At Asher's words, Lemira's grip tightened around her silverware.

She hadn't figured out how to ask yet, or if she even wanted to.

But now that Asher had blurted it out in front of everyone, the air turned incredibly awkward.

She instinctively shot a glare at Lucian. She hadn't expected him to have such a big mouth and immediately tattle to Asher.

Lucian quickly backpedaled, looking guilty. "Lemmy, I swear I just mentioned it to him in passing. I didn't think he'd bring it up at the table."

Lemira's lips pressed into a thin line. Same as always.

Sensing the tension, Evelina eagerly jumped in. "Lemmy, what is it that you need from Rowan? Just tell him! He's so good to you, I'm sure he wouldn't say no."

Rowan raised his eyes and leveled a glacial stare at Evelina.

The sheer hostility in his gaze terrified her, snapping her mouth shut instantly.

Only then did Rowan turn back to Lemira, his voice softening. "Eat first. Whatever you need, the answer is yes."

Caspian, sitting nearby, bounced with excitement. "Lemira, you have to trust Rowan. He's a genius."

Alaric Langston nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, there's nothing he can't fix."

Rowan shook his head. "Don't say that. I was kept in the dark about our parents, just like the rest of you. We only found out because Lemira was sharp enough to catch the clues. Otherwise, our parents wouldn't have ever rested in peace."

His tone was perfectly even, but Evelina felt a sudden, inexplicable chill seep into her bones.

It suddenly dawned on her why he was being so cold to her. It was because of her father. But she hadn't been the one to orchestrate the accident-why was he taking it out on her?

Lucian tried to smooth things over. "Let's just eat. Everyone, eat."

Asher scoffed under his breath, clearly thinking Lemira's current attitude was utterly ungrateful.

As soon as the meal ended, Lemira headed straight for the restroom.

When she walked out, Asher was waiting for her, clearly looking for a fight.

uj

He crossed his arms. "Lemira, how long are you going to keep this ridiculous feud going? Fine, the rest of us were stupid enough to get played by Evelina, and we treated you badly. You have every right to be mad at us. But Rowan hasn't done a single thing to hurt you, has he?"

Lemira stood by the sink, drying her hands. On the surface, Asher was right. So far

in this life, Rowan hadn't laid a finger on her.

Maybe because she had exposed Hale's plot early, the family's dynamic had shifted. The horrific kidney harvest of her past life would probably never happen now.

But she still couldn't get past the psychological barrier.

She remained silent, refusing to engage.

But Asher was relentless. "Lemira, Rowan is back now, and with his connections, the Langston family will be perfectly the. So stop burning bridges, do you understand? Rowan owes you nothing."

Lemira shot him a dry look. "And none of that has anything to do with me."

"How does it not have anything to do with you? Stop right there and explain yourself."

Asher stepped into her path, blocking her exit. "What exactly do you want before you agree to drop this grudge?"

Lemira frowned. "Move."

Just then, Rowan walked over. "Asher, stop barking at her."

"I'm not barking at her! If she'd just listen to reason like she used to, I wouldn't have to raise my voice."

Seeing Rowan, Asher visibly reined in his temper.

Rowan turned his attention to Lemira. "Since we're done with dinner, how about we take a walk in the garden?"

Lemira had no desire to stay here and argue with Asher. Without a word, she spun on her heel and walked away.

Asher opened his mouth to snap at her retreating back, but Rowan cut him off. "Let it go, Asher. It doesn't matter how she treats me in her eyes, ut probably just like the rest of you. Honestly, if I hadn't been so obsessed with my work, I might have been here to stop you guys from treating her so horribly."

Reminded of their past mistakes, a flash of guilt crossed Asher's face. "Whatever.

I'm just warning you, she's as stubborn as a mule now. Don't say I didn't warn you."