Chapter 177  Lemira stared into the camera lens of the reporter, momentarily dazed.  After a brief pause, she began, “The ones I owe the biggest thanks to are my family, for they’ve always placed a huge emphasis on education.  In the final months of my revision, it was my brothers‘ encouragement and support that kept me going, even going so far as to hire a private tutor to help me with my studies at home.  They pushed me to study hard every day, and that’s why I’ve managed to achieve such great results today.”  After Lemira finished speaking, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of irony within.  Evelina, standing nearby, widened her eyes in disbelief upon hearing Lemira’s words. Was Lemira blatantly lying?  reality, the Langston brothers weren’t all that concerned about academic achievements.  Alaric even believed that good grades weren’t of much significance. That’s why he encouraged her to take time off school to train and compete in video game tournaments, which significantly affected her grades.  Her poor performance in the exams was largely due to her last–minute participation in those gaming competitions.  Why would Lemira twist the truth like this? Evelina’s eyes were filled with confusion. Was Lemira trying to use this opportunity to make amends with her brothers?  The reporter continued, “Lemira, we’ve heard that you weren’t exactly a standout student in terms of grades. Your performance improved dramatically in the last few months, eventually leading you to top the city in the exams. Was it all thanks to that private tutor?”  “No, it was all thanks to our school’s teachers.”  After the brief interview, Lemira took group photos with the school’s administration.  The banner hanging in the schoolyard, with its partially obscured name, was torn open to reveal “Lemira” in bold letters.  Lemira was surrounded by everyone, who was eager to shake hands with the top scorer to share in her good fortune.  Evelina, watching Lemira bask in her glory, felt a pang of jealousy so intense that she snapped a fingernail, her eyes red. She couldn’t believe how rapidly Lemira’s grades improved, propelling her to the top spot in the city!  How’s that possible? Especially considering Lemira’s grades were once worse than hers.  Judy grumbled, “Eve, I just heard Lemira thanking the principal for some stationery she received. Could it be there’s some special arrangement between them, like the principal giving her the answers? Otherwise, given Lemira’s usual grades, how could she possibly became the top scorer in the city?”  Evelina pondered the same, recalling Lemira’s words.  In truth, Lemira hadn’t used any inferior stationery for the exams, but she had managed to keep that fact under wraps.  A calculating look flashed in Evelina’s eyes, “Go to the reporters later. We should leak this to them.”  She was convinced someone would challenge the legitimacy of Lemira’s results.  After all, Lemira had indirectly caused Dorian to end up in the hospital with a broken rib. The Dravens wouldn’t let it slide. Soon, Lemira would be knocked off her pedestal, never to rise again. She needed to stir the pot at the hospital with Dorian.  After the interview and participating in promotional activities with the school, Lemira was strongly encouraged by her teacher to attend a celebratory luncheon.  Lemira didn’t want to refuse; she and Jessica headed out of the school premises.  A luxury car was parked by the curb. Lucian stepped out, looking at Lemira with a serious expression, “Lemmy, you need to come with me right now.”  “To where?”  “Of course, we’re going to the hospital to visit Dorian. You’ll explain things to him, pinning it alton the school doctor. This way, when the Dravens come knocking, they won’t target you.”  This was a strategy he and Alaric had devised.  Hearing this, Lemira couldn’t help but laugh, “I believe I made myself quite clear last night, Lucian. Which part did you not understand that you need me to repeat?”  Chapter