Rich Radiant and Over Him (Alicia and Vincent) novel Chapter 518

At the design competition, in front of all the top executives of White Corporation, Clayton Holloway had chosen to protect Jade White.

It was a clear signal to everyone: Clayton and Alicia Shelton were no longer on the same side.

The executives fell silent, exchanging uneasy glances. No one dared to speak.

Although the competition had effectively ruined Jade's career—whether through plagiarism or carelessness, her reputation in the industry was shot—her fate was of little concern to them. They didn't care if Jade fought for the White family inheritance; the only person they valued was Clayton.

Everyone had witnessed Clayton's capabilities firsthand. The executives believed that only with him at the helm could White Corporation have a sustainable future. Both Jade and Alicia were, in their eyes, mere accessories, decorative pieces.

They had always treated Alicia as nothing more than a figurehead.

So, their strategy was simple: follow the wind. If Clayton sided with Alicia, they would all support Alicia and push Jade out. If Clayton stood with Jade, they would find a way to oust Alicia.

But today... Evercrest Group, the Edwards family, even the Lawson family and Easton Lynch were all standing with Alicia. This put the executives in a difficult position.

Alicia had laid all her cards on the table.

"Since it was a misunderstanding, please come with us to the station to report the situation and give a statement," a police officer said to Jade, asking for her cooperation.

Jade let out a sigh of relief. She gave Clayton a grateful look before following the officers out.

Brandon White's expression was thunderous. He shot Alicia a venomous glare. "You'd better hope you can hold on to the title of Ms. White forever."

With that threat hanging in the air, Brandon turned and stormed away.

In his view, Alicia was still too young, too green. Laying all her cards out so early wasn't a smart move.

"Find a way to drive a wedge between Alicia and Vincent Lawson's group," Brandon instructed his assistant as he walked.

They were trying to decide which was the greater loss: Clayton's departure, or losing their partnerships with Vincent, Kenney Lockwood, and other industry giants.

Finally, Chauncey, their de facto leader, spoke up. "Miss Shelton, we all saw what happened at the competition today. You are a designer of immense talent, which is a great asset to White Corporation's reputation. But… managing a company isn't the same as sketching a design. Your talent in one area doesn't mean you can run a business. An enterprise this large… it needs a man."

They were all in agreement: a woman couldn't, and shouldn't, manage such a massive corporation.

Alicia offered a faint smile. "And who says a woman can't run a company?"

She didn't bother to explain further. Their ingrained stereotypes had already closed their minds. No amount of explanation would work; only action could prove them wrong.

"Miss Shelton, Reginald worked hard to bring White Corporation to where it is today. We don't want to see it ruined…" Chauncey was blunt, stopping just short of saying Alicia would be the one to ruin it.

After a moment of silence, he spoke again. "Miss Shelton, we still believe that Mr. Holloway's abilities are exceptional. Under his leadership, White Corporation will only grow stronger. Therefore… we hope that the two of you can become husband and wife. If you pull in the same direction, White Corporation will have a much brighter future."