Rich Radiant and Over Him (Alicia and Vincent) novel Chapter 9

Alicia pressed the doorbell, shifting uneasily on the doorstep.

A housekeeper opened the door, surprise flickering across her face at the sight of Alicia—soaked to the skin and looking utterly disheveled.

"Oh, my dear…" The woman had no idea what Alicia had been through, but she welcomed her in all the same. She fetched a fresh pair of slippers and, with a gentle touch, draped a soft shawl around Alicia's shoulders.

"Mr. Lynch is in a video meeting," she said kindly. "He told me you'd be coming. Just have a seat in the living room and wait a moment, will you? I'll go make you some warm sweet soup."

Alicia felt a pang of gratitude. Kindness from strangers was rare in her life, but something about this housekeeper put her at ease.

She glanced nervously around the living room, mesmerized by the elegant décor. She didn't dare sit down—worried she'd sully Mr. Lynch's spotless cream sofa.

It was obvious: Mr. Lynch was a man of means and refined taste. Judging by the immaculate order of his home, he was probably a gentleman, too.

She waited barely three minutes before Mr. Lynch emerged from his study—not long at all.

He was dressed casually, likely straight from the shower, his hair still damp and tousled.

Mr. Lynch looked about the same age as Vincent, but his features were sharper, more striking—the kind of face that would hold its own even among movie stars.

Suddenly, Alicia felt a wave of insecurity and second thoughts. Why would someone like him ever want to marry her?

"Mr. Lynch," she managed, her voice tentative.

He paused, taking in Alicia's drenched and bedraggled state. "Did you just save the world or something? What happened to you?"

Alicia froze, dropping her gaze, embarrassed. For someone with such a reputation, Mr. Lynch's bluntness was unexpected—almost unkind.

"Wilma, take her to get cleaned up and find her some dry clothes," he said, frowning as he looked Alicia up and down. "Anyone who didn't know better would think a stray wandered in."

His words were laced with sarcasm, but then he turned and fetched some cold medicine, mixing it into a glass of water and bringing it over to her.

Alicia was almost taken aback. Acts of kindness had been so rare for her. "Th-thank you."