When Lemira heard the latter part of the conversation, she pressed her lips, "This mess started because of me, and I'm not going to run away from it."

And she definitely wasn't going to throw Orion under the bus. That kind of betrayal just wasn't in her playbook.

"Lemira, stop being mad, okay? Listen to me, just come back and stay with us. I promise you won't get into trouble."

"If that's all you've got to say, Lucian, save it."

Lemira hung up the call, clearly not planning to follow Lucian's advice.

Lucian stared at the disconnected call, sighing deeply. Alaric asked from nearby, "So, did she agree?"

"No, she didn't."

"Has she lost her mind? There's no way she can handle Dorian's situation on her own, not to mention the Dravens will be on her case."

Lucian was well aware of the gravity of the situation. He looked at Alaric, "For now, let's just get the best doctor we can find for Dorian, and a nurse to keep an eye on him. Try to keep him happy and maybe he'll be more approachable." If making peace didn't work, they'd have to bring Asher into the picture.

---ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

The next day, Lemira woke up with bags under her eyes.

She had spent the whole night tossing and turning, thinking about how to solve the mess with Dorian.

She checked her phone and saw a message from her lawyer. [Consider buying some gifts and visiting the patient in the hospital. It might soften their stance and help reconcile.]

As Lemira read the message, her mood went sour. If apologies were due, she would make them herself; Orion didn't need to be dragged into this.

But first, she had to stop by school.

After getting dressed, Lemira went to the apartment next door, where the housekeeper had already prepared the breakfast and laid the dishes out on the table. Orion was in the study, Thaddeus probably still asleep.

Recalling her failed confession at the bar last night, she decided not to bother Orion and risk the awkwardness.

Leaving a note on a sticky pad, Lemira quietly left. She took a ride to school alone.

Outside the school, large banners congratulated the students on their performance and another proclaimed, "Congratulations to XX for ranking first in the city!" The student's name was deliberately obscured, adding an air of mystery.

Entering the classroom, Lemira found her classmates buzzing about the exam results. Her appearance drew many curious glances.

After the exams, Lemira had

become a gaming goddess on PixelStage, known for her excellent skills and detailed commentary. And on top of that, her grades were impressive. en

She quickly became a symbol of aspiration among her peers.

Jessica was the first to approach with a smile, "Goddess, how did you do on the exams? I heard the city's top scholar is from our class. Could it be you?"

"Come on, how could it be Lemira? I heard she bombed her exam. Barely made the college cutoff score!" Judy chimed in with a snide comment as she walked in. Lemira retorted coldly, "Still better than your score."

Evelina, dressed in designer clothes

and sporting a flawless makeup look, spoke with a hint of condescension, "Lemmy, I know you're upset about your exams if you're thinking of retaking the year, I could join you."

Lemira, already frustrated from dealing with Dorian's situation last night, had no patience for Evelina's fake sympathy. However, since she searched humiliation, Lemira wouldn't lose the chance.

"Get over it. With your score, which would be less than half of mine, you have the nerve to join me?"