Rich Radiant and Over Him (Alicia and Vincent) novel Chapter 248

“Let’s eat together.” Wilma brought out the dishes and set them on the table. Alicia smiled and motioned for her to sit down and join her.

Wilma didn’t hesitate. Just like always, she took her seat and started eating with Alicia.

Alicia didn’t seem to have much of an appetite. She took a few sips of water, quietly watching Wilma as she picked up her fork.

Wilma helped herself to the dish she’d doctored earlier.

So, whatever she’d put in there clearly wasn’t some fast-acting poison.

“Have some more,” Wilma said, using the serving fork to put more food on Alicia’s plate, her face all smiles and encouragement.

Alicia nodded and managed a few bites.

When Wilma finally let her guard down and headed to the kitchen to fetch something, Alicia quickly took samples of her food, slipping them into a plastic bag she’d prepared in advance.

“I don’t really have much of an appetite today. I promised my tutor I’d make it to language class, so I’ll head out now.” Alicia tucked the samples into her purse and excused herself.

“Aren’t you going to eat a bit more?” Wilma asked, concern flickering in her voice.

Alicia didn’t answer. Once outside, she climbed into her car and called Chester. “Chester, I need a favor.”

…

West End Café.

Chester happened to be off duty today. When he spotted Alicia inside the café, he greeted her warmly. “How’s your recovery? A while back, with that case involving Melanie and Serena, Tyrone came to see me. Melanie’s one thing, but Serena—she’s got some psychiatric issues, just like that person who tried to hurt you at the hospital. If she doesn’t pass a psych eval, she’ll be kept in the sanatorium.”

Chester sighed, clearly exasperated. “You always seem to attract the crazies, Alicia.”

“I heard Serena’s been sent to Harboridge Psychiatric Sanatorium. At least she won’t be hurting anyone else.” Alicia reached into her bag and pulled out the food samples. “Today I caught our housekeeper on camera putting something in my food. I want you to help me test what it was.”

She handed the plastic bag to Chester and showed him the video footage on her phone.

“You’re not calling the police?” Chester stared at her in disbelief.

He’d thought that after Alicia married Tyrone, her life would settle down. But she seemed to have landed herself in a nest of vipers.

“Easton! Did you remember everything I told you yesterday?” the café manager called from inside.

Alicia was a little surprised. After all, he knew she belonged to Harboridge’s wealthiest family. Why would he be working a café job?

She didn’t ask. Instead, she left with Chester.

“Do you know that guy?” Chester asked as they walked away.

Alicia hesitated. “Yeah…” She didn’t elaborate, but glanced back over her shoulder.

Easton had already slipped on his apron and was focused on making coffee behind the counter.

…

At eight that evening, Tyrone called Alicia for a video chat.

“Did you get some rest today?” he asked, leaning back on the couch. He looked tired.