The trending topic disappeared almost as quickly as it had blown up.
Alicia sat on the edge of the motel bed, a bitter smile tugging at her lips.
This was the power of moneyâundeniable, unstoppable. Barely twenty-four hours had passed, and not a single trace of the scandal could be found online.
Her phone buzzed with a voice message from Wendy. "Alicia, people like usâwe just can't fight the ones with real power. Please, promise me you'll look after yourself."
"Thank you." Alicia typed back her gratitude.
Wendy sent another message, her voice trembling. "Alicia, Chloe reached out to me. She offered me ten grand if I'd turn on you, say horrible things to ruin your name. I didn't agree, but... Alicia, you need to be careful. She can't buy me, but not everyone finds money so easy to refuse. What if the whole class gangs up on you?"
Wendy's voice was thin and frightened, slipping into tears. "This is why I dropped out, you know? Chloe snatched my spot in that competition, and because her family's so well-connected, she turned our whole dorm against me..."
Wendy choked up, knowing all too well just how hard a road Alicia had chosen.
No one stood behind Alicia. She was utterly alone. It was terrifyingâand it was hard.
"I know," Alicia's voice was hoarse, but she managed a faint laugh. "Wendy, get some rest, okay? I can handle it. I'm not afraid of them."
When the call ended, Alicia curled up in the corner, hugging her knees to her chest.
She didn't cry.
She wouldn't let herself.
And she sure as hell wouldn't give in.
The scholarship for studying abroad was on hold for now; the administration wouldn't dare publish the final list while rumors swirled online. But that meant Alicia still had a chance.
She would not surrender.
Her phone kept vibrating. She'd blocked Vincent's number, but he always found a way to reach her.
A sudden bang at the door made her flinch. "Alicia! Open up!"
She wasn't surprised he'd found her. He was Vincent, after all.
But this time, what would Vincent do for Mina's sake? How far would he go?
"Alicia, be a good girl and open the door," Vincent's patience was wearing thin.
Taking a steadying breath, Alicia unlocked the door.
Vincent stormed in, immediately pinning her against it.
Her back slammed into the handle, pain shooting up her spine, bringing tears to her eyes.
Vincent's brow furrowed as he realized he'd lost control; he let her go. "How long are you going to keep this up? You leave your apartment just to hole up in a dump like this?"
He shot a look of disgust around the tiny motel room. No windows, barely any space, the kind of place that went for a handful of dollars a night.
Clearly not fit for anyone, least of all her.
"Mr. Lawson, let's get to the point," Alicia said, lifting her chin. She wanted to see just how much Vincent could hurt her this time.
"Give Chloe the scholarship. If you do, I'll forget about your little media stunt," Vincent snapped. "Mina's on edgeâshe can't handle the stress.
Chloe's already threatening suicide after what you did. What more do you want?"
Alicia's breath caught. She opened her mouth but no words came.
She made Chloe suicidal?
"I won't," Alicia said at last, steady and unyielding.
She would not give in.
"Alicia!" Vincent's hand clamped around her chin. "Have I spoiled you too much these past years? Is that why you keep defying me? Give Chloe the spot. Name your price, I'll meet it."
He was practically grinding his teeth.
Rich Radiant and Over Him (Alicia and Vincent)
ï¤Chapter 27 Transmigration: I Have Storage Space in the Apocalypse ï¤Chapter 760 - 756: Encountering a Man with Evil Intentions He'd always thought he'd indulged her too much. Anyone else would never dare stand up to him this way.
"I said no!" Alicia's eyes welled with tears, but she held his gaze, stubborn and proud.
"This is your last chance," Vincent's voice was icy, his expression thunderous.
He'd had enough of her disobedience. It was time to remind her who was in charge.
"Do whatever you want, Mr. Lawson. I'm not backing down," Alicia said through clenched teeth, fighting to keep her tears at bay.
She wrenched the door open and pointed outside. "Now pleaseâleave."
Vincent glared at her, then stormed out.
As soon as the door clicked shut, Alicia sank to the floor and sobbed.
Why was it always her? Why was she always the one Vincent sacrificed without a second thought?
Why?
...
Elsewhere, Tyrone returned home after a long day at work.