Hotel suite.
Alicia's chest felt tight with anger.
Even back when she was bullied by Mira and her friends, she'd never been this furious-or this hungry.
Those girls had always been openly cruel. But this-what Tyrone was going through -was different.
For Tyrone, it was his own family plotting against him. Even his grandfather was part of it his own flesh and blood.
When Marcus had run off and left the family in shambles, Tyrone's grandfather had no one else to rely on. But now, with another candidate in the picture, he'd started scheming against Tyrone, afraid Tyrone wouldn't share the inheritance with that so- called brother.
It made Alicia's blood boil on Tyrone's behalf.
Her eyes stung with unshed tears. She tried her best to hold it in-she didn't want to upset Tyrone further.
"You look so upset." Tyrone seemed to notice her brooding. He shrugged off his jacket, tossed it on the couch, and pulled Alicia gently into his arms.
She landed softly on his lap-warm and delicate, her hair carrying a faint, sweet scent.
Even her breathing sounded like she was quietly seeking comfort.
Tyrone smiled to himself. This this rare, gentle peace was something he hadn't felt in nearly thirty years.
"I'm upset for you..." Alicia finally couldn't hold back. She buried her face against his chest and let the tears fall, drenching his shirt.
"How could your grandfather treat you like this? Even if he hates me, you're still his grandson. The baby's yours, too..." Her voice was muffled as she cried, her tears soaking through the fabric.
"It's my fault." Tyrone stroked her hair, his voice low and soothing. "No more tears, okay? What if I take you shopping? Want to grab some ice cream?"
Alicia shook her head. "I don't want anything. I just want to cry."
He chuckled softly. "Alright. Then cry as much as you need."
He knew she shouldn't have to bottle it up.
When Alicia finally cried herself out, draped limply over his shoulder, Tyrone smiled and fetched her a tissue, then scooped her up entirely.
Startled, Alicia clung to him, wrapping her arms and legs tightly around his waist.
He carried her over to the minibar,
setting her down gently on the counter. After all those little
.net
pearls he tapped her damp cheeks-"better drink some water, refill the supply."
Alicia sniffled, but obediently took a sip from the glass he offered.
"Tyrone... your family, they must all want Easton to come back and claim his place then they'll try to steal everything from you. There are so many of them. Do you... have anyone on your side?" Alicia's big, worried eyes searched his face.
Tyrone couldn't resist teasing her. He put on a pitiful expression. "I've always been a bit of a loner. I'm е good at making enemies, not friends-I don't really have anyone backing me up."
Alicia's eyes filled with tears again.
How could he be all alone? His enemies were a whole pack.
What if they all ganged up on him? What would he do then?
"Graduate soon, okay? Come back after your studies, help me out?" Tyrone leaned his head against her shoulder, his voice a low murmur.
The truth was, he didn't want Alicia leaving for school so soon. Selfishly, he wanted her close, at least until their relationship had truly settled.
What if he let her go, and someone else swept her off her feet?
But Alicia was gifted-he didn't want to stifle her talents. Better to pave the way and
let her chase her dreams.
He just had to settle all the family drama before she came back.
"I will." Alicia drew a shaky breath, her resolve hardening. She would ace her
studies, build her network, and hurry back to stand by Tyrone's side.
She would become his strongest ally, not a burden.
"Tyrone..." Her voice was soft but steady as she wrapped her arms around him. "I'm
here. I'll always be here for you."
A faint smile tugged at Tyrone's lips.
She cared for him-truly cared.
Maybe, just maybe, this was the start of something good.
Rich Radiant and Over Him (Alicia and Vincent)
Chapter 259