Rich Radiant and Over Him (Alicia and Vincent) novel Chapter 431

If Alicia Shelton’s true identity were ever exposed, it would be as if she’d stepped into an entirely new world—one she’d never imagined.

“I know what you’re worried about,” Tyrone Lynch said quietly. “You think I’m coddling her, that I’ve spoiled her, right? But you’re mistaken. She’s not some fragile ornament who can only cling to a man. What I gave her isn’t protection—it’s wings. Sometimes, all a person needs to soar is a pair of wings.”

He glanced at Clayton Holloway with cool detachment.

Clayton had never truly understood Alicia. After all, the Alicia everyone saw was a delicate little wife, gentle and unassuming. No one found her threatening—not even those plotting behind the scenes. Alicia was so easily overlooked, her presence dismissed by those who thought themselves clever.

But that’s the danger, isn’t it? Sometimes, the woman you underestimate most is the one who can strike hardest when it counts.

Clayton hesitated, unable to argue. Tyrone knew Alicia better than he ever could.

“Well, if you’re convinced Alicia isn’t just some wilting flower, then I’ll take my chances,” Clayton said, exhaling a slow breath.

He could only hope she wouldn’t let him down.

…

Alicia’s Apartment.

Alicia sat in silence on her sofa for a long time after coming home. She barely noticed as Easton Lynch and Winnie Ryan finished preparing dinner—the smells of roasted chicken and fresh bread drifting through the apartment.

“Alicia?” Winnie sat down beside her, concern etched in her voice.

“Winnie, you like me, and you’re willing to be my friend. Is it because we have similar personalities?” Alicia asked, her tone thoughtful.

Maybe Yvonne’s concern was just an extension of her relationship with Sean—a sort of auntly affection?

Alicia shook her head. “That’s what I thought at first. But Sean and Tyrone hardly even speak, and their relationship is practically nonexistent. Yvonne has absolutely no reason to go out of her way for me.”

“She looks at me with such sadness in her eyes,” Alicia continued softly. “Sometimes she seems on the verge of tears, with this complicated, bittersweet expression… almost like a mother looking at her daughter. No, it’s not quite that—it’s as if she’s seeing someone else through me…”

Alicia took a deep breath, glancing at Winnie. “Help me look into Yvonne, will you? There’s something off, and I can’t shake the feeling. And then there’s Patriarch Reginald White—he went out of his way to meet me, and I assumed he’d ask me to leave Tyrone or something serious. But all he did was invite me to lunch and watch me eat, as if he was searching for answers in my face…”

Alicia let out a self-deprecating laugh.

She’d long suspected there was more to her own story than she understood. She just wasn’t ready to face the truth—at least, not yet.