Rich Radiant and Over Him (Alicia and Vincent) novel Chapter 36

Alicia didn't even glance at Vincent.

Drop the charges?

Was he kidding?

So with just a word from him, she was supposed to let it all go—pretend she hadn't suffered, like none of it mattered? Who was supposed to listen to her pain?

"Alicia!" Vincent hurried over, lowering his voice as he spoke. "Mina's not well. Whatever you and Henry have going on, don't drag her into it."

Alicia's eyes burned, her fingers curling so tightly her knuckles ached.

"Mr. Lawson, it seems you're blaming Alicia without even getting your facts straight," Chester said, his voice cool and steady. "It was Mina who had Alicia unlawfully detained."

Vincent's expression darkened as he turned to Chester. "Chester, I remember you."

Four years ago, Chester had been the one fixated on campus bullying, the one who'd encouraged Alicia to press charges and see justice done.

If it weren't for the tenuous connections between the Quinns and the Lawsons, he'd have run Chester out of Seaview City long ago.

"We're all familiar faces here," the chief said, his tone weighty as he addressed Chester. "Let them handle their private business themselves. All the necessary evidence has already been submitted. Let's go."

Chester looked troubled. He cast Alicia a meaningful glance.

"Thank you, Chester. I'll be alright," Alicia said, giving him a small nod.

She could handle this. The last thing she wanted was to drag Chester down with her.

He nodded and followed his superior out.

"Alicia, this has nothing to do with Mina. Don't involve her in your issues with Henry. If Henry's crossed a line and you want to call the police, fine, but leave Mina out of it," Vincent insisted, his frustration clear.

His attention was entirely on Mina now.

He saw Alicia as the villain, out to ruin Mina's life just so she could take her place.