Rich Radiant and Over Him (Alicia and Vincent) novel Chapter 228

The small fishing village.

When Vincent finally found Marcus, the man was bracing himself on a crutch, helping someone unload cargo from a truck. Marcus had lost a leg, but his frame was still robust; his skin was a healthy bronze, and a few days’ worth of stubble shadowed his jaw. There was nothing about him now that hinted at his past life as the heir to Harboridge City’s wealthiest family.

“Hey, Marcus! I heard your boy Easton topped his exams again? The college scores just came out—looks like our little county’s about to produce another top scholar!” One of the dockworkers called out from the seafood truck, grinning as he tossed a box to Marcus.

Marcus nodded, a smile tugging at his lips. “Yeah, the kid did well this time.”

Vincent watched from his car parked nearby, silent as he took in Marcus’s pride and easy laughter. That moment, he couldn’t help but feel a surge of pity—for Tyrone.

Marcus had abandoned everything, even his eldest son, all for the sake of escaping a loveless, arranged marriage. Instead, he’d hidden himself away in this remote fishing village, patched together a new family, and poured every ounce of fatherly affection into his younger son…

How pitiful.

“Dad, let me help Mr. Brown. Your leg’s not up for this,” a tall teenager called out, striding over. He must have been six-foot-three at least, broad-shouldered and tan, muscles gleaming in the sunlight beneath his sleeveless shirt.

Nineteen and brimming with youthful energy, Easton Lynch hefted a crate of clams and set it on the truck with effortless strength.

Easton bore a striking resemblance to Marcus—and more than a little to Tyrone as well, though he was younger and easily smiled.

“Dad, go sit in the shade and have a soda. No point baking out here. Mom’s finished cooking; once we’re done, let’s head home for dinner,” he said, his concern genuine. Marcus’s leg never allowed him to stand for long.

Marcus beamed, his face alight with joy.

Vincent watched the scene for a long time before turning to his assistant. “He gave up a fortune to hide out here, scraping by with some woman, and he calls this happiness?”

“Are you sure? Even if that’s how you feel, shouldn’t you think about your son? Easton’s nineteen—he’s about to head off to college in Seaview City. You walked away from the Lynch fortune without a cent. I admire your nerve, but…” Vincent smiled, his tone gentle but pointed. “Think about what’s ahead for him—college, job hunting, finding a place to live, starting a family. If he knew he was actually the heir to billions, do you think he’d be content with this life?”

He gave Marcus a knowing look.

Marcus’s expression darkened. “Don’t you dare lay a hand on my son.”

Vincent smiled, undeterred. “It’s obvious you love him. So why not tell him the truth and let him decide for himself? Maybe he’d rather go back to the Lynch family than you think.”

Marcus said nothing.

At that moment, Easton spotted the stranger next to his father and jogged over, eyes narrowed with concern.