Chapter 159  Chapter 159  Lemira’s reply rendered the air thick with tension.  The reporters, not expecting Lemira would give them this kind of answer, was caught off guard, thinking how she behaved without considering their feelings.  And Alaric? He was seething, unable to fathom how Lemira could so blatantly underestimate his capabilities.  Evelina jumped in, “Lemmy, how could you say that? The game hasn’t even started yet. Our team has been giving it our all. You can’t just dismiss us because you think you’ve got a natural talent for this.”  Alaric’s face was a mask of barely concealed fury, stunned by Lemira’s blunt dismissal. But Lemira just curled her lips up coldly, “I was just kidding. Don’t take it so seriously.”  Evelina pressed on, “Lemmy, walking away from the game is one thing, but raining on our parade is another.”  just looking out for you guys. I don’t want you getting too cocky before the match and then screwing up when it matters.”  As Lemira spoke, she glanced at the reporters, “After all, Alaric’s right about one thing – it’s not just about raw skill. Team dynamics play a huge part. Ms. Sterling and Alaric have a good rapport, enough to bulldoze through any challenge and crush the opposition.”  Alaric’s expression soured. He knew Lemira was mocking him.  Evelina couldn’t swallow the jibe, “Lemmy, did you just come here to gloat?”  “Nope, I’m here as a special guest. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have bothered.”  Right then, a fan put a gift in Lemira’s hand, “Goddess Lemira, we’re your fans. We made these figures for you.”  Lemira didn’t think the fans would be so enthusiastic, overwhelmed by the gesture, “Thank you, everyone.”  She was soon swarmed by fans wanting pictures, leaving Evelina standing awkwardly to the side, without a single fan in sight. Her eyes reddened with exasperation, “Alaric, look at Lemmy. Today’s supposed to be about our game, about us being the stars!”  But the moment Lemira appeared, she stole all the limelight.  Remembering Lemira’s words from the night before, Alaric wanted nothing more than to leave, his back forlorn. Evelina had no choice but to let it go, fuming silently.  It took Lemira half an hour to make her way out of the crowd, waving off her fans, “You guys head to the game. We don’t want to be  late”  Grabbing her hand, Jessica led the way ahead, “Told you you should’ve worn a mask. Got a taste of fan fever, huh?”  “I didn’t really think it through.”  As Lemira entered the venue, she noticed the crowd. She knew the team they were about to watch was known for their skill, especially their calm and collected captain.  Alaric was known for his fiery temper, a slight misstep and the opponent would easily exploit his weakness. In her past life, Lemira had endured plenty of Alaric’s wrath to secure a win in this very game.  She was curious to see, without her in the lineup and Evelina taking her place, who would manage to keep Alaric in check!  “Here, Lemmy, got us some popcorn and sodas.”  Lucian appeared out of nowhere, balancing two persons‘ snacks and drinks in his hands. He settled next to Lemira, “It’s gonna be a long game. Might as well snack on something.”  Lemira glanced over, “Lucian, instead of lounging here, maybe you should figure out how to prevent the squad from getting totally creamed.”  “Alaric had this coming. It’s on him, no others to be blamed. Maybe it’s time he learned his lesson.”  Lucian wasn’t hopeful about the game’s outcome.  Without Lemira, and with Evelina’s less–than–stellar skills, victory was a long shot.  Jessica, caught off guard by Lucian shoving popcorn into her hands, was left awkwardly holding the snack, unsure of what to do next.