Chapter 42

Lemira stared at Asher, disbelief etched across her face. She hadn’t expected him to actually have a lead. It felt familiar, recalling how, in a past life, Asher had somehow offended a powerful family, nearly bankrupting his company. Could it be related to this?

Suddenly, Alaric approached her, his eyes brimming with guilt. In a hoarse voice, he said, “Lemira, remember how I used to take you out to play? I’d walk you to and from school, always stepping in whenever Caspian was too rough on you. I admit, I had selfish reasons this time. I wanted revenge for the humiliation of losing the game after you left the team. Now, I’ve lost everything, my reputation in tatters. Could you maybe, for the sake of our old times, not sue me?”

Lemira wasn’t surprised by his plea. After all the sweet talk, he still wanted her to drop the lawsuit.

Caspian chimed in, “Lemira, Alaric’s team is disbanded, and he’s paid a hefty sum in damages. He’s suffered enough, don’t you think?”

Seeing Alaric so humbled before her didn’t bring Lemira any satisfaction. All she wanted was to know who was responsible for the hit-and-run that year. She wanted them to pay.

Asher pressed on, “Lemira, have you made your decision?”

“I’ve said it before; it’s not up to me. Corporate espionage is a matter for Maple Group to decide.”

“But you and Thaddeus are close, right? A little persuasion from you, and he’d agree, wouldn’t he?”

Caspian’s tone was casual, “Thaddeus, being from a wealthy family, wouldn’t sweat the small stuff. As long as Maple Group holds the project, everything else can be worked out.” He knew these situations all too well.

“I’m only friends with Thaddeus.”

“Even better, being connected to the Draven family could benefit the Langston family too. Lemira, you’re actually the strongest among us now. With you and Asher backing us, we can definitely uncover the truth behind the accident.”

Lemira glanced at Caspian, “I’ll investigate on my own. If you want to reconcile, go talk to Maple Group.” She wouldn’t agree privately.

“Hold on, Lemira. Are you really going to protect Maple Group’s interests over finding out what happened in that accident? How can you be so selfish?”

Asher was livid, “Your choice just now was disappointing, Lemira.”

Lemira’s lips pressed into a thin line, “My parents would understand my decision.” She refused to be morally blackmailed by Asher.

Asher, red-faced with anger, raised his hand, “Say that again?”

Lucian quickly intervened, “Asher, calm down, man. Don’t start swinging.”

“Don’t hold me back. Did you not hear her? She doesn’t care about finding clues to the accident. She doesn’t care about our parents’ death! She’s cold-blooded!”

Asher was visibly shaken with anger. Lemira stood her ground, her gaze steady, “Think what you want.” She wanted to know the truth behind her parents’ accident more than anyone. But not at the cost they were suggesting. She could investigate on her own.

Caspian stepped in front of Lemira, “Enough, Asher. It was wrong of you to force her to choose like that.”

Lemira coldly interjected, “Move.” She knew Caspian had more to say.

“But about Alaric, you really are in the wrong. He’s always looked out for you, especially since you were close in age. He took care of you the most.”

Caspian’s tone was soft, “Dropping the lawsuit could be seen as repaying him for all he’s done. You want to cut ties, right? It’s only fair to settle debts first.”

Settle debts? She had paid them back long ago. Wasn’t her death in a past life tragic enough?

“Caspian, what are you rambling about? Since when do siblings talk about settling debts?”

Lucian stepped in, looking at Lemira, “You should head back. This isn’t something to be decided in haste.”