"There's definitely something off about Natalia. She's switched tactics-let's see what she's really after," Alicia Shelton whispered.
Winnie Ryan arched an eyebrow. "Well, look at you, Alicia-finally using that brain of yours."
Alicia grinned sheepishly. "It's so quiet in class today."
Without Nicole White around, it really was peaceful.
The two girls stifled their giggles, glancing at each other before slipping out of the classroom, whispering all the way.
Out front, at the school gates.
Clayton Holloway's car was still there, parked conspicuously at the curb.
Both Alicia and Winnie jumped, looking around anxiously to make sure that imposter was really gone. Only then did they finally believe Nicole was truly in jail.
Clayton greeted Alicia with a charming smile. "Miss Shelton, Miss Ryan-would you ladies do me the honor of joining me for dinner?"
Winnie, not wanting to offend Clayton, kept quiet.
Alicia shook her head. "I don't think that's a good idea..."
She couldn't say why, but something about getting close to Clayton made her uneasy. Maybe it was the ruthless way he'd handled Nicole. Tyrone Lynch had warned her Clayton wasn't as harmless as he seemed.
"Miss Shelton, we've known each other for a while now. You could say we're friends. Nicole pretending to be Ms. White is behind us, but Tyrone's troubles aren't over yet. He's inherited a fortune, but it's all but useless at the moment. Everyone's hoping he'll fail if he tries to start a business-if he does, there'll be vultures circling, waiting to tear him apart. The safest option is to invest, but small companies are too wary and big corporations just want to rip him off. The only real win-win is if he teams up with the White family, don't you think?"
Clayton's smile was dazzling, almost angelic-like he couldn't possibly have a hidden agenda.
But Alicia saw through him; to her, everything about this man screamed 'ulterior motive.'
She knew exactly what Clayton was after: he wanted Tyrone to invest with the White family, to funnel the inheritance into their projects. That way, Tyrone's money would be tied up, and people would stop trying to pry it from his hands.
On paper, it made sense. The returns could be great. But investments were always risky. She needed to talk to Tyrone first.
"I'll give Tyrone a call," Alicia said, stepping aside to phone him.
"Alicia, can't you make decisions on your own when you're with Tyrone? It seems like you have to check with him on everything. Don't you ever feel trapped?" Clayton's tone was gentle, innocent.
Obvious attempt at stirring things up.
Even Winnie could see what he was trying to do her eyes widened. What a sneaky guy.
Still, he wasn't laying it on too thick. She'd keep an eye on him.
Alicia ignored Clayton; she honestly hadn't picked up on the undertone in his words.
"Miss Ryan, do you really think Tyrone loves Alicia?" With Alicia on the phone, Clayton turned to Winnie with another one of his easy smiles.
Winnie took a deep breath, swallowing nervously.
She knew this was classic manipulation, but she couldn't help feeling a little flustered by his good looks.
"Heh... I guess he does?" she managed, forcing a smile.
"If he truly loved her, Alicia wouldn't have to act so small-she can't even go out for a meal without checking with him first." Clayton's voice was soft, almost sorrowful.
Winnie's lips twitched. That's called respect, ever heard of it?
But, since Clayton was now the acting CEO of White Corporation she plastered on a polite smile. "Right? Sometimes I think Tyrone's a little too controlling. Poor Alicia-he keeps her on a short leash
et
Clayton's smile deepened, eyes glinting as he looked at Winnie. "Your father visited White Corporation a few days ago. I had the pleasure of meeting him myself. He's a fascinating man-just as interesting as you are, Miss Ryan."
A chill ran down Winnie's spine.
Oh no... He's coming straight for me.
There was something razor-sharp in Clayton's smile-more dangerous than anyone
she'd ever met.
"Ha, yeah, my dad's a real character," Winnie replied, feigning ignorance.
"Miss Ryan, tell me do you think Tyrone and Alicia might ever get divorced?" Clayton asked, feigning innocence.
Rich Radiant and Over Him (Alicia and Vincent)
Chapter 379
The Heiress Acts Mischievously, But Her Family Can Read Her Mind
Chapter 347: Administering Drugs
Switched Marriage The Coddled Little Wife
Chapter 538: Unimaginable