Rich Radiant and Over Him (Alicia and Vincent) novel Chapter 184

“Alright,” Tyrone agreed.

Alicia snuck a glance at him. He didn’t explain himself—didn’t bother to hide anything, either.

She turned to gaze out the window, realizing, once again, that she was probably just imagining things.

Humans really are greedy creatures, she thought. Just because Tyrone, the man holding the purse strings, had treated her kindly for a few days, she’d started to take his concern for granted.

It was almost as if she’d convinced herself she belonged in the role of his wife.

But for Serena, that role was nothing short of a cruel joke.

The car pulled up in front of the hotel. The valet drove it off to park, and Alicia followed Tyrone inside, heading upstairs in search of Melanie.

Melanie hadn’t picked up her phone all morning, and Alicia couldn’t help but worry that something might have happened. Girls her age were prone to making reckless choices.

“Melanie, open the door.” Tyrone knocked firmly. There was no reply from inside.

“Melanie!” His brow furrowed, his voice edged with irritation.

Alicia spoke quietly. “Why don’t you go wait downstairs? Let me try talking to her.”

Tyrone nodded, stepping aside.

Alicia knocked softly. “Melanie, it’s me. Your uncle’s gone—it’s just me now.”

Tyrone cast her a look, then turned and walked away.

The room stayed silent.

“Melanie, aren’t we friends?” Alicia tried again.

There was a long pause before the door finally cracked open. Melanie peeked out, making sure Tyrone was really gone before she let Alicia in.

Melanie stared at her, stunned. Alicia was clever—she really did know how to comfort people. “Really?”

Alicia nodded. “I don’t know the full truth. But Tyrone is careful about everything—he’d never ignore your feelings unless your mother’s safety depended on it.”

“Oh—by the way, on our way over here, your mom called Tyrone. She asked him to pick you up and bring you to see her at the hospital,” Alicia added with a smile, though her chest ached with a bittersweet pang.

Melanie slowly sat up, looking at Alicia as if searching for words. At last, she managed, “Wait here. I need to get dressed.”

She changed her clothes, then hovered awkwardly, hesitating.

“Is there something you want to say?” Alicia prompted gently.

Melanie met her gaze. “Are you… really only with my uncle for the money? Do you have any other feelings for him? Because… well, before I found out my mom was alive, I thought maybe my uncle would fall in love with you…”

Tyrone really did treat Alicia differently. No other woman who’d come close to him had ever gotten the same attention.