"Hey, I bought some bubble tea for you guys," Easton said, handing over the drinks as the bell rang for break.
Winnie, still half-asleep, reached out and absentmindedly wrapped her arms around Easton's hand as she took her drink. Easton stiffened, his ears turning bright red.
Winnie didn't notice a thing; she rubbed her eyes, took a sip of the bubble tea, and grumbled, "This class is way too boring. I could barely keep my eyes open."
Alicia smiled but didn't take the cup. "Don't fall asleep yet. Just one more class and we're free."
Winnie perked up, throwing her arms around Alicia in excitement. "Babe, you're finally back!"
Easton stood awkwardly, still holding out the untouched cup. With Alicia refusing it, he wasn't sure if he should take it back or just stand there.
Before he could say anything, Natalia reached over and took the bubble tea straight from Easton's hand. "Bubble tea's meant for someone who genuinely appreciates it. Otherwise, it's wasted. I'll take it-I love it."
Alicia glanced at Natalia, noting how fiercely she seemed to defend Easton. "Fair enough. Honestly, he doesn't need to buy me anything anymore. I'm fine without it."
Natalia looked Alicia dead in the eye, her tone cold. "Miss Shelton, for someone of your background, without Young Master Tyrone, you're just another orphan. Why look down on Easton just because he's from a fishing village? You're no better than him. At least he earned his place here by himself, while you're just leaning on a man."
Sensing the tension, Easton quickly tried to defuse it. "Hey, come on, don't fight. We're all on the same side."
He turned to Alicia to explain, "She's the youngest daughter of the Lynch family's housekeeper. She's been living abroad until recently."
Natalia extended her hand to Alicia.
"I'm Natalia Yes, my father's the Lynch family butler, but that's
et
nothing to brag about. I got into the Royal Academy of Harboridge's gifted program at thirteen, went to study in Aurelia at sixteen, graduated with honors at
twenty-one, re-learned Italian, accompanied Easton to business school overseas, and now, I'm about to join Lynch Corporation as a core team member. That's what I've earned." Content belongs to
Winnie, lounging back in her chair, started clapping. "Impressive."
Natalia arched an eyebrow, radiating confidence. She looked pointedly at Alicia, as if daring her to introduce herself-what had she accomplished?
Alicia said nothing. She had no family connections. Her school fees came from donations at the orphanage where she grew up. Every step forward, she'd taken on her own. Her grades were good, but she was just an ordinary girl-nothing extraordinary.
Winnie spoke up, her tone teasing
but sharp. "Wow, you're a real prodigy. But let me ask-if you were just a regular girl, or an orphan, without the Lynch family's money and fast-track programs, would you have gotten into the gifted program at thirteen? Studied in Aurelia at sixteen? Sure, you're talented, but the ladder you climbed belongs to the Lynch family-and the Lynch family is Alicia's husband's, not yours. Who exactly are you showing off to?" She stood up, turning to face Natalia with a grin. "It's like bragging about how sweet the water is while stomping on the person who dug the well."
Natalia glared at Winnie. "Excuse me?"
"What, did I say something wrong?" Winnie shot back. "We're not even in the same race. You started with all the gear, and you think you can compare with us, who started with nothing? If you'd been born an orphan, let's see you get into a gifted program at thirteen." She turned to Alicia, adding, "If Alicia had been a rich girl, she'd have made it into a gifted program at ten. So, spare me the bragging."
Natalia's expression soured for a moment, then she laughed. "Luck and background matter. That's the reality. Sure, it's an advantage, but it's mine, and I'm not ashamed
of it."
Winnie rolled her eyes. âJust don't forget where you came from, alright? Brag all you want, but at least show some gratitude for the Lynch family. If Tyrone saw the way you act, he'd probably knock some sense into you."
Rich Radiant and Over Him (Alicia and Vincent)
Chapter 351
Switched Momen
The Cat Mie
The Heiress Acts Mischievously, But Her Family Can Read Her Mind
Chapter 347: Administering Drugs
Switched Marriage The Coddled Little Wife
Chapter 538: Unimaginable