Rich Radiant and Over Him (Alicia and Vincent) novel Chapter 74

The school's sudden summons meant only one thing: they were about to announce the coveted spots for the Italy exchange program.

For a student in the Department of Architectural Design, the chance to study in Italy—the heart of art and architecture—was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Especially this year: they would be mentored by the most celebrated architect in the field. To be chosen as his student meant that even the most uninspired block could be sculpted into something beautiful. For someone as gifted as Alicia, it was a dream within reach.

Because of Vincent and Mina, Alicia arrived at the classroom a little late. By the time she slipped in, everyone else was already there. After half a year of internships, the class reunion was lively, full of laughter and playful jabs. But the moment Alicia entered, the noise died. A hush fell over the room as her classmates studiously avoided her gaze, wordlessly shutting her out.

She was used to it by now. Posting about the school's unfair treatment online had made her a target. These were the same people who'd pocketed hush money to slander her…

"Wow, you've actually got the nerve to show up." Chloe drawled as Alicia walked past her desk, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

In the past, Alicia would have pretended not to hear, enduring it in silence.

But not today.

She stopped right beside Chloe and spoke loud enough for the whole room to hear. "Look who's talking, Chloe. You, who plagiarized and bought your way through projects, have the nerve to be here, but I, the real victim, should what—hide in shame?"

Chloe's eyes widened in disbelief. Was this really the same Alicia who'd always been too timid to defend herself?

"Alicia, are you looking for trouble?" Chloe snapped, slamming her hand on the desk as she sprang to her feet. "You dare talk to me like that?"

"How should I talk to you then? Miss Zachary?" Alicia shot back with a cold smile, her eyes steely.

She'd never been the helpless little bunny everyone thought she was—she'd just been holding back.

"Chloe, leave her alone… she's gone off the rails," whispered the girl next to Chloe, tugging her sleeve. "She sent all of us legal notices… She's not someone we can mess with anymore."

Chloe's fists clenched as she bit back a retort, eventually sitting down with a huff.

"Alicia, we're all classmates here. About that stuff people said about you online… Maybe you could just let it go? I heard your boyfriend's loaded—he got Mira and Lily arrested, didn't he? Can't you just let bygones be bygones?"

A brave soul finally piped up.