Chapter 38

Lucian anxiously watched Lemira. "Lemmy, can you really stand by...?"

Alaric furrowed his brows, aware Evelina's actions were inappropriate. But if Lemira joined the team, wouldn't the problem disappear? All Lemira needed to do was nod.

Lemira responded coolly, "You're missing the point."

Lucian was baffled. "What do you mean?"

"First, I've made it clear: my refusal is simply because I dislike the team. It has nothing to do with any of you. Second, Evelina resorting to self-harm to pressure me—how is that different from me self-harming to force King to marry me?"

Her sarcasm struck home. Teammates who had wanted to interject fell silent, realizing she had a point.

Alaric spoke up. "No matter what, Eve is family." Even though Evelina was a terrible gamer and irresponsible, she was still just a girl.

Lemira retorted, "Does that have anything to do with me? Whether Evelina chooses self-harm or suicide is none of my business. Stop trying to guilt-trip me!"

"Lemira, her dad saved your life! How can you provoke her like this?!" Alaric's fury escalated; he intended to slap Lemira. She was taken aback; none of her brothers, except the violent Caspian, had ever hit her.

But the slap never landed. Orion intervened, blocking Alaric's hand. His expression was stern. "According to the Child Protection Act, this is the second instance of violence. The victim can call the police and request a restraining order."

Lemira stared at him in shock. How did he get here?

Alaric gritted his teeth. "And who are you? This is a family matter, and you, a stranger, have no right to interfere!"

Lucian, recognizing Orion, was surprised by his presence.

Orion said calmly, "Even a stranger can't stand by and watch. That speaks volumes about how out of line you are." His gaze was icy, reflecting his dismay at their repeated attempts to harm her. He was barely containing himself.

Lucian frowned. "Dr. Everhart, you misunderstand. This time it's different."

"How is it different? Your adopted sister is holding everyone back, disappearing when needed, relying on Lemira, the real sister, to step in and win, earning opponents' respect and apologies. And instead of treating her right, you choose to lay hands on her?"

Lucian was speechless, suddenly realizing Alaric's behavior was unacceptable. He looked at Lemira with guilt. "Lemmy, I didn't mean it like that. I just didn't want Eve to harm herself!"

Lemira pressed her lips together.

Orion's tone was mocking. "So, to prevent your adopted sister from getting hurt, you choose to harm your real sister? What kind of logic is that?!"

Lucian's guilt deepened. He turned to Alaric. "You better apologize to Lemmy! Who gave you the right to hit her?" Lucian himself was shocked by Alaric's action. Alaric stood frozen, guiltily hiding his hand. He hadn't expected to actually strike her. He looked guiltily at Lemira. "I was just so angry hearing what you said. That's why I did it."

He wasn't sure why he'd reacted so strongly, acting impulsively as if scolding her was commonplace. Lemira never held grudges against his past excesses. This time should be no different, right? At least he wouldn't do it again.

Lemira's heart ached. Her eyes held sarcasm. "So what now?" She realized she'd always been a doormat in Alaric's eyes, which is why he took her for granted. "An apology should come with the right attitude."

Orion took Lemira's hand and fiercely slapped Alaric in return.