The girls did not leave until Cece and Vicky arrived."Hello, Vicky, Miss Lynn." He greeted them and got up to pull the chairs for them politely."Thank you." Cece smiled at him.He returned this smile with his own. "It's an honor to be in the company of you two ladies."Once the two took their seats, the waiter came with menus and Mister Kirby proceeded to place a few orders while they studied the menu.Cece was shocked when she heard the names of the dishes he ordered. "Oh? Those are all Vicky's favorite dishes."Mister Kirby turned to look at Vicky. "Is that so?"Vicky was taken by surprise as well and nodded. "Yes."He chuckled. "What a coincidence."Vicky never dined with Mister Kirby up until this moment and did not know much about his preference, so she was shocked to find that he had the same preference as she did.The three began discussing their preferences and habits after ordering, and Vicky realized that Mister Kirby shared the same preferences in food and habits
...At half past seven, Vicky, Cece, and Mister Kirby arrived at the auction venue, which was a spacious event hall with two floors in total.The first floor was for ordinary guests who would raise their number plate to bid for items, while the second floor belonged to the VIP rooms where the faces of the bidders were hidden and the staff who were situated in front of the rooms bid in their places.The auction started at eight, and since they arrived early, there were not many guests in the hall just yet.Cece had never been to an auction before; everything was new to her.Though Vicky lost her memories, she had seen enough to know that the VIP rooms in the auction could not be bought with money alone.She glanced at Mister Kirby, who happened to be looking at her as well.She froze when their eyes met, and he smiled lazily. "What is it? Any questions for me?"Mister Kirby was a mysterious man and up until this very moment, all she knew was his family name. Of course, everyone
The items sold at the auction were often jewelry and ancient artifacts.Cece watched with interest and grew increasingly excited as the guests bid for their desired item."Vicky, I never knew that a flask of perfume could be sold for millions! Is it special in any way?"Very often than not, items to be sold at an auction would be announced ahead of time to attract bidders.Vicky glanced through the pages of the catalog and said, "Legend has it that this perfume was made by the mysterious fragrance expert, Y. Its scent is said to be out of this world and addictive, so a lot of companies that sell perfumes came for it, wanting to analyze the components of it and recreate the fragrance. If they manage to recreate the recipe, they'll earn thousands of millions with it."Cece gasped in realization. "I'm too short-sighted. Here I thought that they were buying it for their own use."The flask was small and contained only 50 milliliters, which would not have lasted long if one was to use
"Thirty-five million, once!"Just then, one of the staff shouted. "Room V001 bid fifty-five million."The crowd stirred.To bid 35 million over a bracelet would have been rather insane, not to mention bidding 55 million. It surpassed the value of the bracelet itself!Mister Kirby, who had been silent the entire time, said to the staff standing next to him, "Seventy million."The staff froze for a moment before speaking into the microphone in his hand. "Room V003 bid seventy million."Cece turned and gaped at Mister Kirby, who was smiling mysteriously.Another bid came."Room V001 bid a hundred and five million.""Room V003 bid one hundred and forty million.""A hundred and seventy-five million.""Two hundred and ten million.""Two hundred and eighty million.""Three hundred and fifty million."Toward the end, even the host's voice was quivering and all the guests were stunned.In the V003 room, Cece tugged at Vicky's sleeve. "Vicky, is that bracelet worth this much?"Af
Vicky's heart sank.It was a bracelet that symbolized eternal love, and since Tyler seemed obsessed with the bracelet, anyone would assume that he was buying it as a gift to his wife.However, since she had grown estranged from Tyler and he was seen frequently with Sheila, Vicky knew it was more likely a gift for Sheila.Money meant nothing but a series of numbers to Tyler, and he would spend millions without a care as long as he wanted something.Vicky did not say a word, and since Mister Kirby had stopped bidding, Tyler eventually bought the bracelet at 550 million.Since the final item was sold, the auction ended and the staff hurried to the first room to serve Tyler.Vicky, Cece, and Mister Kirby did not stay for long and got up to leave.The air outside the hall felt far more refreshing, and the feeling that she was about to suffocate vanished.Mister Kirby glanced at the time and said, "It's getting late. Let me send you back."Cece lived in an area that was closer in di
Mister Kirby's handsome profile was blurred as his side profile seemed blurred by the light."Sorry, a cat ran past us," he said.By then, they were already within the mansion compound. Fewer people were on the road with trees overgrowing, affecting the vision.Vicky thus did not overthink it. "Nevermind. As long as we're safe."Mister Kirby had reduced the speed because he was afraid of being in another accident. As a result, the duration of the trip got longer.He seemed to be interested in Vicky and Tyler's relationship as while he steadily continued to drive, he asked again, "If he disagrees, why is he with another woman?"Vicky did not know Mister Kirby was someone who liked to gossip. In his defense, however, it was not a secret."Hart Corporation is expanding. It's not suitable for him to be involved in gossip or bad news."Tyler was a cold-hearted person. Other than the woman in the photo Vicky saw in his study—the woman with her back facing the camera—no one was more i
It was not a heavy type of perfume, but it was a scent Vicky was familiar with. After all, Sheila had the same scent on her.She willed herself to ignore Tyler.After opening the window, she was about to walk away when Tyler grabbed her wrist tightly.Vicky stared at the handsome, cold-hearted man. "Can I help you, Mister Hart?"She returned to her cold self, even calling Tyler formally.Tyler's blue eyes bore into her eyes domineeringly, sharply. "Where did you go?"Vicky answered with an indifferent expression, "Does that have anything to do with you?Tyler squinted at this and warned, "Missus Hart, you only returned home after midnight from a strange man's car, yet you have the audacity to ask…what does that have to do with me?"Vicky chuckled. "You don't care when you're out all night dating another woman and have everyone in town gossip about it. Don't act like I had an affair when a friend was nice enough to drop me off… It's not good to have double standards."She swung
"I know Hart Corporation is expanding now and it isn't the right time for everyone to find out that you're in the process of getting a divorce…but I thought about it. We can keep our divorce from the public for now. We can announce it after you settle your enemy and have total control of the situation. What do you think?"Vicky's calm tone was a stark contrast to her pale face. It was like she had never felt clearer and cool-headed before.She glared at Tyler's handsome, cool face while she added, "I know it won't be long because of how capable and amazing you are. Miss Young is an understanding person. I know she'll understand your situation."Tyler looked at Vicky and suddenly smiled in a strange way. "Can't wait to have a divorce, I see. So which phase are you in with that man?"Vicky was stunned for a few seconds before she finally understood what he was saying. She looked angry, "I said we're just friends, yet you and Sheila…"Tyler totally ignored the later part of her sente
[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