Rich Radiant and Over Him (Alicia and Vincent) novel Chapter 70

Whether Melanie's mother was truly gone, or whether Tyrone still loved her, were not matters Alicia felt she had any right to care about.

Her duty was simply to play the role of a good wife. Nothing more.

"What happened to your face?" Alicia steered the conversation elsewhere, her gaze settling on the angry red welt marring Melanie's cheek.

"None of your business. Stop looking at me like you're enjoying this," Melanie snapped, blinking back tears as she stabbed her fork into her breakfast with unnecessary force.

Alicia could see something was very wrong.

"Are you seeing someone?" she asked quietly, recalling how Tyrone had mentioned last night that Melanie might be dating. "If anyone's giving you a hard time, you should tell your uncle."

Melanie shot Alicia a venomous glare. "Keep your mouth shut. Don't go telling people things you shouldn't, or else—"

She didn't dare let Tyrone find out. He was too stern, too intimidating.

Sniffling, Melanie's bravado crumbled. A sob broke free, raw and loud.

She was just a freshman—barely out of high school—and with her mother gone, she had no one to turn to about anything that mattered.

Alicia watched her crumble and sighed, her heart heavy.

She knew she shouldn't meddle, but she still offered a tissue. "Eat your breakfast. I'll take you back to campus afterward."

Seaview University and Seaview Dance Academy were close, both tucked into the university district. Dropping Melanie off was hardly out of Alicia's way.

"I don't need your fake concern. I don't even want to go to class anymore." Melanie's words were thick with resentment. "It's all your fault! Ever since my uncle married you, I got kicked out of the house!"

"You act so tough at home, but you let people push you around outside? That doesn't make sense." Alicia was genuinely curious. "Besides, didn't your uncle buy you an apartment near campus so your commute would be easier?"

"Stay out of it." Melanie hunched over her soup, refusing to meet Alicia's eyes.

Alicia let it go.

After breakfast, Alicia had the driver get the car ready to take them both.

Melanie locked herself in her room and refused to come out.

"Melanie, if you skip class, I'm calling your uncle," Alicia warned, rapping on the door.