Chapter 88

Alaric finally felt he'd gotten one over on Lemira.

“Lemira, I gave you a chance, and you blew it. You can only blame yourself.”

Lemira’s lips curved into an indifferent smirk. “Couldn’t care less.”

“Lemira, you owe Eve an apology!” Alaric, having given up on expecting anything reasonable from her, no longer held back. Lemira raised an eyebrow. “It’s my room, and she stayed without my permission. I have every right to be upset.”

“It happened for a reason. Eve only slept there for a few days; it wouldn’t have hurt anyone.”

“Why didn’t you let Evelina stay on the squad for the finals, then? Because she’s not good enough and you think she’ll drag you down? How petty can you get? Evelina risked her grades to compete, and you sidelined her? We’re a family team, for crying out loud. Sure, Evelina might not be the best player, but she gives it her all. So what if you lose the finals? It’s not the end of the world!”

Lemira’s rapid-fire tirade left Alaric speechless. Her mocking look was clear. She clearly thought, “What, can’t handle a taste of your own medicine?” He’d been so self-righteous when moralizing; now that the tables were turned, he couldn't take it?

Eventually, Alaric, red-faced and fuming, declared, “Lemira, you’re hopeless! If you don’t apologize, consider yourself without a brother!”

Lemira laughed. “Fine by me. That’s one less headache.”

“Fine, Lemira, but remember you said this. Don’t come crawling back regretting it,” Alaric stormed off.

Evelina stood there, looking at Lemira with puppy-dog eyes. “Lemmy.”

“Get lost!” Lemira slammed the door, ignoring everyone outside.

Evelina fumed, thinking, “How dare Lemira act like this? Is she out of her mind?” But Lemira’s eagerness to sever ties actually saved Evelina from having to do it herself.

Closing the door, Lemira returned to her computer, logged into the game, and, as expected, saw Alaric’s invite. He’d even sent a contract. In such a hurry?

Remembering Alaric’s arrogance moments ago, she replied, “I’ll look at the contract first.”

Alaric typed, “It’s alright. Take your time; we can negotiate terms.”

Lemira found Alaric’s sudden politeness almost laughable. In her past life on the team, where she'd been pressured to exhaust herself for the matches, he'd never treated her this well.

The next day Lemira slept in. When she went downstairs for lunch, Lucian had just returned. Alaric immediately started complaining. "Lucian, Lemira's gone too far, really!"

Lucian sneaked a peek at Lemira, who seemed unbothered, and said distractedly, “It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have agreed to let Eve stay in her room. She has every right to be upset.”

Alaric was shocked. “Lucian, how can you say that? Eve only stayed for a couple of days; it’s no big deal. Besides, Eve’s dad once saved her life!”

Lucian felt the familiar, painful words as if aimed at him. Caught in a dilemma, knowing Evelina would be hurt if he sided with Lemira, he was at a loss.

Finally, Evelina spoke up. “Lucian, I’ve thought it over, and I’ve decided to move out.”

Alaric quickly protested. “Eve, what are you talking about? Lemira is the one causing trouble; it’s not related to you!”

The butler chimed in, “Mr. Lucian Langston, please convince Ms. Sterling. She shouldn’t have to move out; she’s done nothing wrong!” Lucian remained silent, lost for words.

Head aching from the drama, Lemira flipped the dining table in frustration, sending food flying towards Evelina and Alaric.

The dining room fell silent as a tomb.