Nicole strutted over to Alicia, her voice dripping with mockery. “Some people really overestimate themselves. Maybe they should take a good long look in the mirror before running their mouths.”
Chloe, emboldened now that she had backup, chimed in with a sneer. “Honestly, some folks have no shame. Guess when you’re used to being the other woman and living off sugar daddies, decency goes out the window.”
Winnie bristled, glaring daggers at them. “Watch who you’re calling shameless. You run your mouth like you’re begging for a fight.”
Chloe shot Winnie a scornful look. “Don’t think you can cozy up to Alicia and worm your way to Tyrone. Let me tell you, only the man who marries Nicole gets to inherit Lynch Corporation. Tyrone’s days are numbered—he’ll be out of the family soon enough. The future of the company belongs with Nicole’s husband, not him.”
Winnie rolled her eyes. “Enjoy your little moment of power while it lasts.”
Alicia watched the drama unfold and let out a weary sigh. “Chloe, it’s sad how limited your vision is. You’ll never see beyond this.”
Chloe, stung, grabbed a book from the table, ready to hurl it at Alicia.
Alicia stood up, meeting her gaze calmly. “Still haven’t had enough humiliation? Word is, Vincent Lawson just announced to the press that he’s calling off the engagement with the Holloway family. They’re barely holding it together now, and without that alliance, what are you even worth, Chloe?”
Chloe’s face turned red with anger. Winnie, unable to resist twisting the knife, grinned. “Everyone’s talking about how the Holloways sold off Crystal Waters. What a disgrace. And didn’t Mina Holloway get herself thrown out of Crystal Waters for causing a scene?”
The rest of the class buzzed with gossip. Chloe, mortified, huffed and stormed back to her seat.
Nicole scoffed and shot Alicia a cold glare. “Let’s see how long you can keep that attitude, Alicia. When Tyrone gets kicked out of the Lynch family, don’t say I didn’t warn you. If you don’t want your life to go down the drain, you’d better get on your knees and beg me.”
Alicia just smiled coolly. “Let’s hope you make it that far.” She took Winnie by the arm and led her to sit down away from the others.
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