Chapter 83
Lemira led the way, Lucian quickly catching up. "Lemmy, I looked into it. Zack made a mistake, and he's here to apologize."
The butler approached. "Ms. Langston, it was a senior moment; I missed an issue with some stationery. My fault entirely. Please don't blame Mr. Lucian Langston."
Evelina stepped forward. "Lemmy, Zack's getting on in years. These things happen. Let's not hold grudges, okay?"
Lemira remained impassive, her gaze distant and cold. Did they truly believe a simple apology could rectify the harm they'd caused? "It's funny, getting old and all, but how come he messed up my stationery and not yours?"
A car pulled up, and Thaddeus emerged, fuming. Orion rolled down the window, his gaze intense as he looked at Lemira. "Get in."
Without hesitation, Lemira turned and walked toward the car.
Lucian hurried forward. "Wait, Lemmy, everything's been sorted. Can't you come back home?"
Lemira shook off Lucian's hand. "No!"
"Lemmy, what do I have to do to ease your anger?"
Orion, with a callous expression, exited the car, pushing Lucian aside. "Maybe you need a mirror to see how selfish you look!"
"Me, selfish? I'm worried about her!"
"If you were truly worried, you wouldn't have forced her to accept your so-called apology before her exams even ended. The moment she didn't accept, you assumed she was throwing a tantrum, being ungrateful. Her feelings matter most right now. But all you care about is clearing your name regarding the stationery, forcing her apology—never considering the effect on her. If that's not selfish, then what is?"
Orion's words left Lucian speechless; that hadn't been his intention. "I was just worried Lemira might misunderstand, so I rushed to explain!"
Orion replied sarcastically, "But you didn't consider whether it was the right time for her to hear your explanation. What if it affected her exam performance? Is apologizing so noble? Does apologizing absolve you of responsibility?"
Lucian remained silent.
Evelina, grinding her teeth, said, "Lucian was just worried sick; he cares about Lemmy the most. How could he hurt her!"
Thaddeus sneered, "Oh, the adopted sister act, huh? Playing the good girl? All lining up to apologize—makes you look good, does it? What if I stabbed you and then apologized? How about that?"
Lemira bent down to enter the car.
Lucian, impulsively, stepped forward. "Lemmy, I didn't mean it like that. I was just too anxious." He feared losing Lemira. Lemira looked out the car window at Lucian. Her tone was calm. "I know. I'll go back after my exams."
Lucian felt confused. Why didn't he feel relieved when Lemira said she knew? He was finding it increasingly difficult to understand her. Lucian nodded. "Okay, my bad for not considering everything. I'll explain everything after your exams."
He stepped back, reluctantly, no longer daring to stop her. Orion was no ordinary man, and Lucian wasn't sure he could handle him. But more importantly, it could affect Lemira's exams. That was paramount. He was stepping back for Lemira's sake, not because he was afraid of Orion!
Evelina, watching Lemira leave, bit her lip in frustration. Lemira had actually left. "Damn it," she thought. "Can't believe Lucian couldn't keep her…"
Chapter 84