Chapter 76

“I just hope everything stays peaceful before the exams. We’re all doing this for her own good. What do you think?”

Orion’s voice was calm, laced with arrogance. “You’re not in a position to question me, and no one can force Lemira to agree. Otherwise, your company will face the same trouble it did before that playoff.”

Lucian’s face paled. “Was that your doing?”

They were supposed to participate in the competition, but their company encountered trouble, forcing both Lucian and Caspian to miss it. Caspian remained there, dealing with the aftermath.

Lucian’s gaze hardened. “Who are you? What are your intentions with Lemira?”

Orion’s tone was dismissive. “That’s none of your business. Nobody can stop Lemira from doing what she wants.”

Lucian’s Adam’s apple bobbed. “But she will agree. Despite yesterday, Lemira is kind-hearted.”

Orion scoffed. “She was menstruating yesterday; she shouldn't have been in the rain or touched water. And what makes you think you deserve her kindness?”

Lucian felt a pang of guilt. Alaric had pressured Lemira to give Evelina her umbrella. He couldn’t retort and left the infirmary in embarrassment.

At lunchtime, Lemira went straight to the infirmary. Seeing Orion still eating, she said, “Still eating? The staff meals are better than ours, huh?”

“Got something to say?” Orion slowly put down his utensils, anticipating her words. Lucian knew Lemira well, always able to identify her vulnerabilities.

After a moment, Lemira said, “Lucian talked to me. To avoid trouble, I’ve decided to move back home.”

“Suit yourself,” Orion replied coldly.

Lemira glanced at him. “Then I’ll head back to class.” She left without further explanation.

As she walked away, a voice called, “Lemmy, don’t be mad at Orion. It’s just his way.”

“I know, I’m not mad.”

“Then why move back? Your brothers always favored that adopted sister, didn’t they?”

Lemira hesitated. “I’m worried Asher will find out and cause trouble. He has a short fuse, and I don’t want him to make things difficult for Orion.”

“Seems you’re grateful for his protection.”

Lemira blushed slightly. “Anyway, I’ve already talked to Lucian, so moving back shouldn’t be a problem. It’ll save trouble.”

After Lemira left, Thaddeus entered the infirmary. “Did you hear that? Your protégé is doing something nice for you, protecting you. Don’t scare her with that scowl.”

Orion frowned. “I need her protection?”

“Yeah, yeah, as if anyone would dare mess with you. But she doesn’t know your real identity. It’s rare to find someone as genuine as her.”

“No need for your commentary.”

Orion was internally upset. Lucian knew how to manipulate Lemira. Back when Lemira was with the Langston family, they didn’t care for her. Now that she’d left, they shamelessly tried to reclaim her.

“Orion, there’s something I’ve always wondered. How did Lemira learn the twelve-hit combo?”