Chapter 501

Lemira had just given Evelina a piece of her mind before turning on her heel to leave. Lucian stepped forward, concern etched on his face. “Lemmy, let us give you a ride back to college. It’s late, and I don’t feel comfortable with you going alone.”

“No need,” Lemira replied coolly. “I’ll just grab a cab.”

Her demeanor remained distant. Though she had agreed to a truce, forgiveness was not on the table. Once she uncovered the truth about the car accident, she intended to sever ties for good.

Without another word, Lemira hopped into a taxi and disappeared into the night. Evelina watched her depart, her teeth clenched in frustration. “Just wait and see,” she thought bitterly. “The last accident didn’t finish her off, but who knows how things will turn out next time?”

Turning back to Asher, Evelina donned a mask of vulnerability. “Asher, even though I’m glad Lemmy’s back, something feels off.”

“What do you mean?” Asher asked, his brow furrowed.

“I’m not doubting Lemmy,” Evelina continued, “but it seems strange that she’s suddenly willing to let go of Caspian and Alaric’s involvement in the accident.”

“You’re overthinking,” Asher assured her. “Lemira’s making peace because of the inheritance our parents left. She’s concerned about it falling into your hands. Until I’m sure, I won’t hand it over to her.”

Asher was convinced that Lemira’s compliance was driven by her interest in the inheritance. Once the storm blew over, they could revisit the matter. Evelina felt a pang of discomfort knowing Asher was backing Lemira’s return. She had been enjoying her time with the Langston family, almost feeling like Mrs. Langston herself. But Lemira’s reappearance was unsettling, like a bad omen.

Lowering her gaze, Evelina knew she couldn’t just sit back and do nothing. If Lemira fully integrated back into the family, her own position would be in jeopardy. She needed a backup plan, and with the benefits she’d already reaped from the foundation, there was still more to gain.

Lemira arrived back at her college dorm, thoughts swirling. Evelina’s furious expression was fresh in her mind. “This is just the beginning,” Lemira mused. After the charity event, once she secured proof of the “two-faced” girl’s embezzlement, she would make her move.

Evelina had barely taken control of the foundation’s finances and had already siphoned off hundreds of thousands. No wonder her wardrobe was suddenly filled with designer labels. The “two-faced” girl wouldn’t dare hold onto such a hefty sum herself; she’d likely funneled it to her father. Lemira had various plans brewing and was determined to stay calm. In the Langston family, she trusted none of her so-called brothers. Their current alliance was purely self-serving, as Evelina’s actions had threatened their interests. For now, their cooperation was temporary.

Back in her dorm, Lemira saw a message from Orion: [I’m back from my trip. Got time tomorrow?]

She glanced at her schedule: [I’ve got classes all day. How about we meet at the gym in the evening?]

Without Orion around, she hadn’t been to the gym in a while, but now that she was almost fully recovered, she was eager to resume boxing and regain her strength.

Orion, looking at the gift box beside him, thought it might be best to give it to her tomorrow. From the passenger seat, Thaddeus chimed in, “Maybe take her somewhere fun for a change?”

“She wants to hit the gym,” Orion replied with a chuckle. “I’ll be her sparring partner.”

“Most couples go out and about for dates. You two practically live in the gym.”

“As long as it’s what she wants, I’m there,” Orion said, his voice firm with affection.

“What about the Waverlies interfering with the press conference? Any plans on that front?” Thaddeus asked, his tone turning serious.

Orion’s smile faded as he considered the question. “I’ll talk to her about it tomorrow.”

“You could handle it yourself, you know. I hear girls are into that whole ‘take charge’ thing.”

“She wouldn’t appreciate me making decisions on her behalf without reason. That’s not how I want to be, like her brothers. I respect her choices.”

He glanced at the gift box, his expression softening. Whatever Lemira decided, he would stand by her side.