Rich Radiant and Over Him (Alicia and Vincent) novel Chapter 26

Alicia sat numbly on the couch, though deep down she'd known this was how things would end.

Her fingers slipped, limp, as she ended the call—she didn't bother saying anything more to Vincent. There was no point. Once Vincent made up his mind, nothing she said could change it.

He would never change—not for her.

He'd already sacrificed her once for Mina, and he'd do it a hundred times more if he had to.

Drawing in a shaky breath, Alicia forced herself to her feet, her head swimming. If she couldn't rely on Vincent, she'd just have to rely on herself.

She wasn't going to give in or give up. She had no one behind her, no powerful allies, but that hardly mattered. She'd always been on her own.

…

Lawson & Co. Offices

Vincent stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, frowning at his phone after Alicia abruptly hung up. A wave of irritation washed over him—mixed with a flicker of unease he refused to acknowledge.

He called her back, only to find her phone switched off.

Now he was angry, convinced Alicia didn't know how good she had it.

Rubbing his temples, Vincent slumped onto the couch, his headache pounding. Years ago, he hadn't been able to protect Mina; he'd let her be forced into a marriage with William. Now that Mina was back, he was determined to marry her—no matter what.

He owed Mina for the hardships she'd faced abroad. Whatever she asked for, he'd give her. He had to make it right.

As for Alicia… He'd done more than enough for her these past four years—paid her rent, covered school expenses, given her an allowance. He'd fulfilled his duty.

"Then I'll take this public. I'll post everything on the forums and get the media involved," Alicia said, her voice trembling as she glanced down the hall. A reporter was already approaching. "I've already contacted a journalist. I'd like a reasonable explanation."

The professor stared at Alicia, stunned—he'd never expected her to take things this far.

If news of academic fraud or favoritism got out, the whole university would be in trouble.

"Alicia, please, don't make a scene! Tell the reporter to leave," he pleaded, flustered. "Let me talk to the administration first."

"It's not about the scholarship anymore," Alicia replied, her eyes red. "I just want fairness. If we don't speak up, the next group of students will face the same injustice."

The reporter was already filming live, pressing the professor with questions. "According to the official guidelines, Alicia ranked first and her work is outstanding. Why was her scholarship given to someone else?"

Alicia drew a steadying breath and met her advisor's gaze. "I'm sorry, Professor, I never meant to drag you into this, but you should know—I recorded our conversation yesterday."