But Alicia shook her head.
Vincent was possessive, and Alicia's guardedness toward everyone meant she had no friends except him. She didn't even want to contact Albertine from the orphanageâgetting the headmistress involved in her run-in with the police would only make her worry.
While Chester was at a loss, Alicia's phone vibrated.
The caller ID was an unfamiliar number, but Alicia knew it was Tyrone.
Chester handed her the phone, hoping she could find someone willing to bail her out.
Alicia hesitated for a few seconds before answering. "Mr. Lynch..."
"I'm not calling to pressure you about your decision," Tyrone's voice was calm, almost businesslike. "There's a dinner tonight at the Seaview Chamber of Commerce. My grandfather, the former chairman, will be there. Would you have time to attend as my guest? Name your terms."
It was as if he was negotiating some dealâoffering Alicia terms just to have her accompany him, all to please Maddox.
Alicia's fingers stiffened around the phone. Her voice was hoarse. "Mr. Lynch... I'm in a bit of trouble. I'm at the Pinecrest Police Station in Seaview City. Could you help bail me out...?"
Silence on the other end. No answer. The call disconnected.
Alicia set the phone down, disappointment flickering across her face, and gave Chester an apologetic look. "Sorry, Chester..."
Nobody wanted to help her.
Chester glanced at her, then stood to pour some water before signaling for the female officer to escort Alicia to the holding cell.
"Chester, do you know that woman?" the officer asked, curiosity piqued.
"Yeah, I know her." Chester didn't deny itâit might help Alicia if his colleagues thought they were acquainted, maybe show her a little leniency. "We're friends."
"Then why'd she get into a fight?" the officer pressed.
"She had her reasons," Chester said quietly.
Rich Radiant and Over Him (Alicia and Vincent)
Four years ago, when he was still young and idealistic, Chester had been transferred out of the detective unit to Pinecrest Police Station because of a criminal case. The bullying scandal at Seaview University had left a deep impression on him.
After the media exposed the video of Alicia being abused, Chester had volunteered to investigate. He drove out to Seaview University to meet her in person.
Back then, Alicia was so battered it was hard to find a single patch of unmarked skin.
He'd tried to ask if she wanted to press charges, but a teacher from the school had threatened her, warning Alicia to keep quiet. Chester returned to the school several times, but they always found excuses to keep him from seeing Alicia, claiming she was "unwell" and needed rest.
"So the person she hit was a scumbag? Then why is this girl being detained?" The female officer frowned. "Why isn't he the one in lockup?"
Chester gave a wry smile. "Sometimes karma takes care of people like that."
The officer fell silent, understanding what he meantâclearly, the guy Alicia hit had money and influence.
Suddenly, a voice sounded from the hallway. "Hello, I'm Tyrone, a friend of Alicia's."
Tyrone entered, accompanied by a lawyer. "Good afternoon. I'm Miss Shelton's attorney. We'd like to know more about her situation."
Chester blinked, sizing up Tyrone. This man radiated presenceâwas he really Alicia's friend?
Well, it didn't matter. At least someone had come to help. Chester felt a weight lift from his shoulders. "Of course. This way, please."
He led Tyrone and the lawyer to the mediation room. "Alicia got into a fight at Lawson & Co. today."
Tyrone looked genuinely surprised. Alicia always seemed so timid, almost like a frightened rabbitâwho would have thought she could lash out?
"She wouldn't have done it for no reason," Tyrone said, his tone steely. "The other party must have been at fault."
Chester met Tyrone's gaze and nodded. "The man she hit is named Henry. Four years ago at Seaview University, he bullied Alicia. I don't know what happened this time, but Alicia smashed a vase over his head."
Tyrone's expression darkened. "Four years ago? Bullying?"
ï¤Chapter 14 Transmigration: I Have Storage Space in the Apocalypse ï¤Chapter 760 - 756: Encountering a Man with Evil Intentions