Chapter 209

Alaric glanced at the man seated beside Lemira, his expression stiff. "That's the school doctor."

"The school doctor? He looks familiar."

"Asher, have you met him before?"

Asher squinted. "Perhaps a resemblance. He's a prominent figure; I've only seen him from afar."

Socially, the Langstons were no match for the Everharts, Orvin's leading family. It seemed improbable their son would be here, let alone associated with Lemira. He must be mistaken.

The emcee, microphone in hand, announced, "Hello, everyone! We're proud to announce the Young Achiever Award winner: Lemira Langston! Our youngest recipient ever and top scorer in the recent exams!" Asher's face fell. "How is that possible? She actually won?" When had Lemira become so accomplished? Hearing her name, Lemira looked at Orion in shock.

Alaric beamed. "Isn't this great? My sister is brilliant!"

But Asher felt his efforts had been futile. He was in a subdued mood.

Taking a deep breath, Lemira stepped onto the stage. Her new life was beginning.

After Lemira's speech, the emcee interviewed her. "Lemira, you're not only the top scorer, but also involved in the hugely popular game development project. You've mentioned your family's influence. The Langstons are here; would they like to say a few words?"

The microphone was handed to Asher. Holding it felt like holding a hot coal. Under everyone's gaze, his face burned. "Lemira's achievements, of course, wouldn't have been possible without our family's support and education."

As a seasoned businessman, Asher was adept at diplomacy.

Old acquaintances congratulated him. "Congratulations, Mr. Langston, on having such an exceptional sister!"

"How did you nurture such brilliance? Share your secrets!"

Asher smiled. "She's a good student, but…a bit unconventional."

He hadn't anticipated Lemira's success to be so advantageous. If she acknowledged her mistakes, he would forgive her and let her remain with the family.

Lemira's lips curled into a cold smile. The Langstons truly had nerve.

After Asher's speech, the emcee turned to Lemira. "Ms. Langston, anything to add?"

Lemira looked at Asher with a half-smile. "I find it amusing. Claiming credit for my achievements without contributing, yet shamelessly attributing it to the Langston family's education?"

The emcee was startled. "Ms. Langston, what do you mean?"

"Before the exams, they forced me to leave for a team competition, threatening to cut off my allowance. I survived on scholarships. Even when my grades improved dramatically, they forced me to admit cheating. How can they claim to be my family?"

Lemira continued, composed and dignified. "Furthermore, I've severed ties with the Langstons. I have no family." Her words caused an uproar. Asher's face turned livid with rage and humiliation. How dare she say such things? He clutched his chest, struggling to breathe. Alaric quickly supported him. "Asher, calm down. We wronged Lemira. Her anger is understandable."