Rich Radiant and Over Him (Alicia and Vincent) novel Chapter 97

She wasn't sure why she'd suddenly become so stubborn—maybe it was just the frustration she'd been bottling up inside.

But what was there to feel frustrated about, anyway? Hadn't they agreed to this marriage of convenience from the very start? Why was she being so sensitive now?

She knew perfectly well she wasn't supposed to catch feelings.

"Where did she take you?" Tyrone's voice crackled through the phone, edged with irritation. "I'll come pick you up."

"We're already on our way back," Alicia replied quietly.

"What, don't trust me? Worried I'll sell her off or something?" Jade, overhearing Tyrone's question, leaned in with a teasing smile.

"Miss White, eavesdropping and butting into someone else's call—didn't the White family ever teach you manners? I thought Reginald White ran a strict household?" Tyrone's voice dropped, cold and cutting.

He had a real talent for venom. When he was in a foul mood, even the neighborhood stray dogs weren't safe from his tongue.

Alicia had known Tyrone was angry from the moment he spoke.

And now… Jade was still provoking him.

Alicia stood there awkwardly, clutching her phone, caught between hanging up or not.

Jade's face had gone an ugly shade of red.

Tyrone's words hit hard—not just calling out Jade's lack of class, but reminding her, and everyone else, that she was the illegitimate daughter of the White family, the one who'd grown up in the slums with Brandon, the bastard son.

Jade hadn't moved into the White household until she was twelve. Before that, Reginald White had refused to acknowledge either his bastard son or his granddaughter. It was only after much pressure from outsiders—reminding him the White legacy couldn't end with him—that Reginald begrudgingly allowed Brandon to bring his wife and daughter back into the family.

"Tyrone, we'll be back soon…" Alicia said softly, seeing how Jade's anger was almost boiling over.

No matter how harsh Tyrone's words were, Jade didn't dare talk back now. She knew better than to cross him.

All bark and no bite, really.

"I expect to see you both in ten minutes," Tyrone said curtly, then hung up.

The ultimatum wasn't for Alicia—it was for Jade.