Girls this age are supposed to be radiant with youth, blossoming on a college
campus-not molded into cold, unfeeling machines, trained only to follow orders like
Mae.
Mae's story reminded Yvonne a bit of Alicia's, though abroad things had been even more brutal than at home.
While Alicia had endured soul-crushing emotional torment, Mae's path had been pure physical hardship.
A young girl, taken to Southeast Asia by her adoptive parents, scraping by year after year as an underground fighter and mercenary... The kind of life she'd led didn't even need to be spelled out-it was etched into her every movement.
Thinking of Alicia made Yvonne's heart ache even more for Mae.
"Want some fruit?"
"How about some milk?"
"Would you like a cupcake?"
"Don't just sit there... want to watch a movie?"
Mae sat stiffly on the couch, awkward in a way she'd never felt before.
Before meeting Sean Quinn, no one had ever treated her kindly. Sean had saved her life, but he was a man; he'd never fussed over little things like this. Yvonne, on the other hand, knew full well how Mae felt about Sean-and yet was still kind to her. Was it an act?
But no matter how Mae looked, she couldn't see any pretense in Yvonne.
"Before I came, Mr. Quinn talked to me. He asked if I had... certain feelings for him. I'm guessing you were the one who noticed?" Mae decided it was time to come clean.
Yvonne nodded, unfazed. "Yeah, I picked up on it right away. But there's no need to be nervous. Liking the same man just means we both have good taste. Just don't try to take him from me, and we'll be fine."
"He loves you deeply-he'd lay down his life for you. That kind of love is rare, and I'd never be able to come between you. I'll get myself together soon. I promise I won't cause any trouble for you or Mr. Quinn."
Leaning back against the wall, Yvonne gave Mae a meaningful look and smiled. "Seriously, don't worry about it."
Yvonne had encountered plenty of women drawn to Sean Quinn before. Most were all thorns, practically ready to tear her apart. Mae, though, was... interesting.
Campus.
Alicia and Winnie Ryan walked out of class, both stretching their arms overhead.
"Did you notice how peaceful the classroom was today?" Winnie shot Alicia a mischievous grin. They exchanged glances and both burst out laughing.
With Nicole gone, the classroom was almost eerily quiet.
People could finally concentrate.
.n
"Alicia, set up a dinner for us. Easton and I want to get together with Tyrone. They're brothers, and I think it's important they spend some quality time together." Natalia. strofled over, her tone more of a command than a suggestion.
As if she was some kind of queen.
el
Alicia was stunned. Ever since Nicole's imposter scandal broke, Natalia seemed to have changed tactics and targets. Now she was suddenly all about bringing the two brothers together. Alicia couldn't figure out what game she was playing, but she was sure Natalia had someone pulling her
strings-very likely the person Tyrone had been searching for.
"What is wrong with you? I take back what I said..." Winnie rolled her eyes, retracting her earlier comment about the classroom being quiet.
Still plenty of flies buzzing around.
"Sure," Alicia replied with a sunny smile. "But my husband's pretty busy. Let me talk to him when I get home and we'll pick a good time, okay?"
Winnie stared at Alicia in shock. Had she lost her mind? Responding to Natalia was practically giving her a free pass.
Natalia, satisfied, nodded as if Alicia had finally wised up. "Great. We'll wait for your
update."
She walked off with Easton Lynch, who shot Alicia a look of helpless confusion-he had no idea why Alicia had agreed so easily.
"Are you running a fever?" As soon as Natalia and Easton were out of earshot, Winnie pressed a hand to Alicia's forehead.
Rich Radiant and Over Him (Alicia and Vincent)
Chapter 378
Our Her
Switched Maroon
The Confedith We
The Heiress Acts Mischievously, But Her Family Can Read Her Mind
Chapter 347: Administering Drugs
Switched Marriage The Coddled Little Wife
Chapter 538: Unimaginable