Rich Radiant and Over Him (Alicia and Vincent) novel Chapter 280

Winnie tugged Alicia along as they wandered through Crystal Waters. “Listen, this place is crawling with big shots. That guy we just passed? CEO of Evercrest Group. Those men over there—major players in Seaview City. And those gorgeous women? All A-list celebrities.”

Alicia blinked in surprise. They really were famous—faces she’d only seen on magazine covers and movie posters.

Just as she and Winnie were about to move elsewhere, someone called out from behind, “Miss Alicia.”

She turned and was startled to see Clayton.

Clayton looked just as he always did: reserved, almost regal, with an air of quiet sophistication.

“Miss Alicia, I heard that Miss Nicole had an altercation with you today and was asked to leave Crystal Waters. I’d like to apologize on her behalf. Would you mind if we spoke privately for a moment?” Clayton’s tone was deliberate, his gaze meaningful.

Alicia hesitated, then nodded. How could she turn down a request from someone so devastatingly handsome?

Beside her, Winnie practically stopped breathing. She clutched Alicia’s arm. “Oh my god… Who is that? He’s better-looking than half the movie stars here!”

Winnie was utterly smitten.

And it was no wonder—Clayton was, objectively, almost unfairly attractive.

Winnie had always admired good looks, but she was practical, too; her sights were set on marrying up, securing a powerful match to benefit her family’s business. Every man allowed into Crystal Waters had a pedigree that far outstripped the Ryan family’s. If not for Alicia’s connections, Winnie never would have made the guest list.

But Clayton was not only gorgeous—he was in the inner circle. That could only mean one thing: top-tier, ultra-elite.

She’d always thought she had the lay of the land—Tyrone, Vincent, the usual golden boys. But this new, unfamiliar face? A mystery, and one she hadn’t even had time to research.