Rich Radiant and Over Him (Alicia and Vincent) novel Chapter 212

Alicia glanced at the check and let out a soft, mocking laugh. “Mrs. Lawson, I’ll admit the Lawson family is wealthy, but do you really think your fortune can compare to my husband Tyrone’s? What sum could you possibly offer that Tyrone couldn’t match—or top?”

Vincent’s mother’s face darkened instantly, her composure slipping. “Alicia, how long do you really think this marriage with Tyrone will last?”

Alicia blinked innocently at her. “How long our marriage lasts is between Tyrone and me. I’m not sure why you, as an outsider, think you get a say.”

Viola scoffed. “Unbelievable. People like you get a little power and suddenly think they can walk all over everyone. Alicia, don’t mistake civility for weakness. I’m offering you a way out—just write down the amount you want, take the money, and leave.”

Alicia covered her mouth with a lighthearted giggle, picked up the check, and scribbled a string of nines across it.

Nine hundred million. If the Holloway family was really willing to pay that much, she wouldn’t mind signing a waiver and forgiving Henry and Mira altogether.

Viola’s expression soured further. She slammed her hand down on the table. “Alicia, you’re crossing the line.”

Alicia just sighed, all innocence. “See, I wrote down a number like you asked, and you’re still upset. If you really wanted to be so generous, maybe you shouldn’t have made those grand declarations about buying me off in the first place. If your son truly meant that much to you, surely nine hundred million isn’t too high a price.”

Viola, seething, raised her hand as if to slap Alicia. Alicia looked at her with wide, untroubled eyes and even leaned in a little, almost inviting the blow. “Remember, I’m carrying Tyrone’s child. He knows I’m here today. Even if you control the security cameras in this place, I’m sure he’d find out if anything happened. Hurt me if you want, but if anything happens to the baby Tyrone wants so much…”

“You know perfectly well Tyrone is only using you to have a child!” Viola spat, her hand trembling but never landing the slap.

Vincent’s mother was nearly shaking with rage. She’d clearly never met someone so unmoved by threats or bribes. “So what, you won’t budge unless Vincent himself comes to beg?”

Alicia met her gaze calmly. “You’re mistaken. No matter who comes, the answer will be the same. Vincent is no exception.”

Vincent’s mother clearly didn’t believe her, scoffing as she pulled out her phone. “Drop the innocent act; you’re fooling no one.” She dialed Vincent. “Come to New Harmony Restaurant. Yes, Springvale Hall. Alicia’s here. You need to come and beg her to let your sister go.” Her tone left no room for argument.

She was desperate for her daughter, still sitting in a holding cell, and would do whatever it took, even ordering her own son to plead.

Alicia couldn’t help but find the whole spectacle tragic. When everything revolved around power and profit, even the mighty found themselves cornered. She glanced at Mina, simmering with silent resentment, and almost laughed at herself for ever envying the so-called privilege of these families.