Chapter 21

Alaric paced, clearly troubled by the upcoming competition. Lucian clapped him on the back. "Once the scores are in, I'll speak to her. The match is crucial, after all."

Alaric was displeased. "Lemira begged me to teach her, and now she's trying to corner me. When did she become so cunning? If push comes to shove, let's get Asher involved. Lemira wouldn't dare snub him!"

Evelina, listening nearby, seethed. She wouldn't relinquish her position to Lemira! It was hers, fairly earned.

Upon Lemira's arrival at school, the buzz centered on the exam scores. Evelina's sidekick, eyeing Lemira, loudly remarked, "Someone's been working hard lately. Wonder how much it paid off."

Lemira, feigning calm, reviewed her textbooks, though her nerves were frayed. Soon, the teacher arrived with the scorecards, creating a stir.

"Quiet," the teacher said, tapping the desk. "Overall, the scores weren't great. Evelina, in particular, you've slipped considerably."

Evelina's face paled. She knew she hadn't performed well, but this was worse than she'd feared.

The teacher's gaze shifted to Lemira. "However, Lemira, you've shown remarkable improvement. Keep it up." Evelina's lackey pressed, "Sir, what's Lemira's rank?"

"She's now in the top 100."

The room erupted.

A smile broke across Lemira's face. She had done it! Thrilled, she considered reporting to Orion. Her efforts hadn't been in vain. If she maintained this pace, she might even get into Orvin University!

"Sir, I suspect something's amiss with Lemira's score. There's no way she could've improved so rapidly!"

Silence fell, skeptical eyes turning toward Lemira. Even the teacher, despite acknowledging her recent hard work, harbored doubts.

Evelina spoke softly. "Sir, Lemira really wanted to prove herself, especially because of a bet with her brother. Please, let's not question her score. It means a lot to her."

Her plea was skillfully crafted. Yet, Lemira's expression turned scornful. Evelina's manipulation was masterful. No wonder she'd been controlled by Evelina in her previous life.

Predictably, the teacher, swayed by Evelina's words, suspected Lemira of cheating.

Evelina's lackey added, "Sir, you can't condone cheating. Both Eve and Lemira prepared for their family's competition. Eve's scores plummeted; it's impossible for Lemira to advance so dramatically!"

Another student chimed in, "For fairness, Lemira's scores should be disqualified."

Seeing the teacher waver, Evelina knew she'd won. Lemira, daring to surpass her? Didn't she know the consequences?

"Lemira, won't you explain yourself?"

Lemira, meeting his doubtful gaze, simply stated, "I did not cheat." Her words were few, but sufficient. In her past life, anytime she surpassed Evelina, she would…