Rich Radiant and Over Him (Alicia and Vincent) novel Chapter 178

Yvonne nodded. Twenty-three—that lined up perfectly.

“Our Alicia has had a hard life,” Albertine said, her voice catching in her throat. “I just hope she finally gets a bit of good fortune. Years ago, someone left her on the steps of our orphanage. Most of our children there had special needs or chronic illnesses. But Alicia—she was always healthy, always such a beautiful little girl. I can’t imagine how her parents could have been so heartless.”

Yvonne drew a shaky breath, her fingers trembling.

Alicia had been abandoned at the orphanage.

A perfectly healthy child, left at a home meant for children with disabilities…

If her birth parents truly abandoned her, how could they have been so cruel?

Alicia had always been bright, quick-witted, and well-behaved, not to mention beautiful.

Yvonne’s serious expression suddenly softened into a smile. “Well, congratulations are in order. You’re having Tyrone’s child—maybe your hardships are finally at an end. Tyrone might be difficult, but he’s fiercely protective of his own.” She reached out to gently stroke Alicia’s hair. “What a lovely young woman you’ve become.”

Alicia ducked her head, a little embarrassed. “Thank you…”

No sooner had she finished speaking than Yvonne’s ring caught on a lock of Alicia’s hair, yanking out several strands. The sharp pain made Alicia’s eyes water.

Yvonne frowned, examining her ring in annoyance. “Oh dear! Look at this ring—such a nuisance. Did I hurt you?”

Alicia quickly shook her head. She wasn’t one to fuss over a few lost hairs.

“Well, if there’s nothing else, you should take your aunt home and get some rest. You don’t need to go back to the hotel—just head straight to Tyrone’s place, since you’re expecting,” Yvonne said, motioning for the driver to take Alicia home.

“That’s too much trouble, really. My aunt and I can just grab a cab…” Alicia protested, feeling awkward.

“Nonsense. I need to stop by for a check-up anyway. My driver can take you, then swing back for me. And besides, you’re pregnant now—you should treat yourself like a rare gem,” Yvonne said with a warm smile, waving off Alicia’s concerns.

Unable to say no, Alicia thanked her again and left with Albertine.

As soon as they were gone, Yvonne glanced down at the strands of hair in her hand.

Whatever the truth, she’d get a paternity test done first.

Yvonne had no patience for guessing games. She only cared about results.