Chapter 168

Franklin quickly handed her a bottle of water.

Alicia took a moment to settle her nerves, inhaled deeply, then took a sip. While Franklin was distracted, she leaned in and whispered, “There’s nothing... In fact, I just started my period.”

On the other end of the call, Tyrone grunted in understanding. “Let Franklin take you to a hotel so you can get some proper rest.”

“But what about Maddox...” Alicia’s voice was barely audible.

“Between Grandpa and me, who are you supposed to listen to?” Tyrone chuckled softly.

Alicia thought for a second. “You, of course.”

“That’s right. Just listen to me. Head straight to the hotel now. Don’t answer any calls from unknown numbers. Stay there and get some real sleep for a few days. Once I finish things up here, I’ll come get you myself.” Tyrone’s tone was gentle, reassuring her.

Alicia nodded obediently, crouched on the ground, and didn’t argue.

Franklin, who had been standing nearby watching Alicia, raised an eyebrow. He was the quintessential trust-fund kid, well-known in their circle for his wealth and easy charm. He was friends with both Vincent and Tyrone.

He remembered, back at the country club, he’d once joked that Alicia was exactly Tyrone’s type.

He never expected his words would become prophecy. The little “bunny” Vincent had kept for four years somehow ended up by Tyrone’s side.

For someone like Franklin, who’d spent his life drifting from one pretty girl to the next, Alicia was a mystery. Sure, she was beautiful, but in their world, beautiful girls were everywhere. Compared to the bold, attention-seeking types, Alicia’s quiet, obedient nature seemed almost too ordinary.

She was sweet, yes—unfailingly so—but Vincent himself had once said that girls like her were the easiest to disappoint.

After a while, someone always lost interest.

So Franklin doubted Tyrone would stay interested in Alicia for long.

“Come on,” he said, flashing Alicia a smile as she ended the call.

Alicia stood up, brushing off her skirt, and looked at him. “Thank you, Mr. Ford.”

Franklin arched a brow. In the sunlight, Alicia’s skin seemed to glow, her eyes clear and bright, her face untouched by makeup. He had to admit, there was something about the innocent, gentle ones—no wonder Vincent had kept her around for four years, and no wonder Tyrone had been smitten at first sight.

Otherwise, why would she have captivated both of them?

“Give me your number,” Franklin said once they got in the car, handing her his card. “When you and Tyrone eventually break things off, maybe you’ll give me a shot.”

He grinned, half-joking but not entirely innocent. Franklin wasn’t the worst player in their crowd, but he was far from a saint.

His interest in Alicia was purely superficial—her looks, nothing more.

Alicia hesitated for a split second, her fingers pausing as she took the card. Then she smiled sweetly, her tone gentle but sharp. “Tyrone gives me three million a year. Can you offer anything higher, Mr. Ford?”

Franklin froze, his grip tightening on the steering wheel. He silently cursed Tyrone—three million for a little bunny like her? Was he insane? No wonder the market was getting skewed.

He cleared his throat and didn’t say anything more. He honestly hadn’t expected someone as soft-spoken as Alicia to have such a barbed tongue when she wanted to.

Seeing that she’d caught Franklin off guard, Alicia tucked the card into her pocket. After all, he was Tyrone’s friend; there was no need to make things awkward.

Franklin drove her to one of his family’s hotels and personally escorted her up to a room. “You’ll stay here for now. Maddox is resourceful—he could probably track you down if he tried, but you’ll be safe here for a few days.”

Alicia nodded, already moving to close the door. “Thank you.”

Franklin leaned against the doorframe, blocking the door with his arm, studying her with open curiosity.

Alicia looked up at him, confused.

Franklin gave her a crooked smile. “I just have to know—what is it about you that makes Vincent and Tyrone go head-to-head like this?”

Alicia met his gaze, her voice completely serious. “It’s not about me. I’m just unlucky, that’s all.”

Rich Radiant and Over Him (Alicia and Vincent)

Chapter 167 Transmigration: I Have Storage Space in the Apocalypse Chapter 760 - 756: Encountering a Man with Evil Intentions