Alaric finally felt like he got one over on Lemira.
“Lemira, I gave you a chance before, and you blew it. Can’t blame anyone but yourself.”
Lemira’s lips curved into an indifferent smirk, “Couldn’t care less.”
“Lemira, you owe Eve an apology!” Alaric no longer held back, seeing as he had given up on expecting anything from Lemira.
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 just sleeps here for a few days, it won’t hurt anyone.”
“Why didn’t you let Evelina stay in 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 put her grades on the line to compete, and you sideline 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.
The mocking look on Lemira’s face was clear. She thought, “What, can’t handle a taste of your own medicine?”
When Alaric used to moralize like this, he was so self-righteous. Now that the tables were turned, he couldn’t take it?
Eventually, Alaric got all red-faced and fuming, “Lemira, you’re hopeless! If you don’t apologize, consider yourself without a brother!”
Lemira laughed out loud, “Fine by me, that’s one less headache.”
“Fine, Lemira, but remember you said this. Don’t come back regretting it!” With that, Alaric stormed off.
Evelina stood there, looking at Lemira with puppy-dog eyes, “Lemmy.”
“Get lost!” With a slam of the door, Lemira ignored everyone outside.
Evelina was fuming, thinking, “How dare Lemira act like this? Is she out of her mind?”
But Lemira’s eagerness to sever ties actually saved her from doing it by herself.
Closing the door, Lemira went back at her computer; she logged into the game and as expected, saw Alaric’s invite.
He even sent a contract over. In such a hurry?
Remembering Alaric’s arrogance just moments ago, she replied directly, “I’ll look at the contract first.”
Alaric typed, “It’s alright. Take your time, we can negotiate terms.”
Seeing Alarie’s sudden politeness was almost laughable to Lemira. After all, in her past life in the team where she was exerted to train herself for the matches, he 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 just stays 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 they were aimed at him. Caught in a dilemma, Lucian knew Evelina would be hurt if he sided with Lemira; he was at a loss what to do.
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 at the drama, Lemira flipped the dining table in frustration, sending food flying towards Evelina and Alaric.
The dining room fell silent as a tomb.