Chapter 71

Evelina had dashed out, but Lemira's voice, her brows furrowed, stopped her. The umbrella, held back, prevented them from getting together. Evelina felt compelled to shield herself from the rain. Lemira turned and walked away, not giving Evelina a chance to respond.

Evelina stood there in disbelief, quickly getting soaked by the pouring rain. She couldn't believe Lemira would reject her in front of everyone! Her expression darkened. She had hoped to mend fences with Lemira, especially after noticing a shift in Lucian and Alan's attitudes. Feeling threatened, she feared losing her place in the Langston family if Lemira was won over. She'd thought it best to try and get along with Lemira.

But seeing Lemira's unexpectedly cold rejection, Evelina thought, "Well, then don't blame me for not being nice."

From inside a luxury car parked nearby, Thaddeus observed the scene. "Lemira's got quite the temper," he commented. Onion gazed thoughtfully, "You can't be too saintly in this world." Everything Lemira had gone through was because of Evelina.

Back in the classroom, Lemira hung her umbrella. Soon after, Evelina returned, drenched and utterly miserable. The teacher, concerned, asked, "Evelina, didn't you bring an umbrella? Your clothes are soaked; you'll catch cold."

Evelina, showing a pale face, replied, "I'm fine."

Judy immediately complained, "It's all because Lemira left Evelina in the rain while she herself stayed dry under her umbrella. It's just too much."

Filled with annoyance, Lemira thought, "Not this damn drama again." But before she could respond, Jessica spoke up. "I clearly saw Evelina give her umbrella away and then insist on sharing Lemira's. Lemira didn't want to, and what's wrong with that?"

Judy retorted, "But in such heavy rain, Lemira could've been more compassionate instead of leaving Evelina out in the cold."

Jessica hit back, "Evelina could've shared with whoever she lent her umbrella to. Why insist on Lemira? Knowing Lemira dislikes her, she still provoked and now plays the victim, claiming it's Lemira who left her alone."

Jessica's speech demonstrated the whole story clearly. Lemira was surprised Jessica had witnessed the ordeal and stood up for her—a first since she rarely had friends.

Judy was momentarily speechless. "Still, Lemira leaving her behind was wrong."

Evelina, surprised someone defended Lemira, reassured the teacher with an understanding look. "I'm really okay. It's all a misunderstanding."

The teacher coughed, dropping the subject. "Alright, let's start the class."

Evelina felt sidelined, thinking, "Damn it! This isn't going as planned."

After class, Lemira headed to the restroom. Emerging from a stall, she overheard Judy gossiping. Once Lemira appeared, silence fell.

Judy sneered, "Some people, acting all righteous even when they're clearly in the wrong. Just because they come from money, so pompous!" She splashed water toward Lemira. Already on edge, Lemira kicked a mop bucket toward her.

Judy screamed, "What are you doing?"

Lemira, looking up, warned with dangerous calm, "Try me again, and see if I don't wash out your filthy mouth with that water for good!"