Chapter 4

Tantrum

Lucian felt a mix of frustration and disbelief. "Lemmy, what's with the tantrum now?" He knew how much Lemira cherished those gifts, never allowing anyone to touch them. It baffled him that she would give them all to Evelina as an apology. Was she trying to sever ties with them? Or was it because he had taken one of her collectible figures without asking—an act she now used to apologize to Evelina? Lucian was convinced Lemira didn't genuinely want to part with those items.

"Lucian, she's just expressing dissatisfaction; do you really think we can't see through it? Lemmy, when will you show some maturity like Eve?"

Lemira's face remained expressionless. "These gifts are worth millions. As a gesture of apology, I wonder if it's enough? Caspian, you're not going to miss them, are you?"

Caspian choked on her response, bewildered by the comparison. In front of Evelina, he stammered, "Do I look like someone that stingy?"

"Let's all bear witness, then. These gifts shall serve as compensation."

Lucian was visibly annoyed. "Lemmy, stop this nonsense." How could she give away such important gifts? Even if she was upset with Caspian, it wasn't right to relinquish the gifts they had given her.

"Lucian, do I look like I'm making a scene?" Lemira pushed the tray into Evelina's hands. "These are all yours now." This included severing ties with the six Langston brothers; she wanted nothing more to do with them.

Evelina looked awkward, sensing Lucian and Caspian's displeasure. Holding the tray, she felt strained; she hadn't expected Lemira to use these as an apology. If she didn't handle this situation well, it would upset the Langston brothers. She was confused by Lemira's sudden change.

Without waiting for Evelina's response, Lemira left.

"Lemira, stop right there!" Caspian was livid, thinking using his gifts as an apology was ridiculous. But Lemira walked away without looking back.

Lucian frowned. "Lemmy's behavior is getting out of hand!" He was upset; the jade pendant he'd given her was bought with his first big paycheck, holding special significance.

Caspian felt utterly frustrated. "I feel the same; she's deliberately provoking us."

Listening to their conversation, Evelina bit her lip. Lemira's strategy of retreating to advance had worked; she couldn't let her succeed. Holding the tray, Evelina weakly said, "Lucian, Caspian, did I mess up again? How could I possibly accept Lemmy's most treasured possessions? What should I do?" Damn Lemira for setting this trap!

Caspian, with a stern face, said, "Since it's her way of apologizing, you keep them! I bet she'll regret it in three days." He was looking forward to Lemira's regretful face, ready to mock her thoroughly.

Lucian, with a softer tone, suggested, "How about this, Eve, you keep them for Lemmy until she cools down." Lemira had thrown tantrums before but always came around. He didn't believe she truly wanted to give these gifts away.

"Alright, I'll take good care of them," Evelina said with a meek and obedient smile.

Lucian sighed, remembering Lemira used to be docile and obedient, hoping she would come to her senses soon. Seeing Evelina behaving so well, he smiled, relieved she wasn't acting out like Lemira.

Back in her room, Lemira lay down, feeling dizzy, probably from getting wet earlier. She closed her eyes. She needed to figure out how to leave the Langstons and start earning her own living. In her past life, her grades could have gotten her into a top university, but at Caspian's behest, she'd attended Evelina's second-tier college. Serving almost as Evelina's maid, Lemira would take the blame for Evelina's mistakes. Disobedience meant frozen credit cards. Despite being the wealthy Ms. Langston, she lived worse than a student on financial aid. Eventually, Evelina stole her hard-earned thesis, leading to accusations of plagiarism, and Lemira was expelled. This time, she was determined not to repeat her mistakes. She would aim for a prestigious university. For tuition and living expenses, she could participate in gaming competitions. With her skills from her past life, she should be able to make a living off gaming.

After the party, Lucian approached her room. He hesitated before knocking, but there was no response. The door was locked.

"Lucian, Eve seems to have a fever, come quick and check—"