Lemira Langston stood rooted to the spot, staring at the man who had been the golden child since birth.

Next to her, Asher Langston's mind went completely blank. He turned to the official who had just spoken. "What did you just say?"

Who did you say Orion Everhart was again?

Evelina Sterling said in disbelief, "He said Orion is the Everhart heir. Oh, right, they're both Everharts."

But how could that be?

Wasn't Orion just some broke doctor? How could he possibly be the Everhart heir? Why would someone like that care about Lemira?

Evander Langston echoed her shock. "There are so many Everharts in the world. They can't all be heirs, can they?"

Evelina swallowed hard. But then why was the mayor treating Orion with such respect?

Something was seriously off.

Lemira laughed out loud and walked directly to Orion's side. "Yes, I thought it was incredible at first too."

This man, born with every privilege in Rome, had chosen to become a school doctor.

Asher took two shaky steps back. "No way. That's impossible!"

Evander nodded quickly. "Yeah, maybe this guy is just pretending."

Evelina hurriedly turned to Mrs. Waverly. "But Mrs. Waverly must know the Everhart heir-she knows exactly who he is!"

Mrs. Waverly would definitely see through this lie.

Asher stared at Mrs. Waverly, demanding, "Who is this man?"

"Who is he? Didn't you all just hear it?"

Mrs. Waverly shot Asher a look of utter disdain. "The Waverlys' party has been going on all this time, and you haven't heard a single rumor? I must have been blind

to ever think you wouldn't let me down. Turns out you really are just a useless freeloader!"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean you've been so desperate to climb your way into high society. And your own sister's boyfriend is the Everhart heir-such a golden opportunity, and you completely missed it!"

Mrs. Waverly's voice was biting with sarcasm. "Too bad you blew it! You kept calling him a nobody, but the real nobody here is you!"

Asher's face turned pale in an instant.

He stumbled backward in shock, glancing at Orion. He couldn't believe this man was truly the Everhart heir.

Suddenly, a chill ran down his spine.

If this man really was the Everhart

heir, then he was finished. If he'd et

offended the Everhart family, there'd be nowhere for him in Orvin,

Evelina's voice grew shrill, almost hysterical. "How is this possible!"

Jealousy and resentment bubbled up inside her.

How could that wretch Lemira be so lucky?

Asher spun around and glared at

f

Lemira "You've known all along, haven't yo That this man wa really the Everhart heir?" .net>

No wonder Lemira had been so brazen ever since she left home-she had someone powerful backing her.

“I only found out recently. If you hadn't passed out at the Waverlys' party, you might have already realized who he was."

Asher stormed up to her, furious. “Lemira, did you enjoy watching me make a fool of myself?"

Lemira saw the veins standing out in his bloodshot eyes, burning with rage.

She gave a small, crooked smile. "To be honest, it was pretty entertaining."

After all, the more Asher had looked down on Orion, the harder reality was hitting him now.

Especially for a social climber like Asher-losing such a huge opportunity must sting more than anything.

"Lemira, you—”

Asher charged forward, wanting to press her further.

But Orion stepped between them, shoving Asher away, his voice like ice. Don't get so close. If you want to beg for forgiveness, get t your knees and apologize. Isn't that

on

what you people do best?"

Asher stumbled back a few steps, glaring at Orion with a mixture of resentment and humiliation.

Evander and Evelina were completely stunned, frozen in place.

Evelina's voice was barely more than a sob. “This can't be happening. It's

impossible."