Rich Radiant and Over Him (Alicia and Vincent) novel Chapter 160

Tyrone’s car idled by the curb. He rolled down the window and gave the horn a quick tap.

Alicia jumped in surprise, then hurried over, not expecting Tyrone to actually drive himself here. “Where’s Felix?”

“Sent him home,” Tyrone replied, his tone making it clear Felix had been in the way.

Alicia tried the back door, but it wouldn’t budge. She peeked over at Tyrone from the passenger side. “Hey, the back door’s locked.”

“Ride up front,” Tyrone said, glancing at her.

With a little “Oh,” Alicia obediently climbed into the passenger seat.

“Want to grab burgers at that place near your campus?” Tyrone asked.

Alicia’s eyes lit up. She nodded eagerly, then turned to him in surprise. “Wait—how did you know I haven’t eaten?”

Tyrone just sighed, exasperated but amused. The fact that she’d left at this hour, alone, made it obvious she and Vincent must’ve had a fight—and that she’d probably skipped dinner.

“You argued with Vincent, didn’t you?” he asked, glancing at her.

Alicia’s mood immediately dropped. “No…” she muttered, shaking her head.

Tyrone let the subject drop, switching topics. “How’s that girl you’ve been mentoring? Did she do well on her exams?”

Alicia hesitated, caught off guard. She stayed silent for a moment.

Tyrone shot her a look but didn’t push.

“She did really well… ranked somewhere in the top twenty for the whole state,” Alicia finally murmured, twisting her fingers in her lap.

“It’s not me who’s been helping her, though. It’s Vincent…” she added quietly.

Tyrone left it at that. He already understood.

Alicia spent the entire drive lost in thought, barely saying a word.

Over the years, Nola had rarely reached out to Alicia, not even sending holiday greetings. Alicia had always chalked it up to Nola being busy with school—she was still in high school, after all.

But Nola messaged Vincent on every holiday, always finding reasons to check in, even when there wasn’t any occasion. She’d text things like, “The flu’s going around—be careful and wear a mask, big brother,” or, “It’s getting hot out—don’t forget to stay cool.”

If Nola ever did contact Alicia, it was only because she couldn’t get hold of Vincent and needed something important.

Now, Alicia’s phone kept buzzing with Nola’s calls, but she refused to pick up.

Nola, however, was persistent. If Alicia didn’t answer, she just kept calling.

Worried Tyrone might think something was wrong, Alicia finally gave in and picked up. “Hello?”

“Alicia, are you mad at me?” Nola’s voice came through, anxious and choked with tears. “I’m sorry… Is it because I’m too close with Vincent and it’s making you upset? But you’re not his girlfriend, are you?”

Alicia took a deep breath. “You’re overthinking it. I have things to do. I’ve got to go.”

“Wait—Sis, I know you like Vincent. On my eighteenth birthday last year, he told me you two weren’t together. He said you liked him, but he only kept you around because he felt sorry for you. He’s the one who paid your college tuition, right? We’re the same, you know. I’m just another student he’s helping, just like you.”