Rich Radiant and Over Him (Alicia and Vincent) novel Chapter 149

Tyrone's words were razor-sharp, and Mina's face darkened like scorched iron. Standing on stage, she looked like a fool being paraded for all to see.

Alicia, nerves frayed, walked over and sat beside Tyrone.

Without missing a beat, Tyrone took her hand and turned to the principal. "Is my girl not good enough?"

The principal, flustered, nodded rapidly. "Alicia is an outstanding student—top of her class, in fact. She's one of our most distinguished graduates this year."

Tyrone squeezed Alicia's hand and stood to leave. "If someone like her has to share the stage with a chronic truant for this honor, maybe it isn't worth much after all. We'll pass."

The principal's face paled as he hurried to stop them. "Mr. Lynch, I truly had no idea about the truancy issue. I'll have the student affairs office launch an immediate investigation."

He knew full well that the Holloways couldn't hold a candle to the Lynches—not even close. And with so many journalists in attendance today, he couldn't afford a scandal. Tyrone's word carried weight. He had to get ahead of the story.

Chloe turned ghostly white, glancing nervously at Mina. "Sis, what do we do now?"

Mina's expression was like thunder. She stood frozen on stage, biting her lip in humiliation, before shooting Tyrone a venomous glare and fleeing backstage. With reporters swarming the front rows, she didn't dare show her face until after the ceremony.

Chloe scurried after her, equally rattled.

"Sis! What's the deal with this Tyrone and Alicia?" Chloe hissed, frustration in her voice.

Mina shot her a scowl. "You've got a lot of nerve to ask that. This is all because you skipped class!"

Chloe ducked her head, guilt written all over her face. She muttered, "Don't worry, sis. Once we're in Italy, I'll make sure Alicia pays for this."

Mina snorted. "Tyrone is notorious for protecting his own. Don't do anything rash. When he's done with her, there'll be plenty of people lining up to take her down."

Back on stage, the principal nervously scanned the roll call, voice trembling as he called Alicia's name. Though she'd originally been listed last, he bumped her to the top—after all, Alicia now had heavyweight backing, and she was no longer the orphan everyone used to push around.