Alicia didn't even glance at Vincent.
Drop the charges?
Was he kidding?
So with just a word from him, she was supposed to let it all goâpretend she hadn't suffered, like none of it mattered? Who was supposed to listen to her pain?
"Alicia!" Vincent hurried over, lowering his voice as he spoke. "Mina's not well. Whatever you and Henry have going on, don't drag her into it."
Alicia's eyes burned, her fingers curling so tightly her knuckles ached.
"Mr. Lawson, it seems you're blaming Alicia without even getting your facts straight," Chester said, his voice cool and steady. "It was Mina who had Alicia unlawfully detained."
Vincent's expression darkened as he turned to Chester. "Chester, I remember you."
Four years ago, Chester had been the one fixated on campus bullying, the one who'd encouraged Alicia to press charges and see justice done.
If it weren't for the tenuous connections between the Quinns and the Lawsons, he'd have run Chester out of Seaview City long ago.
"We're all familiar faces here," the chief said, his tone weighty as he addressed Chester. "Let them handle their private business themselves. All the necessary evidence has already been submitted. Let's go."
Chester looked troubled. He cast Alicia a meaningful glance.
"Thank you, Chester. I'll be alright," Alicia said, giving him a small nod.
She could handle this. The last thing she wanted was to drag Chester down with her.
He nodded and followed his superior out.
"Alicia, this has nothing to do with Mina. Don't involve her in your issues with Henry. If Henry's crossed a line and you want to call the police, fine, but leave Mina out of it," Vincent insisted, his frustration clear.
His attention was entirely on Mina now.
He saw Alicia as the villain, out to ruin Mina's life just so she could take her place.
"The police don't take orders from me," Alicia replied, her smile bitter. Vincent was so... ridiculous. All he saw was Mina, never noticing Alicia's bruises or pain.
"That Chester's been going after the Holloways and Lawsons since four years ago," Vincent said, gesturing toward the door, anger simmering in his voice. "Alicia, whatever you're planning, drop it. Now. Don't push meâ"
"So, Alicia, how much do you want to let my son go?" Henry and Mina's mother, Viola, arrived, her posture regal and her eyes cold with disdain. "You know what kind of family we are. A woman like youâclearly, you seduced him."
Once, Alicia might have balked under the stares of these so-called upper-crust types. But now... their hypocrisy was almost laughable.
"Well? Name your price," Viola huffed.
"Keep your money," Alicia said softly, looking at Vincent. "You might need it somedayâfor a coffin, if the Holloways ever get what they deserve." She raised her voice. "I'm the victim here. You're the family of the accused. I refuse to meet with you. If you don't leave, I'll call the police."
"Alicia!" Vincent shot her a furious glare. "What do you want? One scholarship slot isn't enough? You want to destroy Mina, tear us apartâis that it?"
He refused to admit their connection in front of the Holloways.
To him, Alicia was insatiableâshe wanted more than just the chance to study abroad; she wanted him and Mina to be finished for good.
"There's no reasoning with her. She doesn't know her place!" Viola snapped. "I'm warning you, Alicia, this is your last chance to settle things the easy way. Otherwise... don't blame us for what happens next."
"Oh? And what exactly are you going to do?" Alicia shot back, meeting Viola's gaze.
"This is your choice, Alicia," Vincent said quietly, giving her one last look before turning and leaving.
Viola let out a dismissive snort. "You'll regret this."
She followed after Vincent, shooting him a reproachful look. "Vincent, you can't just abandon Mina and Henry like this."
Vincent's face was grim. "I'll take care of Mina. But Henry? You've spoiled him rotten. He brought this on himself."
Viola's expression faltered, but she pressed on. "Vincent, you're still Henry's brother-in-law. You can't just wash your hands of him."
Rich Radiant and Over Him (Alicia and Vincent)
ï¤Chapter 35 Transmigration: I Have Storage Space in the Apocalypse ï¤Chapter 760 - 756: Encountering a Man with Evil Intentions He snorted. "If I hadn't stepped in, he'd have been in prison four years ago!" With that, Vincent walked away.
Viola stood there, seething. That little trampâshe'd brought disaster to the Holloway family. Time to teach her a lesson.