Alicia considered it for a moment, then nodded.
This wasn't a demandâit was an opportunity.
Even with all her awards from abroad, her achievements were just a veneer. She had no capital to start her own firm; she needed a platform, and Lynch Corporation was a giant in the architectural world. Landing a position there was an honor in itself.
"There's one more thing..." Tyrone fixed his gaze on her. "During our marriage, I'll need you to have a child with me."
Alicia froze, staring at him.
So that meant... they'd have to be husband and wife in every sense?
"If you're uncomfortable with the physical side, I'm willing to cooperate with IVF," Tyrone said, his tone matter-of-fact. "Either way, before my grandfather passes, he should have a great-grandchild to hold."
He felt nothing for Alicia; this was no romance. He was negotiating a transaction.
He valued Alicia's talent and capability, so he was using a contract to secure a âmarriage' for himself.
In Tyrone's world, everything had a price tagâincluding marriage.
Alicia saw it clearly. Tyrone was nothing like Vincent. He was straightforward, almost ruthlessly so, but that honesty meant she had no illusions, no false hopes, and therefore no emotional entanglements waiting to ensnare her down the line.
Vincent, on the other hand, had brought her into his life with promisesâto protect her, to keep her safe from harm. He'd made her believe he might love her, that he'd give her the security she craved.
That illusion had nearly cost her everything.
"All right," Alicia answered, without hesitation.
She agreed.
She'd cooperate with Tyrone: a marriage of convenience, time abroad for further study, then a job with Lynch Corporation.
As long as it meant escaping Vincent and seizing her own futureâshe'd do whatever it took.
She refused to be controlled again. She refused to be trampled on.
Tyrone nodded. "Get some rest. When you're discharged, Felix will come pick you up."
...
Before Alicia left the hospital, Vincent called several times, but he never showed up.
On the day of her discharge, he finally appeared.
"I'm here to take you home," he said quietly.
Alicia ignored him, brushing past to leave.
"About Henry..." Vincent's voice dropped. "Could you sign the statement of forgiveness? He's going to be convicted no matter what... Mina just hopes you'll show some mercy and help her brother get a lighter sentence."
Alicia stopped in her tracks, turning to look at Vincent. "When Henry locked me in the supply closet at school, left me there to die, did he show me any mercy? When he shattered my eardrum, broke my fingers, burned my eye with a cigarette, stripped me naked and filmed it to threaten meâdid he ever show mercy?"
Vincent stood frozen, his Adam's apple bobbing, guilt flickering in his eyes.
But that flicker of pity only made her sick.
"When he beat me so badly I ended up in the hospitalâwhen he tried to rape meâdid he think about mercy then? Vincent, you're just as disgusting as the abusers. From start to finish, you and your sister, Henry, Ceciliaâyou're all the same. You're bullies." Alicia stepped up to him, her gaze unflinching and steely. "But people like you don't stay on top forever."
"Alicia!" Vincent's voice shook as she turned to leaveâpanic rising in him for reasons he couldn't explain.
"Alicia, listenâlet me explain." He grabbed her wrist. "That's not what I meant, I justâ"
Before he could finish, Mina appeared.
She glanced at Vincent's hand gripping Alicia, her voice cold. "Alicia, you're free not to settle things privately, but don't cling to my boyfriend."
Vincent let go, frustration etched across his face.
Rich Radiant and Over Him (Alicia and Vincent)
ï¤Chapter 40 Transmigration: I Have Storage Space in the Apocalypse ï¤Chapter 760 - 756: Encountering a Man with Evil Intentions "Miss Holloway," Alicia shot back, "maybe instead of being jealous, you should reflect on yourself. You married for your family's sake, got dumped, and now you're crawling back for a replacement... When I was young and stupid, I might have eaten junk food, but I've grown up. I don't like garbage anymore."
Furious and humiliated, Mina raised her hand as if to slap Alicia.
"Miss Shelton, Mr. Lynch has sent me to pick you up." Tyrone's assistant suddenly appeared, stepping smoothly between Alicia and Mina, his demeanor icy and professional.
Alicia watched as Mina's anger and surprise gave way to hesitationâshe didn't dare cross someone with Tyrone's authority backing Alicia now.
A slow smile spread across Alicia's face.
So this was what it felt like to have someone powerful in your corner.