The villa.
Alicia Shelton stood in the walk-in closet, carefully picking out clothes and a tie for Tyrone Lynch. She slipped a champagne-colored gown over her shoulders, then selected a matching champagne tie and cufflinks for Tyrone. The choice wasn't accidental-she wanted everyone to know they were a couple.
Tonight, she was accompanying Tyrone to the Chamber of Commerce gala. There would be plenty of people waiting to kick him while he was down, but Tyrone was too impressive to ignore some of those who once kept their distance would surely try to cozy up to him now. Alicia was determined not to let anyone steal her husband away.
"This one looks great," she said brightly.
Tyrone smiled, easily seeing through her little scheme, but clearly pleased by it. "It does."
"You're really set on going?" Alicia looked up at him again, her tone more serious. "But honestly, making connections at events like this could be a big help for your new business."
Tyrone nodded.
She hesitated, then asked, "Tyrone, about Evercrest Group... Are you sure you don't want to go public with your connection? I just worry you'll be put at a disadvantage tonight."
He reached over, gently ruffling her hair. âEvercrest Group is still in its growth phase. If people find out I'm involved, they'll target it, and I'd rather let it thrive quietly for now. Right now, all the sharks in this industry have their eyes on me, afraid I'll bounce back. If I keep their focus on me, they'll leave Evercrest alone. Plus, since I left Lynch Corporation, a lot of our former partners are doubting Easton's ability and looking for new alliances. That means huge opportunities for Evercrest."
Alicia understood at once and nodded obediently. "Okay I'll follow your lead."
Seeing the worry in her eyes, Tyrone couldn't help but tease, "So, what if someone gives me a hard time tonight?"
Alicia looked at himâher husband, for once wearing a mock-helpless expression- and felt an overwhelming urge to protect him. "Don't worry, I'll have your back."
Tyrone took her hand, his eyes warm. Time to see who was friend and who was foe.
***
The banquet hall buzzed with
anticipation as Tyrone entered with
Alicia on his arm. Just like always every eye in the room followed him.
e
But this time, something had changed. The people who'd once hurried to greet him now acted like strangers.
Alicia clung to his arm, hoping he wasn't hurt by the coldness.
All around them, whispers fluttered through the crowd. No one dared make the first move, afraid that associating with Tyrone would put them on the wrong side of whatever invisible line had been drawn.
No one wanted to make trouble at least, not yet.
"Well, if it isn't Mr. Lynch!" A voice rang out from the crowd. A man stepped forward, his friendliness clearly insincere. "Heard you left Lynch Corporation. Where are you working these days?"
Alicia recognized him immediately a former business partner, blacklisted by Tyrone for cutting corners. He'd always nursed a grudge, and tonight, it seemed, was his chance to get even.
"I heard your new venture isn't going so well. Maybe you should give up on entrepreneurship and come work for me instead. I've got an opening in
warehouse management pening in
gig,
low stress. Perfect for early retirement!" The man laughed, prompting a chorus of snickers from those around him. Content belongs
Alicia's jaw tightened. These people really knew how to kick someone when they
were down.
"My husband's starting point, even
after leaving Lynch Corporation, is
still far beyond what you'll ever reach," she shot back, her voice
е
"Save the clown act. Honestly, everyone here should think twice
before doing business with
et
someone so petty-he'll stab you in
the back the moment you cross him.
People like this never last long, and sooner or later, you'll all regret trusting him."
Rich Radiant and Over Him (Alicia and Vincent)
Chapter 325
HICH, RADANT
The Heiress Acts Mischievously, But Her Family Can Read Her Mind
Chapter 347: Administering Drugs
Switched Marriage The Coddled Little Wife
Chapter 538: Unimaginable