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.