When They Beg, I Rise!

Lemira was caught off guard by the principal's remarks. She hadn't expected this topic to come up again.

She glanced across at Alaric and Evelina, her expression as calm as a serene lake.

But Alaric's face turned awkward. It used to be Lemira who would chase after him, never putting him in a tight spot. He, being the overprotective brother, was not used to being put on the spot. Now, asking him to apologize was more torturous than pulling teeth.

Evelina quickly chimed in, "Lemmy, when did you become so good? Sneaking in those study sessions at home, and we had no clue. You were suspected of cheating for your stellar performance, and Alaric was here at the crack of dawn to back you up. He really does care about you."

Evelina's attempt to smooth things over gave Alaric a way out, and he responded coolly, "Eve, stop. She'll never understand."

Alaric's approval of Evelina's behavior seemed to satisfy him. That was how a sister should act, he thought.

Lemira, with a half-smile, looked at them, "Oh yes, Alaric was here right away. And then what? Telling the teachers I indeed cheated, forcing my head down to write a confession, apologizing in front of the whole school. Such kindness - would you want it?" Evelina was at a loss for words.

Alaric, red with anger, retorted, "Lemira, it's your fault for secretly working hard and not telling us, leading me to misunderstand. Yes, your grades improved, but was this charade really necessary?"

The principal intervened, turning to the teacher, "Who was the first to accuse Lemira of cheating? Bring them here to apologize."

The teacher immediately summoned two sidekicks of Evelina.

The sidekicks, unaware of the full story and assuming Lemira had cheated, smugly said, "We told you Lemira only got good grades because she cheated. Has it been investigated yet?"

The teacher nodded, "Indeed, it has been cleared that Lemira did not cheat. You two owe her an apology."

Shock painted the sidekicks' faces. Lemira hadn't cheated? How could that be?

Evelina quickly played the good cop, "Lemmy indeed didn't cheat. I told you earlier not to spread rumors. Now, you owe her an apology."

With that, Evelina washed her hands of any involvement.

The sidekicks reluctantly apologized to Lemira, "Sorry, we were wrong to make unfounded claims."

The teacher then asked Lemira, "Do you have any other requests?"

Lemira shook her head, "No, that's all."

The teacher, pleased, mentioned, "Lemira has been working very hard lately. However, Evelina, your grades have taken a significant dive."

Evelina felt humiliated, especially given Lemira's success, it felt like a slap in the face. Eyes red, Evelina responded, "I...I just got sidetracked. It won't happen again."

Alaric felt a bit embarrassed too, "What's the use of good grades? Making a name for yourself in gaming, becoming famous, and earning big bucks is much more important." Evelina secretly agreed.

The teacher was appalled, not expecting such a response from a family, and looked at Evelina, "You should learn from Lemira."

Evelina, biting her lips harshly, turned and stormed out of the office.

Alaric shot Lemira a furious look, "So what if you got good grades once? Is it worth showing off in front of Evelina? She's just distracted by the gaming team. You, who haven't sacrificed anything, have no right to boast." Lemira raised an eyebrow, "Have I boasted?"

The principal spoke again, "I clearly heard these remarks from the teacher, not Lemira. As family, you shouldn't play favorites."

Caught off guard, Alaric dryly replied, "I'm not biased. Lemira is always like this."

After his retort, Alaric left to find Evelina. Lemira turned to the principal, "Thank you, sir."

"No need to thank me. You've got the ability, and you earned this. Now, head back to class. I need to have a meeting with the teachers to emphasize this matter."

As Lemira left the office, she saw Orion standing in the hallway, wearing a lab coat.

He leaned against the wall as if waiting for someone. Their eyes met, and Lemira's heart inexplicably raced.