Lemira caught a glimpse of a reporter interviewing Lucian, a sly twinkle in her eye.
Lucian, taken aback by the reporter’s questions, stood frozen. The words seemed to jumble in his head, making no sense at all.
What did they mean by asking if they had any tips to share about Lemira’s improved grades? Lemira had moved out well before the exams, hardly ever returning home. Moreover, her sudden academic success had nothing to do with her family.
In fact, at that time, Alaric had insisted Lemira take time off for e-sports training, as Evelina had suffered academically due to her gaming pursuits.
All things considered, they hadn’t contributed at all to Lemira becoming the top-scorer.
If anything, they had held her back.
If Lemira hadn’t decided to move out and skip the e-sports training, her chances of topping the class would have been slim.
Realization dawned on Lucian as he looked towards Lemira unwittingly. She had said those things on purpose.
It was a deliberate jab at all the Langstons. She knew they had no face to claim her victory as their own.
Lemira’s words hit Lucian hard, filling him with shame for not being a better brother.
Lucian’s face betrayed his discomfort. He replied with a husky voice, “Actually, we didn’t do much. It was all down to my sister. She’s naturally smart, hardworking, and dedicated.” The reporter seemed a bit disappointed with the answer.
The teacher, knowing a bit more about the situation, guessed Lemira was being sarcastic about her family by making those remarks.
The principal approached, congratulating Lucian, “Kudos, Mr. Langston, your family has produced a top scorer.”
Lucian couldn’t muster a smile, feeling utterly out of place.
Lemira’s achievement was not his doing. The congratulatory words made him feel even more like a fishbone was stuck in his throat. He dared not look at Lemira, especially after what he had just said.
The teacher quickly changed the subject, “Let’s not dwell on this. How about we all head to the restaurant for a meal?”
Lemira hung back, gazing at Lucian, “You should go.”
“Lemmy!”
Lucian watched Lemira’s retreating figure with mixed emotions, unable to speak as freely as before.
As Lemira got into the car, she noticed Lucian’s silhouette by the roadside, pondering the principal’s curious congratulations. Soon, everyone reached a nearby restaurant.
Lucian followed in his car, unable to
miss it. However, as he was getting out, Alaric called him, “Lucian, what’s going on? Eve’s already at the hospital. Why haven’t you brought Lemira yet?” en FindNovel
Lucian took a deep breath, “We’ll probably head over after lunch.”
“What’s more important than sorting out the Dravens’ issue right now? Dorian’s grades are a mess, and Mrs. Grace Draven has been calling non-stop. Dorian’s even been ignoring her video calls, knowing if she sees him in the hospital, all our efforts would be wasted
Lucian’s voice trembled, “This is Lemmy’s celebration party. I can’t leave.”
He might not have contributed to Lemira’s success, but as her brother, he needed to be there for her party.
“A celebration party? For what,
Lemira topping the city? Stop joking
around. She didn’t even do that well
did she? Come back quickly. It’s more urgent to deal with the
Dravens’ matter. I’ve been buttering up Mr. Draven since last night, trying tékeep things smooth. Do you think that’s easy?”
“Lemmy did top the city. She is the top-scorer.”
Alaric nearly lost his footing at the news, “You mean Lemira is the city’s number one? How is that possible? I thought her grade suffered because of a stationery issue?”
“What?”