Lemira noticed the online whispers guessing her true identity. It was probably her classmates stirring the pot.

But she figured, attending the event tonight would blow her cover anyway.

So, why fret about it leaking early?

[As a classmate of Ms. Langston, I can vouch the voice in the livestream is a dead ringer for Lemira's.]

A troll was quick to counter: [If it's really Ms. Langston streaming on PixelStage, why wouldn't she be on VibeCast instead? Your lies need more work!]

[Ms. Langston nailed a twelve-hit combo in the game. With such talent, why would the Langstons ever let her strike out on her own?]

[Streamer Lemon trying to ride on Ms. Langston's coattails is laughable. As if everyone can pull off a twelve-hit combo.]

Most people still doubted Lemira was SweetLemon.

Reading through the heated forum debates gave Lemira a headache.

At that moment, she received a message from Jessica: [The trolls in the forum are unbearable, probably Evelina's mindless fans. Maybe you should step in and set the record straight?] Lemira chuckled in response: [Let's wait for tonight's event. The truth will come out, no need to waste breath on them.]

Even if she tried to explain, some would remain skeptics.

Glancing at the clock, it's nearly noon.

She walked into the next room where Thaddeus, yawning with his hair all over the place, greeted her: "Morning, sweet lemon."

"It's already noon. Was the bar that entertaining?"

Lemira was curious.

Thaddeus perked up: "Oh, it's a blast. If you're curious, I could take you there sometime."

"Don't corrupt the young," Orion warned as he stepped out of his study, eyeing Thaddeus with caution.

Thaddeus lazily retorted: "Come on, she's college-bound. She's practically an adult, able to date freely. A night out at the bar is no big deal."

Orion's face was stern: "Spare me the nonsense."

Changing the subject quickly, Thaddeus said: "Lemon, got your outfit ready for tonight? Maybe head out for a quick makeover, stun everyone at the event."

Orion commented coolly: "She's attending an event, not a beauty pageant."

"What's the difference? Girls should always dress their best, never mind the old-timers."

Lemira smiled: "I picked out a dress yesterday."

"Perfect, here's a business card for a stylist friend of mine. Go this afternoon, tell them you're a friend of mine."

"Thank you."

In the past, the Langstons would have handled such arrangements.

The most crucial thing was tonight's event. Evelina and Alaric would be there too.

Even though Lemira didn't care

much for makeup, this was her first

public appearance since leaving the

Langston household. She didn't

want to be underestimated

It's about proving a point, not just about looking good.Têxt belongs to .

Orion, noticing Lemira's smile, felt a sense of accomplishment. The sapling he had been tending to was finally blooming.

In the afternoon, Lemira, dressed in her chosen outfit, was ready to head out.

Thaddeus said: "Lemon, we've got errands this afternoon, so we can't accompany you to the stylist. Honestly, waiting for a woman to get ready isn't exactly my cup of tea!"

en

Mainly because if he and Orion were spotted by the press, their covers would be blown, leading to unnecessary drama.

"No worries, I can manage on my own."

Lemira glanced at Orion.

He met her gaze, his deep: "Call me if you need anything."

With a smile and a nod, Lemira took her dress and left.

Once she was gone, Thaddeus

lounged back and remarked: "Orion, Lemon's an adult now. It's normal for her to want to look beautiful. She's going to grow up, fall in love, get married someday. You can't expect her to stay a spinster, right? What if some smooth-talker sweeps her off her feet?"