Rich Radiant and Over Him (Alicia and Vincent) novel Chapter 100

"Tyrone, I heard the Lynch and White families go way back. Their ties aren't just business—there are all sorts of secrets between them. You were able to marry whoever you liked because Nicole was missing. But now that Nicole's back, I'm curious to see just how long your little contract marriage with Alicia will last."

Vincent watched Tyrone with a smirk, clearly enjoying the moment. Still, he had no intention of burning all bridges with him.

Alicia's face fell. In that instant, she realized she might be tossed aside all over again.

The truth was simple: only the weak worry about being abandoned. She knew too well she didn't have the strength to stand on her own yet.

"How naïve," Tyrone shot back, giving Vincent a derisive smile before taking Alicia's hand and leading her toward the backyard.

"Come on, let's go watch the show," he murmured under his breath.

Alicia followed, distracted and heavy-hearted. Now that Nicole had returned, she had no interest in any spectacle.

Out in the garden, Reginald, Brandon, Mrs. White, and the entire household staff lined up, waiting. It was obvious how much Nicole's arrival meant to everyone.

Alicia stood among them, a pang of envy twisting in her chest as she waited for the prodigal daughter—the real heiress of the White family—to come home.

What kind of person, she wondered, was lucky enough to be born into a family like the Whites? Even after being lost to the world for over twenty years, Nicole still returned as a princess.

Some people, Alicia thought, are simply born at the finish line, while others spend their whole lives running and never get close.

A sleek black Mercedes glided to a stop in the drive. The butler hurried forward and opened the door.

Reginald, his hands trembling, stayed rooted to the spot, waiting for his long-lost granddaughter.

The car door swung open. A young woman in a white dress stepped out. She looked pure and delicate, her gentle features bearing a faint resemblance to Alicia's. Wide-eyed and uncertain, she gazed at Reginald, unsure what to do.

Reginald's eyes brimmed with tears as he stepped forward. "Child… I'm your grandfather."