Chapter 54

Lemira lounged in the backseat, responding lazily. She wasn't interested in any of this. Seeing Lucian didn't get angry, Evelina felt a sinking feeling in her gut.

Lucian glanced back at her. "Eve, just try harder next time. There will be chances; no one will interfere with your performance again."

Evelina was beyond frustrated. Her grades had dropped because of game training, and didn't the Langstons intend to compensate her? They even planned to reclaim the emerald necklace she'd lost. Damn them! Lucian was warming up to Lemira, and she had to stop it.

When they arrived at the upscale restaurant, Lemira moodily exited the car. Facing Lucian and Evelina, she'd rather have been home studying.

Evelina's eyes lit up. "This place? Lucian, you're so biased! I've been asking you to take me here, and you always said no."

Lemira glanced at the restaurant. In her past life, this place was famous, a symbol of status requiring membership. Despite that, many wealthy people clamored for the prestige. This place must have just opened recently.

Lucian replied helplessly, "I was really busy before, but here we are today, aren't we?"

"Lucian, I guess I'm basking in Lemira's glory today, but I'm totally okay with that," Evelina said, sneakily taking out her phone to snap pictures. She couldn't wait to show off on Facebook.

Lucian instinctively looked at Lemira and noticed she wasn't as excited as Evelina.

As Lemira walked toward the elevator, she caught a glimpse of a figure on the second floor. She paused; it looked like Orion! For a moment, she thought she was mistaken, but that profile was unmistakably Orion's. He was with a stunning woman with long hair.

Lemira quickly looked away, her heart racing. She had messaged him earlier but hadn't received a reply. Was he on a date? She felt a mix of emotions. With Orion's good looks and decent job, it was normal for him to be pursued. But she had asked him if he had a girlfriend, and he said no. Things had changed so quickly?

Distracted, Lemira entered the private room and checked her phone again—still no reply from Orion. "Lemmy, what are you spacing out for? Asher's calling on video; come over. You know Asher is always swamped." Lemira snapped back to reality and saw Lucian holding his phone, the video call already connected. Was he too busy to respond?

On the screen was Asher, his features stern, exuding an authoritative presence. She walked over quietly. "Asher." That was all she said, falling silent. The atmosphere turned chilly.

In the past, she would always try to lighten the mood, playing the role of the perfect, obedient girl. But in her previous life, Asher personally kicked her out of the Langston family and cut her off financially. Hence, she was done playing nice.

Asher frowned. "Lemira, I've heard your grades have improved, but don't get too arrogant or act out. Evelina's grades have dropped significantly. You should help her out; after all, we're family."

Lemira scoffed inwardly; the same old lines as Lucian's. Her patience wearing thin, she said, "Lucian hired a tutor; they don't need me."

Asher's tone was that of an elder instructing a younger family member, serious and irrefutable. "Lemira, what's your attitude? This is not a suggestion. I'm ordering you to help Evelina improve her grades, understood?" He had heard about Lemira's recent changes, her growing distance from the family.

Lemira slowly looked up, meeting Asher's gaze through the screen. "I refuse."

Asher's temper flared. "Say that again!"