Rich Radiant and Over Him (Alicia and Vincent) novel Chapter 53

Up until now, Vincent had always seen Alicia as a fragile doll—one that couldn't survive without him.

Bzzz.

Her phone buzzed. It was a call from Chester.

She sat up straight and answered, "Chester?"

"Alicia, we caught the guy who came after you at the hospital," Chester said, getting straight to the point. "He was cautious—definitely a professional. Hired to do the job. Are you sure you haven't made any enemies?"

Alicia thought hard. Someone wanting her dead… that was more than just a grudge. But honestly, she couldn't think of anyone.

Her social circle was nearly nonexistent. Aside from Vincent, she barely had anyone she knew well.

"We can rule out the Holloway family and the Lawsons," Chester went on. "The Holloways are under a lot of scrutiny right now—they wouldn't risk extra trouble. And Vincent wouldn't want to silence you, either…" Chester sounded perplexed. Alicia was an orphan; why would anyone pay so much to have her killed?

"If they failed the first time, whoever's behind this probably won't give up," he warned. "You need to stay alert. If anything seems off, call me immediately."

"I will," Alicia promised, hesitating over whether to tell Tyrone about any of this.

"Is it possible… maybe it was a mistake? That they got the wrong person?" she asked quietly.

She just couldn't imagine who would want her dead.

"This guy's a pro, Alicia. He doesn't make rookie mistakes like that," Chester replied, his voice firm. "Don't take this lightly."

"I won't. Thank you, Chester." She meant it. She'd never forgotten how, four years ago when Mira and the others bullied her, Chester was the only one who ever helped.

"It's what friends do. Keep your phone on," Chester said, his tone softening before he hung up.

From his seriousness, Alicia knew this wasn't something to be brushed off easily. The whole thing felt surreal—like she was trapped in someone else's nightmare.

"I'm not sure I understand," Tyrone replied, his smile calm. "Alicia's single. You're about to get engaged…"

"Tyrone, don't make me spell it out," Vincent cut in, his tone sharp. "Alicia belongs to me. Even if I get married, that won't change. So I'd appreciate it if you kept your hands off what's mine."

Tyrone looked at Vincent, his gaze thoughtful.

So Vincent was planning to marry Mina, but had no intention of letting Alicia go. He wanted to keep Alicia as his mistress forever.

Tyrone let out a soft chuckle. "I'm afraid I can't agree to that, Mr. Lawson. Alicia is her own person. Who she sees is up to her—not you."

"She's been with me since she was nineteen," Vincent said, his voice low and challenging. "I know her better than anyone. She can't live without me. And as for you, Mr. Lynch—I doubt your interest will last, so why ruin things between us?"

"You don't know me as well as you think," Tyrone replied, rising to his feet. He met Vincent's eyes. "I'm very interested in Alicia. And maybe, unlike you, my interest won't fade. She met you at nineteen, but you never really valued her, did you?"