Rich Radiant and Over Him (Alicia and Vincent) novel Chapter 322

When Alicia and Tyrone returned home, they found Easton sitting on the front steps.

Alicia wasn’t exactly thrilled to see him.

She couldn’t help but hold a grudge. In her eyes, anyone who swooped in at the last minute to scoop up something that wasn’t rightfully theirs couldn’t possibly be a good person.

If Easton really had what it took, he should go out and earn his own place in the world.

Sure, he could use the Lynch family name, maybe even ride Tyrone’s coattails a bit—but he had no right to steal what belonged to Tyrone.

“What are you doing here?” Alicia stepped protectively in front of Tyrone, putting herself between him and Easton.

They might have shared blood, but these days, the two looked more like rivals than brothers.

After all, they hadn’t grown up together. Blood alone didn’t guarantee affection.

“Hey… Alicia, Tyrone.” Easton’s voice was barely above a whisper, guilt etched on his face. “I’m sorry…”

“Sorry for what?” Alicia snapped, her frustration bubbling over. “Oh, please. Now that everything’s out in the open, you show up to apologize? What good does that do?” To her, Easton’s visit felt like gloating.

“Why don’t you just head home? We don’t want to see you right now. You’re still young, so I won’t say anything too harsh.” She stayed firmly in front of Tyrone, as if she could shield him from any more pain.

Tyrone gave her a small, amused smile.

Ever since the press had announced he was set to inherit Lynch Corporation, Alicia had become almost obsessively protective of him—hovering close, ready to defend at a moment’s notice.

These last few days had opened his eyes to just how cold people could be. Friends who once called him “brother” were now quick to kick him while he was down; acquaintances turned a blind eye, or worse, joined in the gossip.

But Alicia… Alicia only clung tighter.

“Just deal with it. You can’t expect to get all the benefits and none of the blowback. Besides, Alicia’s young—if she accidentally slips up, we’re sunk. It’s better she doesn’t know.”

Easton’s resentment faded quickly. His brother was right about everything. He nodded vigorously.

Tyrone couldn’t help but smirk. Maybe he was better at handling kids than he thought.

“So, what’s up?” Tyrone asked.

“You called it, Ty. Brandon’s already making his move. He’s been buttering up Dad and Mom, getting Mom hooked on card games and Dad obsessed with gambling on precious stones, or whatever the latest fad is.” Easton ran a hand through his hair, frustration plain on his face.

He’d been watching Marcus closely. Ever since the Lynch inheritance came into play, people had started turning their attention to Marcus. Brandon figured Easton was just a kid—no real threat.

“Now he’s got my parents trying to convince me to officially join the Lynch family. The plan is, once I’m old enough to get married, I’ll get engaged to Nicole. That way, the White family fortune will be locked down tight.”