Rich Radiant and Over Him (Alicia and Vincent) novel Chapter 485

“Sean and I are heading home next month. Alicia, why don’t you come with us?” Yvonne sat on the edge of the bed, her baby cradled in her arms, watching Alicia closely.

She, too, had received Clayton’s message: Reginald didn’t have much time left.

Now, in Harboridge City, tensions were running high. Every major player was waiting in the wings, anticipating the chaos that would erupt once the old man passed away. Rumor had it the White family would descend into infighting, just as the Lynches had, and the fate of White Corporation hung in the balance.

Alicia nodded.

It was time for her to go back.

“My mentor introduced me to some of the top people in our field, and I’ve picked up a few awards while I’ve been here. Once I’m back in Harboridge City, I’m planning to open my own studio.” Alicia reached out, gently tickling the bundle in Yvonne’s arms, and offered her a smile.

Coming here had always been about polishing her résumé and sharpening her skills.

She knew—only by surpassing Jade and Brandon in architecture and real estate could she crush the last bit of their pride in the industry and finally hold all the cards.

“In two weeks, there’s a big architecture competition in Seaview City. It’s the top event for the entire Asia-Pacific region. Every design will be exhibited openly, and if you take first place, your new studio will get the perfect launch.” Yvonne squeezed Alicia’s hand. “Once we’re back, I’ll introduce you to a few well-known designers at home. They’re leaders in the field—and you’ll want to get a sense of what the judges prefer. It could make all the difference.”

Alicia nodded.

She’d started preparing for this competition the moment she set foot in Italy.

Losing wasn’t an option.

Because this time, her toughest rival was Jade.

The applause Jade craved—Alicia was determined to steal it.

“Jade, Alicia’s coming back—and she’s planning to compete against you in the Seaview City architecture competition! I overheard her talking with her professor,” Chloe blurted, her voice tense.

Jade’s face darkened. “What exactly were they discussing?”

“They were speaking Italian, and I…well, I didn’t pay much attention in language classes, so I didn’t catch everything. But…she showed her design to the professor and asked for feedback—she said she’s using it for the competition,” Chloe admitted, embarrassed.

Jade scowled, cursing Chloe’s incompetence under her breath. “Here’s what you’re going to do: get your hands on Alicia’s design and send it to me.”

Chloe hesitated. “Jade, our professor is obsessed with intellectual property—he’ll have locked Alicia’s work away somewhere safe, and I…”

“Chloe, I haven’t forgotten how badly you want to make a name for yourself in architecture—to finally get out from under your cousin’s shadow, right? If you help me out, my position at home will be unshakable. When you come back, anything you want will be within reach.” Jade’s lips curled into a sly, tempting smile.

There was a long silence on the other end as Chloe weighed her options. Finally, she spoke up. “Jade, I’ll find a way to get Alicia’s design draft.”