She responded starkly, her eyes blazing with stubborn defiance. "I could say it a hundred times more, and it would make no difference. I refuse."

Seizing the moment, Evelina employed her charm. "Asher, don't be mad, okay? I've got a private tutor for extra lessons. I'll catch up on my grades in no time. Lemmy's been hitting the books hard too—that's how she's made such progress. I promise I'll learn from her." Lucian chimed in, attempting to explain. "Asher, I figured something out for their grades; you don't need to worry so much."

But Asher was clearly upset. "Stop making excuses for Lemira, both of you! I know what she's like. She's been acting up ever since Evelina joined the Langston family because she feels discomforted."

He addressed Lemira directly. "Let me make it clear. No matter how much you sulk or even threaten to run away from home, it won't change the fact that Evelina is part of our family now. Even if you leave, she won't be going anywhere, got it?"

Lemira's eyes were downcast, her expression obscured.

Seeing this, Lucian felt a pang of sympathy. "Lemmy, Asher didn't mean it like that!"

Lemira looked up, her gaze cold, her voice tinged with detachment. "It doesn't matter." She turned and left the room, unable to bear another moment.

Lucian's face fell, and he started to follow her, but Asher's angry voice stopped him. "Stay right there. You're too soft on her, and that's why she walks all over you."

Lucian felt helpless. "Asher, it's not like that."

Lemira had changed. In the past, he might have dismissed her behavior as moodiness. But recalling her expression filled him with worry; he'd never seen her look like that before.

Trying to lighten the mood, Evelina said, "Asher, Lucian, let's not fight. It's my fault for not doing well in school. If only I were as smart as Lemmy. It's all because I'm not quick-witted."

Asher's tone softened slightly. "It's not your fault, Evelina. You've been distracted because of Alaric's team activities. Caspian has already briefed me on what's been happening. And stop covering for Lemira. Now that you're a Langston, we won't favor her just because she's blood-related."

Evelina smiled. "Thanks, Asher. I'll work harder, I promise."

Winning over Asher had always been the toughest challenge. With Asher frequently away, Evelina had always been somewhat afraid of him. Fortunately, today, Lemira unwittingly gave her a chance to shine.

Yet, Lucian felt Asher was misunderstanding Lemira. He explained, "Asher, Lemmy was part of the competition too. If it weren't for her pulling through in the clutch, we wouldn't have won the playoff."

Asher scoffed. "Hmph, I almost forgot. She pretends to reject joining Alaric's team, hoping to make him beg. She feels out of place and starts practicing in secret, waiting to steal the spotlight."

"Asher, that's not the case," Lucian protested.

Suddenly, Lucian was overwhelmed by helplessness. Realizing how Asher was treating Lemira made him see how he might have treated her in the past. Had Lemira been distancing herself because they'd hurt her so deeply?

For a moment, Lucian was speechless, realizing the ruthlessness of his actions; he might be the one at fault, not Lemira. Seeing Evelina and Asher getting along as if Lemira's absence was inconsequential, Lucian felt a twinge of discomfort. Today was supposed to be a celebration of Lemira's achievements, something he had arranged specifically for her.

Seizing a moment when Asher was distracted, Lucian quietly slipped out of the room.