Chapter 25

Lemira was caught off guard by the principal's remarks. She hadn't expected this topic to resurface. She glanced at Alaric and Evelina, her expression as calm as a still lake. But Alaric's face tightened. He was accustomed to Lemira chasing after him, never putting him in an awkward position. As the overprotective brother, he wasn't used to being on the spot. Asking him to apologize now felt more torturous than a root canal.

Evelina quickly interjected, "Lemmy, when did you become so studious? We had no idea about those secret study sessions at home. You were suspected of cheating, and Alaric was here at dawn to vouch for you. He really does care about you."

Evelina's attempt to defuse the situation offered Alaric an escape route. He responded coolly, "Eve, stop. She'll never understand." His approval of Evelina's intervention seemed to satisfy him. That was how a sister should act, he thought.

Lemira, with a half-smile, said, "Oh yes, Alaric was here immediately. And then what? Telling the teachers I cheated, forcing me to write a confession, and apologizing to the whole school? Such kindness—would you want it?"

Evelina was speechless.

Alaric, flushing with anger, retorted, "Lemira, it's your fault for secretly studying and not telling us, leading to my misunderstanding. Yes, your grades improved, but was this deception necessary?"

The principal intervened, turning to the teacher, "Who first accused Lemira of cheating? Bring them to apologize."

The teacher immediately summoned two of Evelina's friends. Unaware of the full story and assuming Lemira had cheated, they smugly declared, "We said Lemira only got good grades by cheating. Has it been investigated?"

The teacher nodded. "Indeed, it's been cleared that Lemira did not cheat. You two owe her an apology."

Shock registered on their faces. Lemira hadn't cheated? How could that be?

Evelina quickly played the good cop. "Lemmy didn't cheat. I told you earlier not to spread rumors. Now, apologize to her." With that, she distanced herself from the situation.

The two reluctantly apologized, "Sorry, we were wrong to make unfounded accusations."

The teacher then asked Lemira, "Do you have any other requests?"

Lemira shook her head. "No, that's all."

The teacher, pleased, noted, "Lemira has been working very hard lately. However, Evelina, your grades have dropped significantly."

Evelina felt humiliated, especially considering Lemira's success. It felt like a personal affront. Eyes welling, she responded, "...I got sidetracked. It won't happen again."

Alaric, too, felt embarrassed. "What's the use of good grades? Making a name in gaming, becoming famous, and earning big bucks is much more important."

Evelina secretly agreed.

The teacher was appalled by this response, looking at Evelina. "You should learn from Lemira."

Evelina, biting her lip, stormed out of the office.

Alaric shot Lemira a furious glance. "So what if you got good grades once? Is it worth showing off to Evelina? She's just distracted by her gaming team. You, who haven't sacrificed anything, have no right to boast."

Lemira raised an eyebrow. "Have I boasted?"

The principal spoke again. "I clearly heard those remarks from the teacher, not Lemira. As a family, you shouldn't play favorites."

Caught off guard, Alaric dryly replied, "I'm not biased. Lemira is always like this."

After his retort, Alaric left to find Evelina. Lemira turned to the principal. "Thank you, sir."

"No need to thank me. You have the ability, and you earned this. Now, head back to class. I need to meet with the teachers to emphasize this matter."

As Lemira left the office, she saw Orion standing in the hallway, wearing a lab coat. He leaned against the wall as if waiting for someone. Their eyes met, and Lemira's heart inexplicably quickened.