Rich Radiant and Over Him (Alicia and Vincent) novel Chapter 44

That night, Alicia couldn't sleep. Maybe it was the sheer size of the mansion, or maybe she just wasn't used to it yet.

She lay there for what felt like hours, staring up at the ceiling, her mind wandering through memories—little moments from all those years with Vincent.

Funny, she thought. Even if someone doesn't love you, you'd think they'd at least show you some basic respect.

A gentle knock came at the door. "Ma'am, breakfast is ready. Would you like to eat now?" Wilma's voice floated in from the hallway.

Alicia blinked, surprised to see daylight streaming through the windows. She'd been awake all night.

Her head felt heavy as she swung her legs out of bed. After a quick wash, she stepped out into the vast, echoing house.

It was just her and Wilma, the housekeeper. In such a huge place, that felt... strange. Almost eerie.

"Mr. Sinclair said he'll be back next Friday," Wilma said with a warm smile.

Alicia nodded, then stared in disbelief at the breakfast table, which was absolutely laden with food. "Wilma, there's so much here... I could never finish all this by myself. Why don't you join me?"

Wilma hesitated, but eventually smiled and agreed. "Alright."

Alicia tried a spoonful of the delicate chicken and vegetable broth. It was perfect.

So this is how the wealthy live, she mused. No wonder people like Mina always had that air of effortless grace—it was built on a foundation of privilege.

Her phone rang. She glanced at the screen—her university.

After the whole mess with the press, the school had been threatening to keep her from graduating. Now, out of the blue, they were calling her.

"Alicia, we've secured an extra spot for you in the international exchange program," the teacher cooed. "The school worked hard to get you this opportunity. So... would you mind taking down your posts online?"

Alicia raised an eyebrow. "Wasn't that spot already available? It wasn't something you personally arranged, was it?"

There was an awkward pause. The teacher tried again. "Alicia, this is your alma mater. Don't do anything that might hurt its reputation. You should be grateful."

Alicia set down her fork, thinking for a moment before replying with a sweet but pointed smile. "Then, tell me, when I was beaten until I lost hearing in one ear, had my fingers broken, and nearly died locked in the equipment room—what did you say to me then? Oh, right. You warned me that if I went to the police or made a fuss, I wouldn't get my diploma."

The silence on the other end was palpable.

"Ma'am, did breakfast suit your taste?" Wilma asked, smiling.

Alicia nodded. "It was delicious, thank you."

Wilma nodded back. "It seems young women these days prefer lighter fare. Miss Charlotte's the same way—always eats light."

Alicia was curious. Tyrone's mansion had an entire room downstairs set aside for this Charlotte, and it was obvious Tyrone doted on his niece.

"Miss Charlotte... she's Mr. Sinclair's biological niece, right? But I thought Tyrone was an only child?" Alicia asked quietly.

Wilma froze for a second before answering, "No, not by blood. Her mother... she used to be the tutor here, but she passed away. Miss Charlotte was left all alone. She's grown up with Mr. Sinclair ever since."

Alicia nodded, but something about Wilma's answer didn't quite add up. She could smell a hint of gossip in the air.

Who would just take in their old tutor's child for no reason?

Maybe Charlotte's mother was Tyrone's first love.