Rich Radiant and Over Him (Alicia and Vincent) novel Chapter 81

Tyrone turned on his heel and walked away without another word.

Jade's expression darkened as she watched his retreating figure, her hands balled into tight fists. What luck did Alicia have, to catch Tyrone's eye of all people?

Hmph. It's just because she's an orphan—easier to control, that's all.

Mina emerged from the shadows, curiosity in her voice. "Why does Tyrone defend Alicia like that? Are they really just in a marriage of convenience?"

Jade dropped onto the couch, lighting a cigarette with a cold laugh. "You don't know Tyrone like I do. He'd defend anyone—or anything—that belongs to him. Even if it were just a dog, he'd act the same way."

Mina's brow furrowed with worry. "If he keeps protecting Alicia, she's never going to back down. Then my brother and Mira will end up in jail."

Jade shot her a confident look. "Relax. I have other plans."

Mina leaned in, intrigued. "What do you mean?"

Jade smirked, a glint in her eye. "My grandfather has never stopped searching for his long-lost granddaughter, Nicole. If he finds her, the marriage contract between the White family and the Lynch family will kick in. Maddox will force Tyrone to divorce Alicia, that orphan, and marry Nicole instead."

She and her father had already lined up the perfect "Nicole" to fool the old man.

Mina grinned. "Then I'll be waiting for your good news."

…

On the drive to the orphanage, Tyrone remained completely silent.

Bored and unable to think of anything to say, Alicia slumped against the window and dozed off.

The road through Willowshire County twisted and turned through the hills, making the ride especially bumpy.

Half-asleep, Alicia kept thinking her head would smack against the car window, but when she woke up, it hadn't happened.

Instead, she realized she'd been resting her head on Tyrone's arm, which had gone numb beneath her.

At some point, Tyrone had slipped his hand between her head and the glass, cushioning her cheek for the entire ride.