Chapter 23

Lemira had been trying to convince herself not to care. Evelina's tricks had dragged Alaric into a school mess, and it seemed inevitable that Lemira's grades would be questioned. But when Orion asked about them, her discomfort was undeniable.

Just as Lemira was preparing to respond, someone called, "Lemira, the teacher wants you in his office."

Pressing her lips together, she replied, "I'll have to take a raincheck. I need to go to the teacher's office."

After hanging up, Lemira went straight to the office, finding Alaric already there. The atmosphere was tense.

Alaric began coldly, "Lemira, I can't believe you cheated to win. Do you understand the gravity of your actions?"

Lemira wasn't surprised by his lack of support. Her gaze firm, she responded, "I didn't cheat." She wouldn't admit to something she hadn't done.

"Lemira, the evidence is clear, and you're still lying? Considering your usual grades and behavior at home, there's no way your scores could improve so dramatically without cheating. You had the motive! Just admit your mistake, and maybe the school won't be too harsh."

Lemira scoffed, "Is that supposed to be proof?"

Alaric stood up angrily, "Look at what you've become, Lemira!"

The teacher, seeing Alaric's rising anger, intervened, "Let's keep this civilized, please."

Alaric, frustrated but resigned, told the teacher, "I'm sorry. Lemira's cheating is her way of rebelling. Let her write a letter of apology to be read to the whole school, and let's leave it at that."

The teacher sighed, "Alright, if it means she'll turn over a new leaf." After all, graduating with a disciplinary record would harm her future.

Lemira's heart grew colder. She couldn't believe their willingness to blame her without a shred of trust.

"Lemira, you've let down the Langston family name. How could we have someone as morally bankrupt as you? It's embarrassing!"

"Do you think I ever wanted to be a Langston?" Lemira's cold eyes reflected her disdain.

"Say that again?" Alaric's face was a mask of fury.

"Just calm down, no need to scare the student," said an amiable-looking older man.

"Sir, what brings you here?" the teacher asked.

"I heard about a senior student making remarkable progress, only to be accused of cheating. It seemed significant, so I decided to investigate."

Alaric replied irritably, "There's no need for an investigation. Lemira cheated. If she refuses to apologize, we should discipline her."

The principal, however, looked at Lemira kindly, "There's a simple way to verify this. We can have you retake the tests under supervision. Would you be willing to prove yourself?"

Lemira met the principal's gaze, "I accept. But on one condition—if I'm proven innocent, shouldn't those who slandered me apologize publicly?"

Alaric snorted, "Fine, let's see what grades you manage this time!"