Rich Radiant and Over Him (Alicia and Vincent) novel Chapter 35

Alicia froze, caught off guard by Tyrone's sudden appearance—and even more so by the anger simmering in his eyes. "Mr. Lynch… what are you…?"

Tyrone drew a deep breath, trying to steady himself. "My assistant was scrolling through livestreams and saw you. Good thing I hadn't left Seaview yet."

He was supposed to be heading back to Harboridge with his father today. If not for that random moment on the road, if his assistant hadn't caught the broadcast, he would've already been gone.

Even now, Tyrone couldn't explain to himself why he'd gotten involved. He could've just sent his assistant, washed his hands of the mess. But he hadn't. He'd come in person.

"Thank you," Alicia said quietly, dropping her gaze.

"You told me before you didn't have the means to fight back. So what was that reckless stunt just now?" Tyrone's brow furrowed, his tone unintentionally harsh.

"This time… I had something to fight with." Alicia managed a faint smile.

This time, she was desperate enough to risk everything.

If it came to the worst—if she died—at least the orphanage wouldn't be dragged down with her.

"Don't worry about me, Mr. Lynch. I'm not exactly… a good person." Her smile tugged at the bruised, swollen skin on her cheek, making her wince. Even battered, she had a kind of beauty that was impossible to look away from.

She was exactly the kind of woman a man could fall for at first sight—and Tyrone found himself admitting it, if only silently.

"I've already called Chester. He'll show up at just the right moment. Mina is going down for unlawful imprisonment, and Henry—he'll face charges for aggravated assault, maybe worse. He's going to prison." Alicia's voice was lighter now, as if the sunlight spilling through the window suddenly felt softer.

Finally. One nightmare was over.

"You're still too naïve." Tyrone's frown deepened.

Did she really believe this would be enough to take Henry down? If the Holloways or the Lawsons decided to protect him, all it would take was a few well-placed phone calls. Even if Alicia's livestream had blown up the internet, public outrage would fade soon enough.

Alicia blinked, uncertainty flickering in her eyes as she looked at him. Had all her efforts really been for nothing? Would Henry walk away without so much as a slap on the wrist?

"What I mean is—what if he'd killed you? What if he'd gotten his way? Is the price you paid worth whatever punishment he might get?" Tyrone's voice softened, seeing the panic in her eyes.

Alicia shook her head, lowering her gaze.

It was worth it.