When They Beg, I Rise!

"Asher, can I join you on this project? I'd love to learn more and maybe help take some of the workload off your shoulders."

Asher felt a wave of relief wash over him. "Sure thing. If only Lemira were as considerate as you, Eve."

Evelina's expression faltered, her eyes dropping to hide the darkening storm within. She vowed that one day she'd make sure Lemira was beneath her, literally groveling and licking her boots.

Once Asher and Evelina left, the room fell into a hushed calm. Caspian held the share transfer agreement, eyeing Lemira cautiously. "You haven't forgotten our little agreement, have you?"

Lemira met his gaze, steady and unwavering. "Don't worry. Once I get my inheritance from my parents, I'll hand over the shares Asher relinquished to you." After all, she needed her own security too.

"It's not that I don't trust you, Lemira; just making sure," Caspian sighed in relief, not handing over the agreement immediately. He needed his own assurances.

Lucian frowned slightly, chiming in. "Caspian, don't you trust Lemmy? We all see Evelina for who she really is now; we won't be fooled like before."

"It's not that I distrust Lemira," Caspian replied. "Keeping the contract with me means if Asher kicks up a fuss, I can handle it."

Lemira knew exactly what Caspian was thinking but chose not to call him out on it. Instead, she turned and headed upstairs.

Lucian looked at Caspian, disappointment etched on his face. "Do you really have to be so guarded with Lemmy too?"

"Lucian, I'm not as noble as you. Even close siblings should keep things transparent. Instead of questioning me, maybe think about how to talk some sense into Asher. I hear Evelina introduced the investors for that Al project. Something feels off."noveldrama

How could Evelina possibly know such influential investors?

Lucian sighed. "You think I haven't tried? If Asher would listen, things wouldn't have gotten this bad with Lemmy."

"Then maybe don't intervene. Let the Al project crash and burn, and Asher will see Evelina for who she truly is. Like Lemira said, sometimes people only feel the sting when the boomerang hits them square in the back."

Caspian walked off, contract in hand.

Soon after, Lemira came back downstairs, having changed her clothes. She'd gotten a tip-off from TG Group about some leads.

Lucian was still in the hall. "Lemmy, where are you headed?"

"Got an errand to run."

"Want a ride?"

"No need, it's better if I go alone."

Lemira refused directly, not wanting the Langston family to catch wind of her true intentions for returning.

As she left the Langston estate, she spotted Orion's car parked along the street. He rolled down the window. "Hop in."

"What are you doing here?" Lemira asked, surprised as she got in, turning to face him. "You didn't stay out here all night, did you?"

Orion cleared his throat. "Of course not."

"But you're wearing the same clothes as last night. The tie's the same too, and you look exhausted. It's obvious you didn't rest well."

Lemira remembered exactly what Orion was wearing during their video call the previous evening. For someone with his level of tidiness, not changing clothes in this Summer heat was telling. en

Orion sighed, a trace of resignation in his voice. "You caught me. After you mentioned being set up, I just couldn't leave it alone. I stayed close just in case something cam@up."

Something stirred in Lemira, a warmth spreading through her chest as her eyes glistened with unshed tears Impulsively, she leaned in and kissed his cheek.

Orion wrapped an arm around her shoulder, pulling her closer to deepen the kiss.

Just then, someone banged loudly on the window. "What are you two doing? Stop it right now!"