Chapter 77

Onion slouched in his chair, his gaze half-lowered. He simply shrugged, “Beats me.”

“You sure you didn’t secretly coach her?”

“She claims it was all self-taught.”

Thaddeus couldn’t hide his astonishment. “No way! She actually figured it out on her own? Ever since you nailed that twelve-hit combo and became a legend, countless people have tried and failed.”

Anyone familiar with the character Gunner knew the legendary difficulty of the King’s twelve-hit combo. It wasn't just about talent; it required genuine intelligence. Unless King personally tutored them—a privilege almost no one enjoyed—mastering it was nearly impossible. Nemira was the first to break the mold! To this day, gamers everywhere buzz with speculation about Lemira’s connection to…

Tapping the table with his slender fingers, Orion mused, “But she’s smart, undeniably talented.” She was destined to go even further than he ever could.

After school, Lemira went to the school entrance where the family chauffeur waited respectfully by the car. She glanced toward the infirmary before getting into the vehicle.

Returning to the Langston mansion, she felt a strange sense of unfamiliarity with the place she once held dear. Now, it all felt distant.

Entering the foyer, Lucian stood up. “You’re back. Let’s have dinner first; I had the kitchen prepare your favorites.”

“I’ll be eating in my room from now on,” Lemira declared, heading upstairs.

Lucian turned to the butler. “Take a meal up to her, will you?”

The butler was somewhat dissatisfied. “Mr. Lucian Langston, Ms. Langston’s behavior clearly suggests she has issues with Ms. Sterling. If word gets out, people might think Ms. Langston doesn’t allow you to share a table with Ms. Sterling.”

Evelina quickly interjected, “Zack, don’t say that. Maybe Lemmy just wants to save time by eating in her room.”

“Ms. Sterling, you’re too kind-hearted.”

Lucian frowned. “Enough. If she prefers not to dine with us, so be it. As long as we keep quiet, who’s to know what happens within the Langston walls?”

Zack finally closed his mouth with a resigned smile.

Evelina, sensing Lucian’s displeasure, felt a pang of panic. She couldn’t afford to lose their favor. Coughing slightly, she offered, “Lucian, I tried my hand at making a nutritious dish today. Have a try. I know it can’t compare to Lemmy’s, but I will do my best.”

Seeing the dish, Lucian couldn’t help but feel a touch more affectionate toward Evelina. “You didn’t have to go through the trouble.”

“But I must. Your stomach has been acting up, and needs more attention. Until Lemmy comes around, I’ll take care of you on her behalf. It counts.”

Evelina was still pale. Lucian smiled reassuringly. “It’s the thought that counts.” He tasted the dish, which fell short of Lemira’s culinary magic, yet for Evelina’s sake, he ate some, all the while missing Lemira’s cooking more deeply than ever.

Upstairs, Lemira entered her room to find her belongings tampered with. Irritated, but considering her impending departure from the Langston mansion, she let it slide.

“Ms. Langston, here’s your dinner,” Zack announced, carrying the tray. He couldn’t help but add, “Ms. Langston, forgive my bluntness, but visiting so rarely, how could you not dine with everyone? If rumors spread, people might think you’re snubbing Ms. Sterling, refusing to let her join you at the table.”

Looking at the butler, Lemira furrowed her brows in annoyance. He’d shown a blatant bias toward Evelina before, almost treating her like his own daughter. In her previous life, Evelina had manipulated many situations to her advantage at the Langston house, often with his help, leading Lemira into one trap after another.