Winnie burst out laughing. âWhat are you thinking? I'm not that desperate.â
"Hey! Alicia! Winnie!" A shout came from behind. Easton jogged up, clearly flustered. "I heard my brother was in an accident. I came to check on him."
"Tyrone's car crash, huh? You're probably the one who benefits most," Alicia retorted, stepping in front of Easton and giving him a firm nudge. "He doesn't want to see you. Just go."
Easton looked wounded. "Alicia... this has nothing to do with me. I'm just worried about him."
"If it weren't for you, he'd still be CEO of Lynch Corp. Who would dare run him off the road then? Stop pretending you care," Alicia shot back, her voice sharp and loud enough for others to hear.
Easton stood there, stung, searching for words. But Alicia had already taken Winnie by the arm and walked away.
Not far off, Natalia approached Easton, her gaze steady. "No matter what you do, they'll never truly accept you. Instead of living under their suspicion, prove yourself. If you can lead Lynch Corp to surpass everything Tyrone achieved, maybe then he'll finally see you as an equal. Otherwise... you'll always be beneath him in his eyes."
Easton was silent for a long moment before finally speaking. "You think that's true? If I outdo my brother, he'll actually look at me differently?"
"People only respect those who rise above them," Natalia replied with a nod.
Easton murmured to himself, head bowed. Then he clenched his fists. "I will surpass him. I have to."
As Easton turned and walked away, Natalia smiled faintly and followed after him.
In a corner nearby, Alicia and Winnie watched, keeping out of sight until Easton and Natalia had left. Once the coast was clear, they exchanged knowing looks.
"I told you, there's something off about Natalia," Winnie said quietly. "She's obviously trying to stir up trouble between the brothers."
Alicia nodded, frowning. "But Natalia's the housekeeper's daughter. The housekeeper practically raised Tyrone. Why would his daughter...?"
Winnie gave Alicia's shoulder a reassuring pat. "Never trust anyone completely. I could be on your side right now and turn against you the next."
Alicia shot her a nervous look. "Don't scare me like that."
Winnie laughed again. "It's just a
e2
metaphor, silly. Relax. My dad's tiny business could go under any day, and I'd still manage to take
e of
Self. I don't need to sell anyone
out." Content belongs to Swnovel.net
Alicia, touched, pulled Winnie into a hug. "You're the best, you know that?"
Winnie grinned and teased, "If that's how you feel, why don't you dump Tyrone and run away with me instead?"
Alicia giggled, linking arms with Winnie as they headed back down the hall. Just then, they almost bumped into Vincent, who was on his way out.
Vincent looked at Alicia, as if he wanted to say something but held back. From a distance, he'd seen her laughing and chatting with Winnie.
et
During their four years together, Alicia had never had friends, never gone out. He'd kept her close, shut away in his world... He couldn't remember ever seeing her so happy.
"Alicia," he finally managed, his voice rough.
Regret gnawed at him. If only he'd treated her better-would things have ended differently?
"Goodbye, Mr. Lawson," Alicia said coolly, barely glancing his way as she held on to Winnie and passed by without a hint of hesitation.
Vincent lowered his gaze, a bitter smile twisting his lips.
Sometimes he wondered-if Tyrone really died, would Alicia come back to him? Now, he wasn't so sure. Even if Tyrone was gone, Alicia probably would never return.
Later, in the hospital room.
vel.not
Winnie had gone home, and Alicia stepped quietly inside. "The old man arranged for a girl named Natalia stay close to Easton before he passed away. I think there's something off about her-she's deliberately trying to drive a wedge between you and Easton Alicia told Tyrone, recounting all she'd seen that day.
Tyrone nodded, his expression serious. "I'll look into it."
Rich Radiant and Over Him (Alicia and Vincent)
Chapter 356
Dar Ya
Switched Momin
The Cat Mie
The Heiress Acts Mischievously, But Her Family Can Read Her Mind
Chapter 347: Administering Drugs
Switched Marriage The Coddled Little Wife
Chapter 538: Unimaginable