Matthew spoke up one afternoon, and the moment he saw the color drain from Asher’s face, he knew his suspicions were right.
Orion, upon hearing the news, massaged his temples, equally taken aback.
Bro, you can just handle this directly, can’t you? But Mom and Grandma seem to be against you two, and if Grandma has already put in a word with the Waverlies, I doubt your influence will do much good.
Don’t worry about Mom and Grandma; just keep an eye on them for me.
You got it, bro. I’m on your side, down with this whole arranged marriage nonsense! But sticking around home means I can’t make any extra cash on the side, and I’m running a bit tight.
I’ll increase the limit on your card.
Thanks, bro. You’re the best, I swear. Mission will be accomplished.
Seeing the limit on his card increased, Matthew couldn’t help but beam with joy. Time to pick up a new ride!
After leaving the gaming team base, Lemira returned to her dorm, completely exhausted.
Janice tried to comfort her: Asher’s gone too far, using every dirty trick in the book just to set you back. You nearly died that day.
I’ll figure something out, don’t worry.
It just irks me, you know? With all the brothers you have, yet Evelina, that driver’s daughter, took everything from you.
I’ve stopped letting it get to me. I can do just fine on my own. Screw this so-called familial bond.
No sooner had Lemira finished her declaration than her new roommate chimed in, I don’t agree. Family is important. No matter what happens, it’s all about sticking together.
Lemira glanced back at her new roommate, That’s true for most families, but some aren’t worth it. You have no idea what Lemira’s been through, Janice interjected defensively.
Let’s not argue about this.
Lemira didn’t want to discuss her relationship with the Langston family in front of an outsider. Those who don’t believe her story wouldn’t start now. She didn’t need their validation to live her life.
Recalling something Caspian had mentioned, she decided to give Lucian a call, only to find his phone turned off.
With no classes the next morning, Lemira headed straight to the hospital to find Lucian, the most credible witness she had.
But when she arrived, Lucian’s room was empty.
The doctor informed her that Lucian had been transferred to another hospital.
Could Asher have really moved him closer to Rowan, as Caspian suggested?
Lemira, I knew you’d come to the hospital today, Caspian said, still in his patient’s gown, face masked. Where’s he now?
He’s been transferred. Lucian had a huge fight with Asher about the medical orders and was forcibly moved by Asher’s people the next day. Even I don’t know where he is now.
As Lemira looked around the empty room, she realized Asher had acted faster than she anticipated.
It seems Asher has invested quite a bit in your company, she remarked.
True, but it hadn’t been profitable until the script you wrote made our recent TV series a hit. And with the
movie coming out in a few months, we’ll finally be in the black.
Caspian then added, There’s a screenwriters’ meet-up tonight. Asher’s bringing Evelina himself. If you
don’t show up, your hard work will all be credited to Evelina.
And how are you any different? Playing the good guy now?
Lemira was clearly unimpressed.
Caspian’s expression turned
awkward: I admit, I was intentionally making things difficult for you, trying to get under your skin. Now, it’s clear I was just as much a fool fore Evelina’s games. But we need to reclaim what’s ours!
Lemira looked at him squarely: I have one condition. She didn’t trust Caspian one bit.