Chapter 3

As Lemira entered, all eyes turned to her. With a stoic expression, she remained unfazed by the attention. Her simple T-shirt was overshadowed by lavish accessories: a delicate golden tiara, an emerald necklace, jade and gold bracelets, and a large pink diamond ring.

Laughter rippled through the room.

“Man, Lemira’s so tacky, flaunting all those accessories like a nouveau riche.”

“I bet she’s showing off those expensive pieces to make Evelina feel bad.”

Unfazed, Lemira approached Evelina and said calmly, “Congratulations on officially becoming a Langston today.”

In her previous life, Evelina’s arrival had marked the beginning of a nightmare. Despite her efforts to please her brothers, they all favored Evelina, with Lucian even wishing she were their biological sister. This time, Lemira vowed not to cling to such meaningless familial bonds.

Jealousy flickered in Evelina’s heart, though masked by a composed expression. She shrank back slightly, replying carefully, “Lemmy, I know you’re upset, but don’t worry, I won’t compete with you for our brothers’ affection. After all, I’ll always be an outsider, and you’re their real sister. How could I ever compare to you?”

Her eyes reddened. Lemira’s lips curled into a sneer. What a delicate wrench playing the innocent victim, she thought. In her last life, she’d been fooled by Evelina’s harmless facade until the very end.

Caspian interjected quickly, “Eve, don’t cry. Who said you’re an outsider? From today on, you’re my true sister.”

Evelina lowered her eyelids, concealing a flash of triumph.

Lucian presented a box. “Eve, this is a gift for you.”

Evelina feigned surprise. “Lucian, isn’t this supposed to be Lemmy’s gift? I couldn’t possibly accept it!”

Lemira wasn’t surprised to see the limited-edition collectible inside. In her past life, Lucian had “kindly” decided to give Evelina the long-awaited item as an apology.

Lucian insisted, “Just take it. It’s what she owes you.”

Caspian, discontent, remarked, “Lemira, even though Eve isn’t holding a grudge about you pushing her into the pool earlier, and Lucian has given her a gift on your behalf, where’s your gesture of apology?”

Lemira nodded. “I know, so I brought gifts.” She removed her jewelry and placed each piece on a tray.

“This antique tiara is from Asher.” “This emerald pendant is from Lucian.” “This century-old ginseng is from Rowan.” “This rare pink diamond ring is from Caspian.” “This jade bracelet is from Evander.” “This gold trophy is from Alaric.”

Placing them on the tray, she added, “These are all very important to me, and as an apology, I believe they show my sincerity.” She’d anticipated Caspian’s question. Since Evelina joined the Langston family, her brothers hadn’t given her substantial gifts, only these valuables. She knew they would eventually be re-gifted to Evelina under various pretexts.

Caspian’s face froze. These were Lemira’s most cherished possessions! How could she?

Lucian, lips pressed, asked, “What are you implying?”

“Lucian, I’ve said these are part of my apology. Caspian, do you think it’s enough?” Lemira’s demeanor remained utterly indifferent.

Evelina, surprised, wondered what Lemira was planning. Was this a strategic concession?

Evelina quickly spoke, “Lemmy, these gifts were given to you by our brothers; they’re too precious, I can’t accept them.”

Caspian, furious, declared, “Exactly, these were gifts for you; how could you give them away?”

Evelina’s smile faltered. She bit her lip. “Right, Lemmy, I’m just an outsider; how could I deserve such gifts?”

Realizing his mistake, Caspian hurriedly explained, “Eve, that’s not what I meant. I’ll choose another gift for you. How could I let you accept a gift that’s already been given to someone else?”

Evelina’s smile returned. “Thank you, Caspian.”

Caspian’s heart melted. This is the demeanor of a sweet sister, he thought.