Rich Radiant and Over Him (Alicia and Vincent) novel Chapter 141

Alicia's attempt at being playful and affectionate came off a bit awkward—but with her face, that clumsy sweetness was almost endearing.

Tyrone stared at her for a long moment before letting out a soft laugh. "What guilty secret are you hiding?"

He pulled her into his arms, squeezing her cheeks with a mock-seriousness. Alicia winced a little at the pressure, giving him a wounded look. Guilty? She was just trying to please him.

"I'm not—" Alicia started to defend herself.

"Upset because I didn't let you go out with Winnie?" Tyrone probed.

She shook her head quickly. "No, it's not that… Now that you're home, of course I want to be here. I wouldn't go out."

"So well-behaved all of a sudden?" Tyrone eyed her with suspicion. Was it his imagination, or had she gotten more obedient since he'd been away? Where had she picked that up?

"Did you hear something?" He guessed the answer—Wilma must have said something, especially since she hadn't come out to greet him, looking all guilty.

"No…" Alicia didn't want to throw Wilma under the bus.

Tyrone ruffled her hair. "Don't worry. We're not getting divorced. And when you're actually pregnant, even he can't force us to split. The Lynch family's old rules are clear—no children outside of marriage. Every heir must be born within wedlock, and divorce isn't allowed while the wife's expecting."

He gave her a gentle smile. "So, how about we try a little harder?"

Alicia immediately caught his drift—he meant they should put more effort into, well, making a baby. Molly really was the best mentor, she thought, nodding enthusiastically.

After a short pause, Alicia spoke up again. "But… what if your father kicks you out? Takes back your shares in the company…"

Tyrone was silent for a long while. He took her hand and led her inside, his tone somber. "I haven't been much of a father… But at least she has you."

Alicia's heart ached. Was it because he loved Serena that he treated Melanie as his own daughter now?

"Can I… ask you something?" Alicia glanced up at him timidly.

"There's nothing you can't say to me," Tyrone replied, pulling off his jacket.

Alicia looked away, embarrassed, and spoke quietly. "Why haven't you told Melanie her mom is alive? She must feel so alone without a mother…"

Tyrone paused mid-change, his hands frozen in place.