The onlookers exchanged uneasy glances.
Mathew really had gone too far this time.
His face darkened with rage as he glared at Alicia. "And who the hell do you think you are? Weren't you Vincent Lawson's little kept woman? Who gave you the right to talk to me like that?"
Tyrone's expression was icy as he stepped forward and delivered a swift kick, sending the man sprawling across the marble floor. "If you can't understand when I'm being civil, I'm not above using my fists to make my point."
The man landed hard and stared up at Tyrone, pain and humiliation twisting his features. Red-faced, seething, he scrambled to his knees. "Tyrone! You're nothing but a stray dog, thrown out by the Lynch family. How dare you lay a hand on me? I could end you right now-crush you like an insect!"
Tyrone just laughed coldly. The arrogance was almost impressive.
"Mr. Mathew, don't you think you've crossed a line?" someone interjected from the crowd, stepping in to defuse the tension. "You're making quite a scene. If this is how you handle yourself, it hardly inspires confidence in potential partners.
Alicia was a little surprised. She hadn't expected the voice of reason to be Vincent.
Vincent's expression was grave, his voice low and steady. "And for the record, Alicia was never my mistress. If I hear you insult her again, Lawson & Co. will be ending all negotiations with your firm."
Mathew's bravado melted away in an instant. Eyes wide, he scrambled to his feet and stammered an apology. "Mr. Lawson-I'm so sorry. I spoke out of turn. Please forgive me."
To punctuate the point, he slapped himself across the face, then slunk away, humiliated.
Everyone had heard the rumors about bad blood between Vincent and Tyrone over a woman. No one would have guessed Vincent would step in to defend him tonight.
"Mr. Lynch, I honestly thought you'd steer clear of events like this-especially..." Vincent hesitated, his brows furrowed as he looked at Alicia with genuine worry. "Especially not bring Alicia into it."
He knew full well trouble was inevitable, and yet he'd still dragged Alicia along to face it.
l.n
"Why shouldn't attend?" Tyrone replied, a hint of swagger in his voice. "I'm building my own business now. I could use Mr. Lawson's support. Let me introduce you this is my wife." He slipped an arm around Alicia's shoulders, pulling her close.
"Tyrone!" Vincent's anger flared, struck by how selfish Tyrone was being.
"This is your idea of protecting her?" Vincent lowered his voice, his tone sharp. "Do
you even realize how many enemies you're making for her?"
"That's none of your concern," Alicia shot back with a glare. "And what does your version of protection look like? Is it locking me away like a trophy, the way you did before? Don't fool yourself-that's not protection."
Tyrone glanced at Alicia, then met Vincent's eyes. "A flower kept under glass never learns to weather the storm. She's free, Vincent. Sooner or later, she'll spread her wings and fly."
Tyrone's idea of protection was to shelter Alicia while letting her grow, giving her freedom and space encouraging her to become strong on her own.
Vincent, on the other hand, wanted Alicia to remain forever under his wing, never daring to leave.
He was always afraid that, once her wings were strong enough, she'd fly away for good.
But Tyrone he wanted nothing more than to see Alicia soar, to fly alongside her through whatever storms they might face together.
f.net
"Alicia's remarkable," Tyrone said, glancing down at her with a soft smile. "Once she graduates, she'll either start her own business or work with me. Seeing the dark side of this world now-it'll only make her stronger." He chuckled, catching her gaze. "Besides, our little fabbit's not so defenseless anymore. She's learned to bite back-she's not the timid girl she used to be, always afraid, always a target."
Rich Radiant and Over Him (Alicia and Vincent)
Chapter 326
The Heiress Acts Mischievously, But Her Family Can Read Her Mind
Chapter 347: Administering Drugs
Switched Marriage The Coddled Little Wife
Chapter 538: Unimaginable