Rich Radiant and Over Him (Alicia and Vincent) novel Chapter 22

Seaview University.

Alicia never returned to Lawson & Co., which was a bit of a shame—they still owed her half a month's salary.

She'd sold that impulsively purchased handbag for four thousand dollars and transferred every penny to the children's home's charity account.

"Alicia, did you just send more money to the home again?" Albertine called almost immediately.

Albertine was the director of the orphanage. For years, she had chosen to stay, looking after the abandoned children as if they were her own.

It was a small, often-overlooked children's home, and most of the kids had been left there because of health problems or disabilities, which made things even harder for Albertine. Not only did she have to care for them, but she also had to find ways to cover their medical needs.

"I managed to save up a little," Alicia replied, forcing a light tone so Albertine wouldn't worry. "Please take care of yourself, okay?"

"Oh, you stubborn girl. Didn't I tell you not to send money for a while? You should save it for yourself. You need it for your studies abroad."

Alicia's steps faltered and she gave a quiet "Mm."

Of course. Studying overseas would cost a fortune, even with a scholarship. She'd still need to come up with tens of thousands of dollars a year for living expenses. With a student visa, she'd only be able to work a few hours a week—nowhere near enough to cover it all.

"You look after yourself, Alicia," Albertine insisted, her voice gentle but full of concern. After a pause, she added, "Oh, by the way—some couples came by recently, looking for a child. From what they described, it sounded a lot like you. The authorities are already arranging paternity tests. Maybe, just maybe, you'll find your birth parents."

A flicker of hopelessness crossed Alicia's eyes. She'd long since stopped allowing herself to dream about that.

Ever since she was a child, she'd wished for it—countless nights imagining her parents would come and find her…

But every time she woke, reality was just as cruel. She was a child abandoned at a children's home. Why would anyone come looking for her now?