Vincent leaned back against the wall, rubbing his temples to ease the pounding ache in his head.
He didn't want to hurt Alicia. He didn't want to push her into a corner again. But if the only way to keep her by his side was to force her hand, then he had no choice.
It seemed he truly couldn't live without her anymore.
He realized it far too late. For four years, he'd let Alicia slip through his fingers, never holding on tightly enough, always letting her go when he should have fought harder.
"Alicia, sometimes you have to leave yourself a way out. Compromise, and you'll give yourself options. If you won't let things go with Mira and Henry, you'll be making enemies out of both the Holloway and Lawson families. When that happens…" Mina's voice was low and threatening as she spoke to Alicia, who'd just returned.
"She won't just be crossing the Holloways and the Lawsons," Jade added with a cold laugh, her eyes fixed on Alicia. "She'll be up against the Whites, too."
An orphan, Alicia now found herself at odds with three of the city's most powerful families. No one needed to spell out what her future would look like.
"I can't wait for the day Tyrone finally throws you aside," Mina said, her smile laced with undisguised anticipation.
Alicia stayed silent. She was scared—of course she was—but she still refused to give in.
When Tyrone came back, Alicia was perched obediently on a chair. "Did you get enough to eat?" he asked. "If you're full, let's get going."
Alicia shot up, nodding hard.
She was more than full—she was so stuffed she could barely stop herself from hiccuping.
Tyrone picked up a napkin and gently wiped the corner of her mouth. Then, taking her hand, he led her toward the door.
"Tyrone…" Jade shot Nicole a meaningful look. Nicole jumped up hastily. "Can we… exchange numbers? I'm starting college in Seaview City, and Grandpa said if I have any trouble there, I should reach out to you."
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Rich Radiant and Over Him (Alicia and Vincent)