Whether Melanie's mother was truly gone, or whether Tyrone still loved her, were not matters Alicia felt she had any right to care about.
Her duty was simply to play the role of a good wife. Nothing more.
"What happened to your face?" Alicia steered the conversation elsewhere, her gaze settling on the angry red welt marring Melanie's cheek.
"None of your business. Stop looking at me like you're enjoying this," Melanie snapped, blinking back tears as she stabbed her fork into her breakfast with unnecessary force.
Alicia could see something was very wrong.
"Are you seeing someone?" she asked quietly, recalling how Tyrone had mentioned last night that Melanie might be dating. "If anyone's giving you a hard time, you should tell your uncle."
Melanie shot Alicia a venomous glare. "Keep your mouth shut. Don't go telling people things you shouldn't, or elseâ"
She didn't dare let Tyrone find out. He was too stern, too intimidating.
Sniffling, Melanie's bravado crumbled. A sob broke free, raw and loud.
She was just a freshmanâbarely out of high schoolâand with her mother gone, she had no one to turn to about anything that mattered.
Alicia watched her crumble and sighed, her heart heavy.
She knew she shouldn't meddle, but she still offered a tissue. "Eat your breakfast. I'll take you back to campus afterward."
Seaview University and Seaview Dance Academy were close, both tucked into the university district. Dropping Melanie off was hardly out of Alicia's way.
"I don't need your fake concern. I don't even want to go to class anymore." Melanie's words were thick with resentment. "It's all your fault! Ever since my uncle married you, I got kicked out of the house!"
"You act so tough at home, but you let people push you around outside? That doesn't make sense." Alicia was genuinely curious. "Besides, didn't your uncle buy you an apartment near campus so your commute would be easier?"
"Stay out of it." Melanie hunched over her soup, refusing to meet Alicia's eyes.
Alicia let it go.
After breakfast, Alicia had the driver get the car ready to take them both.
Melanie locked herself in her room and refused to come out.
"Melanie, if you skip class, I'm calling your uncle," Alicia warned, rapping on the door.
With a huff, Melanie finally yanked open the door, shooting Alicia a murderous look. "You're so annoying."
Without another word, she grabbed her backpack, pulled on a beanie and headphones, and stormed out.
Alicia just sighed. Kids these daysâso much attitude, so much anger.
The driver took Melanie first; she was still a freshman and had a heavier course load.
Melanie got out of the car without so much as a backward glance and headed straight for the campus gates.
She barely made it to the entrance before a group of girls blocked her path.
"Melanie, you're such a burden. Even your uncle doesn't want you anymore, so why are you acting so high and mighty?"
"Trying to get with the hottest guy on campus? Please. As if you're the queen bee or something. You're a joke."
The mean girls at Seaview College of Arts were even bolder than Alicia had imaginedâbrazen enough to corner someone right in front of the school.
Alicia stepped out of the car, phone in hand, recording everything. "Bullying a classmate? I've got it all on camera. I can post it online, let everyone see what you're really like. You artsy types love attention, don't you?"
The girls froze, eyeing Alicia warily. "Who are you? This isn't your business."
"I'm her aunt," Alicia said, meeting their gaze. "And this video is going straight to her uncle, Tyrone. You know how protective he is. Think carefully about your next move."
"Waitâdon't post it! We were just joking around..." One of the girls shot Melanie a nervous glance. "Melanie, say something."
Alicia looked at Melanie and saw herself, four years younger, in that same spot.
She never thought someone with Tyrone behind her could still be bullied.
Rich Radiant and Over Him (Alicia and Vincent)
ï¤Chapter 69 Transmigration: I Have Storage Space in the Apocalypse ï¤Chapter 760 - 756: Encountering a Man with Evil Intentions Maybe it was because Melanie and Tyrone weren't related by blood. Maybe that's why these girls called her a burden, said Tyrone didn't want her, just to cut her deeper.
"I won't post itâif you apologize to Melanie. But if I ever see you bullying her again, I'll make sure everyone sees this, and I'll have her uncle come deal with you personally." Alicia's tone left no room for argument.
"Sorry..." The apologies were grudging, but the girls mumbled them before slinking away.
Melanie glared at Alicia. "I don't need your help."
Alicia sighed. "When I was a freshman, I was bullied too. I never fought backâbecause I was an orphan. I had no one. I couldn't afford to take the risk. But you're Tyrone's niece. He cares about you. So why don't you stand up for yourself?"