"Alicia, this is just the way things work in Seaview City. It's all about connections..." Her professor handed her a few tissues. "Don't cry. Worst comes to worst, you can always apply for grad school here. It's not the endâthere'll be other chances."
"There won't be other chances... Not like this." Alicia managed a hollow smile. "You know better than anyone, these study abroad opportunities and renowned professorsâthey only come around once in a blue moon."
This was her one shot to shine on an international stage.
Now it was gone.
Her professor sighed. "Do you remember Henry, that freshman who bullied you and ended up studying abroad? Chloe is his cousinâthey're all family. You get what I'm saying? The spot isn't officially spoken for yet, but... you can't compete with that."
The professor's words were gentle, but the message was clear: Chloe had backing.
"To be completely honest, this time it was Vincent from Lawson & Co. who went to the dean in person."
Alicia froze, trembling from head to toe.
Vincent. He'd gone straight to the dean and handed her spot to Mina's cousin on a silver platter.
Her fingers shook as she fumbled for her phone. Anger and utter despair choked the breath from her lungs.
She stumbled out of the office, leaning heavily against the wall, fighting to steady her legs as she called Vincent.
He knew just how much this meant to her.
They'd been together for four years. She'd told Vincent over and over how important this chance to study in Italy wasâhow Professor Devin was her idol, how this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
And this year, Professor Devin was accepting students for the last time.
"You finally remembered to call me? Alicia, getting bold now, aren't you?" Vincent's voice was icy. "Where are you? I'll come pick you up."
"Why..." Alicia's whole body shook as she choked out the words. "Why? Why did you have to destroy my last hope, Vincent? I don't owe you anything âyou and your sister owe me! What gives you the right... to steal what's mine just to please your precious Mina?"
Her voice tore from her throat, raw and desperate, as she collapsed in the stairwell, sobbing so hard she thought she might die.
Rich Radiant and Over Him (Alicia and Vincent)
ï¤Chapter 22 Transmigration: I Have Storage Space in the Apocalypse This was her only way outâher only chance, as an orphan from nowhere, to change her fate.
How could Vincent take that from her?
There was a long silence on the other end, then Vincent spoke, irritated. "You mean that spot to study abroad? Mina's cousin wanted it too, so I mentioned it to your school. If you don't get it this year, there's always next year. What's the big deal?"
He sounded annoyed, like she was being unreasonableâlike she was slipping out of his control.
Alicia curled up on the stairwell floor, clutching her head, crying until she couldn't make a sound.
How could he be so cruel?
"This is my last chance, Vincent... Please, give it back. I'm begging you." Alicia had never begged him for anything before. "Professor Devin isn't taking any more students after this year. Please, just this once, give me back what's mine."
Just this once.
Just once...
"Fine, I'll talk to the school again. Be home before eight. I want to see you at the apartment."
Vincent's threat was cold and abrupt as he hung up.
Alicia wiped her tears and forced herself to stand, panic rising as she hurried down the stairs.
He'd give the spot back, wouldn't he?
If she just did what he wantedâif she was obedientâVincent would keep his word, right?
She needed this more than anything.
ï¤Chapter 760 - 756: Encountering a Man with Evil Intentions