Evelina hastily pocketed her phone, "Just some feeds that popped up. Nobody sent it to me."

The last thing she needed was the Langstons catching wind of it.

After all, it was only because she was left an orphan that the Langstons had taken her in. Moreover, as for that her father might still be alive, something must be amiss behind the matter. Evelina had a sinking feeling about it all.

Evelina quickly changed the subject, "Why are you back so soon? Is Lucian feeling any better?"

"Yeah, he's on the mend."

Alaric finally withdrew his hand, "I heard you on the live stream earlier, saying Lucian got sick. What did Lemira say about it?"

Evelina sighed, "She seemed even more upset, blamed me for airing it out in front of everyone."

That was exactly what Evelina had intended. By publicly shaming Lemira, she hoped to drive her away for good.

"Don't beat yourself up over it. Lemira's changed."

Alaric glanced around the bedroom, hesitating before he spoke again, "Eve, your old room was kinda cramped, so I was thinking of redoing the guest room for you. But this bedroom, maybe we should give it back to Lemira. What do you think?" Evelina's face froze. She hadn't expected Alaric came to talk about this.

Having moved into Lemira's bedroom, she'd made it her own sanctuary. The thought of leaving it had never crossed her mind!

Especially since Lemira had declared her intention to cut ties with the Langstons, Evelina had felt like she was the true Langston heiress, entitled to the grandest room.

But now Alaric was suggesting she move out?

Alaric awkwardly added, "Eve, don't overthink it and don't get me wrong. It's just, Lemira's been quite the handful, and seems right to give her back what belongs to her."

When Lemira talked about severing ties, it had felt like a slap in the face to him. He realized he had been unfair, favoring Evelina over Lemira before, and now he needed learn to be fair. After all, Lemira cared about these things. It's time for a change.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

"Alaric, what are you talking about? I wouldn't take it the wrong way. That room was Lemira's to begin with, and it's only fair she gets it back."

Evelina let out a smile, seemingly kind and sensible; though inside, she seethed with resentment towards Lemira.

Alaric let out a sigh of relief, "I knew е you'd understand. Lemira can be so stubborn; we just have to go along withat for now. Don't worry, I won't treat you bad."

"I know."

"Oh, and about the jewelry Lemira sent you when she apologized at the party, let's get those sorted out too. Once she's back, we can return them to her."

As Evelina heard it, her smile almost cracked. She could handle moving rooms, but returning the jewelry to Lemira felt like a personal loss.

Her eyes reddened in an instant,

"Alaric, I know you asked me to keep

those pieces temporarily, but I've

worn them at those parties earlier. What if the press writes something if I show up empty-handed

Swt time?"

"Don't worry about that. I'll pick out some new pieces for you."

"Alright, thank you, Alaric."

Though Evelina was inwardly reluctant, she had to keep up appearances.

Seeing her agree so readily, Alaric sighed, "If only Lemira were as understanding as you."

If only things weren't so complicated.

A tinge of scorn flickered across Evelina's eyes. She had always feigned being the part of the dutiful

sister only to curry favor with net

adoptive brothers.

Who knew how much grievance she had endured.

After Alaric left, Evelina's face instantly darkened. She had thought herself nearly Lemira's equal. But reality had slapped her hard.

Her phone buzzed with another message, [Eve, no matter how well you play the part, you'll never be the Langston heiress. We're the real family!]

While Evelina read this, her eyes burned with hatred. Yes, after all her scheming and devotion to the Langston brothers, what was it all for in the end?