Chapter 87

Lemira lifted her eyelids, her cool gaze barely concealing her disdain. She glanced at the scattered items on the floor, already moving to shut the door. The butler, however, blocked her path. "Ms. Langston, if you have a problem with me, say it. But Ms. Sterling hasn't done anything to you!"

Lemira snorted, grabbed a lighter from the table, and tossed it onto the floor. The flame ignited a pile of books, quickly engulfing them in fire.

The butler's face paled drastically. "Crazy! She's gone crazy! Somebody, help! Fire!"

Only then did Lemira slam the door shut with a loud bang. From inside, she could smell the burning books but calmly booted up her PC to game. Numerous private messages caught her eye.

Alaric had sent:

[If you join our gaming squad, the deal is solid. Any other demands? Just let me know. I'll make sure you're satisfied.]

[SkyBlaze has the Langston family's backing, so finances aren't a worry. My brother's media company could easily spin this into a showbiz gig for you.]

[Not sure if you're studying or working, but joining SkyBlaze is a win-win. You don't even have to be full-time; it won't interfere with your personal life. Think about it.]

Reading Alaric's messages, Lemira was speechless. He still hadn't given up.

She typed back: [I'll think about it.]

Imagining Alaric's reaction if he discovered her true identity behind the screen name filled her with anticipation.

After finishing a game level, a series of knocks came at the door. "Lemira, come out!"

Hearing Alaric's voice, she leisurely sorted through her belongings, ignoring the noise. Then, with a loud crash, the door flew open!

Alaric stormed in, his fury deepening at the sight of Lemira still gaming. "Lemira, look at what you've done! You threw out Eve's things and set them on fire! This is unacceptable!"

Though initially skeptical, the sight of the charred remains in the hallway convinced him.

Lemira quit her game, swiveled her chair, and met his gaze with bland indifference. "So, what about it?" Her tone was utterly rebellious.

Alaric's head throbbed with anger. "I know you have issues with us, thinking we've always favored Evelina. But you could have taken it out on us, not Eve. She doesn't owe you anything. Don't forget her father once saved your life."

"Don't say that, Alaric. I'm just moving out. After all, I'm an adult now, no reason to keep leeching off the Langstons," Evelina said, holding her burned textbooks, her tearful eyes conveying her suffering.

"Eve, don't talk like that. We'll let Lucian see Lemira's true colors when he gets back. Now that exams are over, there's no need to hold back."

"Alaric, if my leaving makes things right, if it helps Lemira agree to join the squad and compete in the finals, then I'm willing to go!"

Alaric scoffed. "Lemira, you think you're irreplaceable? The team doesn't need you."

Lemira raised an eyebrow. Moments ago, Alaric had been messaging her gaming account. People certainly wore many masks. With a smug look, Alaric boasted, "We found a new gunner with real talent. She's considering joining us, so don't think you can hold this over us!"

Evelina looked up. "Alaric, did you really find someone?"

"Absolutely. That person replied to my message just over an hour ago."

Lemira knew who Alaric was talking about. But she had only said she'd think about it, not that she'd agreed.

She looked up, a playful smirk on her lips. "Alaric, are you that sure this person will join?"

"Of course. With the Langston team's backing, that person will only gain more than they lose. Who wouldn't join?"