.]Aurora sighed in relief. "Vicky, we've been out for quite a while. Shall we head back?"Vicky glanced at Aurora. "Can we finally go back now?""Yes, we can go back... Huh?" Aurora sensed something was amiss. "Vicky, do you...know something?"Vicky smiled. "Every time I go out with friends, Tyler always bombards me with questions about when I'll be back and insists on picking me up. Strangely, he didn't ask me anything today. Also... I remember that it's my birthday today."Aurora was left speechless as she realized Vicky saw right through her act....By the time they got home, it was starting to get dark outside. Inside the mansion, it was quiet and pitch-black. Suddenly, a warm, yellow candlelight gradually illuminated the darkness, revealing a handsome face."Happy birthday, Vicky," Tyler said.Vicky gazed at the flickering candles, feeling a bit dazed.It was then she remembered that during the early days of their relationship, he had prepared a birthday surpri
Tyler showed great disdain when his wish of getting a daughter was let down. What irritated him most was that this son looked remarkably like him.After recovering from childbirth, Vicky accompanied a newly pregnant Aurora on a shopping trip for baby supplies.Upon hearing Vicky's story, Aurora could not help but ask, "Men are usually happy when they have sons, so why does Tyler prefer daughters?"Vicky sighed. "Tyler says that a family is never really balanced and happy unless they have one son and one daughter."Aurora nodded thoughtfully. "Indeed. Now that you have a son, having a daughter would be perfect. Vicky, have you and Tyler considered responding to the national call and having a third child?"Vicky shook her head. "The last time I gave birth, Tyler wasn't around, so he doesn't know what it was like. This time, he was scared out of his wits and had no intention of having more children. A few days ago, he even underwent a vasectomy."Aurora chuckled. "Daughters may be s
However, everything spiraled out of control.Tyler knew his behavior was despicable, but he could not control his emotions.When he loved, every cell within him longed for her. Every time he came to see her, he told himself it would be the last time. However, he found himself appearing at her house more and more frequently.Tyler knew he was in trouble, and it would not be long before he returned to his former self.Vicky was like a drug to him. Even though he knew that contact with her was toxic, he could not bring himself to let go.He knew she was pregnant with his child, and his most primal desires began to surge, making it impossible for him to resist the urge to make her stay.Vicky listened quietly to his confession, and her heart ached.She could not fight off the urge to hold him; her touch was firm and comforting.He only mentioned a few words about the time he regained consciousness, but Vicky knew he had endured a lot of pain. The fact that he was alive was a miracl
Tyler's lips quivered as if he wanted to say something, but in the end, he fell silent.What was there to say? It was not like he could apologize. The deed had been done, and his apology would not mean anything. Besides, he had no regrets whatsoever.Vicky stared at him. "You tampered with the surveillance, didn't you?""Yes.""And the servants and nannies. They're all under your control, right?"Tyler lowered his gaze. "Yes."Since all of this was real and not a dream, she must have been unconscious when Tyler returned. No matter how soundly she slept, she should have felt something. Since she had to take care of Lufian, she came home every day for meals, so she guessed that something was added to her food.For the past few days, she pretended to eat at home while secretly disposing of her meals. As it turned out, her suspicions were correct.Vicky repeated the question she asked before. "Why didn't you come to me?"Tyler remained silent once again."Did you come here just t
"Are you planning to leave just like that?"The man's body tensed.Click! The desk lamp was turned on, its warm, amber light illuminating the darkness."Why won't you look at me? Are you brave enough to do it but not to admit it?" echoed Vicky's gentle voice.Tyler snapped out of it and instinctively pulled his hand away from hers, ready to escape, only for Vicky's next words to pin him in place."If you leave now, I'll get rid of the baby in me tomorrow."He swiftly froze in place and turned back to her. "What did you just say?"Even though she prepared herself mentally, seeing the shock on his face made Vicky's eyes widen in shock. In an instant, her eyes welled up with tears. "You..."As Tyler met the shock in her eyes, he came to a sudden realization and turned his face away, looking anywhere but at her.When she learned about her pregnancy and knew she had not been dreaming, Vicky had a hunch about who it was that came and went freely into her home. The only one capable o
Vicky began to feel increasingly uneasy. She was pregnant without even knowing who the father was. That had to be one of the most absurd jokes in the world.Aurora, Noah, and the others were bewildered.They knew Vicky's character well, and she was not the type to casually sleep around. Besides, she still had feelings for Tyler, so she would never sleep with another man.Getting drunk was even more out of the question. After all, she was either working or taking care of her child. She had neither the time nor the inclination to go out drinking.Even Vicky herself was bewildered, and her thoughts were in disarray. "I... I don't know."The others exchanged glances, all noticing that Vicky's first instinct was not to terminate the pregnancy."Vicky, go home and think it over carefully. If you need anything, don't hesitate to call us," Aurora said gently.Vicky nodded absently.Back at home, Vicky reviewed the surveillance footage once more.She had watched it numerous times, but
Just then, a dish that Vicky usually enjoyed was brought to the table by the waiter.The aroma filled the air, but Vicky paled instantly. Before anyone could react, she retched and rushed to the bathroom.Everyone exchanged puzzled glances.Cece blinked. "What's wrong with Vicky?"Jennifer furrowed her brow. "Vicky doesn't look well. Is she ill?"The concerned Aurora chimed in, "Ever since Tyler's disappearance, Vicky hasn't been in the best mood. She even suffered from postpartum depression. Let's take her to the hospital after dinner. We can't afford for her to fall ill again."Everyone assumed that something was physically wrong with Vicky, but Noah, who remained silent, spoke up."I remember when Vicky was pregnant last time... She seemed to be very sensitive to certain smells."All eyes turned to Noah.Jennifer's eyes widened. "What are you trying to say, Noah?! You don't mean to suggest that...Vicky might be pregnant, do you?"Under the curious gazes of everyone, Noah c
As Anthony and Jennifer grew up in Lovian, and their families had deep roots there, they had to stay at Lovian as well. However, whenever they had free time, Jennifer often returned to Stoneford City to meet her friends for gatherings and meals.Vicky's birthday was approaching in a few days, and Jennifer came back early for the occasion.Lufian, on the other hand, became the darling of the group, and everyone loved him. Thus, one of the highlights of visiting Zendonia was to see Lufian.On this day, Vicky had some free time and decided to go to the airport to fetch Jennifer.Harvey held Lufian and walked out of Vicky's mansion.He had also come back early to celebrate Vicky's birthday. Like everyone else, he adored Lufian. His priority the moment he returned was to see Lufian, even though Lufian resembled Tyler most uncannily.Harvey carried Lufian and settled into the back seat, preparing to bond with him during the ride. Vicky sat in the driver's seat.Just as they were about
"Lufian is usually very well-behaved. He doesn't cause a fuss and is easy to handle.""Is his name Lufian?""That's right. Lufian Hart."Gloria's gaze flickered briefly but quickly returned to normal. "Have you given him a nickname?""Not yet," Vicky replied.Gloria did not say anything further.After playing with the child for a while, she carefully placed the necklace she had prepared around Lufian's neck.The baby played for a while and soon fell asleep.Gloria then gently returned Lufian to his stroller.Leaving the nursery, Vicky and Gloria engaged in casual conversation. They had no deep-seated grudges, and over time, their past love and hatred gradually faded away.Vicky smiled and remarked, "You seem to really like children. How about having one yourself? A kid would make a good companion for Lufian.""I'd like to, but I haven't found the right person," Gloria lamented.Gloria had been single for years. It was not because she could not forget Tyler or was waiting fo