Rich Radiant and Over Him (Alicia and Vincent) novel Chapter 41

Alicia considered it for a moment, then nodded.

This wasn't a demand—it 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 ‘marriage' for himself.

In Tyrone's world, everything had a price tag—including 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 promises—to 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 future—she'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 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.

"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 hesitation—she 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.