Rich Radiant and Over Him (Alicia and Vincent) novel Chapter 52

"Tyrone, no matter what, you can't scold Melanie like that. She's just a child, and she's already lost her mother—she's sensitive enough as it is." Jade wrapped her arms protectively around Melanie, her gaze flickering over to Alicia.

"So, this is the woman Melanie was talking about?" Jade's brow furrowed, and there was open disdain in her voice as she turned to Tyrone. "Is this what you're thinking now, Tyrone? Just trying to keep your grandfather happy, and you're not even being picky anymore?"

Jade's tone dripped with superiority, as if she were passing judgment from on high.

To Jade, Alicia was simply beneath them, someone utterly unworthy of Tyrone.

"Miss White, this is a family matter. I'd appreciate it if you stayed out of it." Tyrone's voice was cool as he stepped in front of Alicia, blocking Jade's scrutinizing stare. "Melanie, if you can't recognize your own mistake, then you won't be coming home for a while."

His meaning was unmistakable: Melanie would be staying at her boarding school and wasn't allowed back.

Melanie shot Tyrone a furious look. "You'll regret this! Jade is so much better than her!"

Bursting into tears, Melanie ran out of the house, with Jade sighing helplessly as she hurried after her.

The housekeeper, wringing her hands nearby, stayed silent, not daring to intervene.

Alicia had stood quietly the whole time, feeling she had no right to speak up.

"I'm sorry... Things are a bit complicated with my family. I'll explain everything to you when I get the chance." Tyrone turned to Alicia, a note of apology in his voice.

Alicia shook her head slightly.

After all, with a salary of three million a year, this was obviously no ordinary job.

"Melanie won't bother you again. If you need anything, just let Wilma know," Tyrone instructed once more.

Alicia nodded obediently, her demeanor calm and unassuming, as if she had no desire to compete with anyone.

Tyrone gazed at her, his expression shadowed by something complicated and unreadable. "I have a business dinner tonight, so I'll be home late."

Alicia blinked, a bit anxious. Was he spending the night here? Would they be sharing a room or sleeping separately?

Her fingers twisted together with nervousness. For that kind of salary, surely he wasn't just paying her to be a decorative trophy.

Alicia instinctively stepped back, covering her cheek with her hand. "I just bumped into something. I wasn't looking where I was going."

Tyrone didn't press her. He simply nodded. "Get some rest."

It was only after Tyrone left the room that Alicia truly relaxed.

Back in her bedroom, she lay on the bed, staring up at the ceiling. Her cheek still burned—a sure sign that Vincent had struck her with real force.

In the end, without love, there was no such thing as mercy.

"Alicia, I'll never let anyone hurt you again…"

Vincent's words from the past echoed in her mind, but now they felt like a cruel joke.

"You're so sweet, Alicia. How can I ever feel at ease…" Back when they first got together, Vincent used to praise her for being so good—so obedient, like a doll without a soul.