Rich Radiant and Over Him (Alicia and Vincent) novel Chapter 73

Alicia fixed her gaze on Vincent, silently daring him to come up with something even more revolting.

"Vin?" Mina's voice broke the tension, her nerves fraying as the reporters kept their cameras trained on them.

Vincent slowly slipped his arm from Mina's grasp and reached for Alicia's wrist, his voice rough. "Alicia, can we talk for a minute?"

Alicia jerked her arm free, her words sharp as a blade. "Mr. Lawson, please have some dignity. Your fiancée and the press are right here."

Vincent instinctively tried to catch her hand again, but it was as if she'd become untouchable—he just couldn't reach her anymore.

Turning to face the reporters, Alicia's voice rang out, clear and unwavering. "For the last time, the rumors about me being a kept woman are just that—malicious lies, slander, and defamation. If it happens again, I will not hesitate to call the police and pursue legal action."

Her eyes locked on Vincent as she finished. He was the one who'd started those rumors, after all.

A sudden surge of confidence filled Alicia. Tyrone had promised her—he wouldn't leave her to fend for herself.

Because they were married, even if only on paper.

"Mr. Lawson, if you're unfamiliar with the law, I suggest you consult your attorney before you make public accusations. Slander has consequences. I hope you'll think twice." Alicia's warning was icy, her gaze unwavering. With that, she strode toward the campus, her head held high.

She was no longer the timid, apologetic girl she used to be. She wasn't alone anymore.

At least for the duration of this marriage, she had someone in her corner.

Vincent stood frozen, stunned, unable to process what had just happened.

This Alicia was nothing like the one he'd known. The Alicia who'd been with him was obedient, meek, almost painfully forgiving—no matter how badly he treated her, a few soft words would always win her back.

He pulled his arm free from Mina once more and strode towards the school, a singular thought in his mind: he needed to talk to Alicia, really talk, and see if there was any way to turn things back to how they were.

Mina stood rooted to the spot, fists clenched tight in frustration.

"Well, it looks like Vincent still has feelings for Alicia." Behind her, Jade stepped out of the car, a sly smile curling at her lips. "You're right, as long as Alicia stays married to Tyrone, you don't stand a chance. I know Tyrone—he's always been distant, but when it comes to the people he cares about… he'll protect them to the end."

As long as Alicia was Tyrone's wife, he'd never let anyone hurt her.

"That little tramp," Mina hissed, unable to accept that the woman who once cowered before her now stood above her, emboldened by Tyrone's support.

"Then make her divorce him," Jade whispered. "Once she's out of Tyrone's life, she's got nothing—no family, no power. She'll be easy to deal with."

Mina nodded, her eyes glinting with resolve. "You're right."