Vincent's expression darkened, brows drawn together in irritation. "Alicia, just keep your mouth shut."
Alicia let out a mocking laugh but said nothing more.
Mina's eyes were rimmed red as she turned to Vincent, clearly trying to pressure him. "Vin, don't be so harsh with Alicia. She's been with you for four years, and she's helped look after you all that time... and me, too."
Alicia found the whole thing laughable. She turned away, refusing to look at either of them.
Mina, still teary, pressed on. "Vin, if you're really going to marry me... you should at least make things right with her."
Vincent nodded stiffly. "Fine..."
He glanced at Alicia, his voice cold. "Alicia, Mina's always been a kind person. You shouldn't have smeared her reputation online."
Alicia acted as if she hadn't heard him, her gaze fixed on the window.
Since when did Vincent's voice sound so grating? Kind? What a joke.
"Vin, Alicia isn't getting any younger," Mina added, her tone thick with implication. "I want to see my little assistant settled before I marry you.
Otherwise... I'll always feel guilty."
Alicia dug her nails into her palm, her breath coming fast and shallow.
So this was itâMina was trying to push Vincent into marrying her off as soon as possible.
"Miss Holloway, my love life is none of your business. Please, both of you, leave." Alicia pointed furiously at the door.
Mina, still teary-eyed, looked pleadingly at Vincent. "Vin... let's put off our wedding for now. Once Alicia forgives me and is happily married, then we can talk about getting married ourselves."
Vincent knew exactly what Mina was doing. She wanted him to make a decisionâa show of loyalty, a way to clean up his so-called mess before their marriage.
After a long, heavy silence, Vincent finally turned to Alicia. "I'll help you find a promising young man at the company. You can settle down here in Seaview City."
"I'll give you an apartment as part of your settlement," he added.
Alicia glared at him, her breathing ragged. "You're disgusting. I'd rather stay single all my life than let you control me!"
Vincent's eyes hardened as he lowered his voice, now threatening. "I heard the orphanage where you grew up is about to be demolished. Without funds or connections, they'll have to send the kids elsewhere. Your old home will be gone, Alicia."
Hatred flared in Alicia's eyes. "Vincent! You bastard!"
Vincent looked away, unable to meet her gaze.
Just then, the door swung open. Tyrone strode in with a bag of breakfast, setting it on the table, his expression cool as he looked at Mina. "So, Mr.
Lawsonâhere bright and early with your fiancée. Is this your way of apologizing?" He glanced pointedly at Mina. "Heard your brother took the fall for you. Illegal detention's a serious charge. He'll be behind bars for years."
Mina's face drained of color as she clung tightly to Vincent's arm.
It was clear Mina was terrified of Tyrone. And with good reasonâthe Lynch family was old money in Harboridge City, far above the Holloways.
Vincent stepped in front of Mina, shielding her, and shot Tyrone a look of annoyance. "Mr. Lynch, you seem to have a lot of time on your hands, concerning yourself with people who don't matter."
"Who matters and who doesn'tâneither of us gets to decide that," Tyrone replied coolly, his presence every bit as commanding as Vincent's.
Vincent frowned at Alicia. "Think it over. I'll be in touch."
With that, he took Mina by the hand and left.
As far as Vincent was concerned, Tyrone was a wild cardâeveryone in their circle knew he was unpredictable. If he wanted to waste his time on someone as âworthless' as Alicia, so be it.
Alicia would never go with him anyway.
Tyrone sat down, his tone dry. "That's the kind of man you liked? You really need to re-evaluate your standards." He gestured toward the table. "Eat your breakfast."
Alicia shot him a grateful look. "Mr. Lynch... You're still in Seaview City?"
Tyrone lounged back on the couch, silent for a moment. "My flight's this afternoon."
Alicia nodded quietly.
Rich Radiant and Over Him (Alicia and Vincent)
ï¤Chapter 39 Transmigration: I Have Storage Space in the Apocalypse ï¤Chapter 760 - 756: Encountering a Man with Evil Intentions "I saw your work," he continued.
Alicia's eyes widened. "You saw my graduation project online?"
Tyrone nodded. "You have real talent."
Alicia felt a warmth blossom in her chest. "Thank you..."
"I'm willing to lower my requirements for collaboration. I'll sponsor your studies in Italy this year," Tyrone said, his gaze meaningful.
Alicia's breath caught, her nerves on edge. "Really?"
He nodded and stood, looking her in the eye. "But there's a condition."
Alicia looked at him anxiously.
"When you come back, you'll work for Lynch Corporation," Tyrone said firmly. He never let talent slip awayâand Alicia was someone he was determined to keep.