Evelina nestled herself in Evander's arms, sobbing softly and putting on a show of delicate vulnerability.

A nearby reporter snapped photos with wild enthusiasm. "These two are just too adorable together!"

Lemira glanced over. "You must really be desperate for a story. You'll latch onto anything, but it'll only get you in trouble."

The reporter was about to fire back, but Evelina stepped in smoothly, soothing her and personally escorting the media out.

Watching this from the side, Lemira thought to herself: Evelina truly knew how to put on an act.

Evander puffed up with self-importance. “Lemira, did you see how much attention we're getting today? Even Asher's business partners are showing renewed interest in investing."

Lemira replied coolly, "And what do you think will happen when those investors find out that your company's products are all plagiarized and low-quality? Do you think they'll still want to invest?"

Evander shot back coldly, "It's just the investors' money. If we use it, so what?"

As long as he could see Lemira utterly defeated, he figured any amount of money spent would be worth it.

At that moment, Evelina sauntered over. "Lemira, why are you here now? Did the Everhart family finally toss you aside, so now you're crawling back to the

Langstons?"

Evelina had been so frustrated last night, she hadn't slept a wink.

Why should that woman Lemira have the right to know the heir to the Orvin fortune?

Lemira smirked. "Oh, I almost forgot to mention it was Asher who begged me to come back and discuss a settlement."

With that, Lemira turned and walked into the house, too uninterested to argue further outside.

Evelina and Evander's expressions immediately soured.

Evelina fretted, “Evander, do you think Asher would really want to make peace with Lemira? I thought I had the upper hand Mrs. Waverly already promised she'd help us deal with the Everharts. If that happens, Lemira will be completely on her own. There's nothing to be afraid of."

"You're right. Most likely, Lemira just came back shamelessly. Asher never said anything of the sort. Once he's home, we'll expose her lies."

Evelina smiled, "You're right. I'll message Asher right now and tell him Lemira's back and causing trouble."

After all, it had been Asher who arranged for the reporters. If he found out Lemira had returned and was stirring up trouble, he'd be furious.

Lemira was sitting on the sofa, eating snacks by herself.

Evander strode over, arrogance in his every step. “Lemira, those were for Evelina. Who said you could eat them?"

Without a word, Lemira swept all the food from the table onto the floor.

Evander's face twisted in anger. "What do you think you're doing?"

"This is the Langston household. As the only daughter, Ms. Lemira, do I not have the right to eat here? If I can't, then no one else will either."

Lemira was in no mood to compromise—if she had to feel uncomfortable, then so would everyone else.

"Asher, don't be upset with Lemmy,"

Evelina chimed in just as she

greeted Asher at the door, putting her own dramatic spin on the story. know she's only acting out wont hold it against her."

Asher's brows knitted together, and he looked ready to scold. But when he caught sight of Lemira's unyielding expression, he held back and softened his tone Evander why are you making such a fuss over some snacks?"

Evander was stunned. "Asher, you're blaming me? This is clearly Lemira's fault!”

"As the older brother, you should be the bigger person."

Asher turned to Lemira. "I didn't think you'd come back."

"I came to give you a heads-up: the official statement about your company's plagiarism will be out

tomorrow. By then, the so-called et

love story you spun today will be

exposed as nothing more than the shameless tale of copycats."

Evelina's face turned ashen with anger. “Lemira, how could you?"

"Eve, you're too soft-hearted. If you just gave Lemira a good beating, she'd finally behave!"

Evander lunged at Lemira, intent on teaching her a lesson, but Lemira kicked him

right in his prosthetic leg. The prosthetic flew off and struck Evelina squarely in the face.

Evelina let out a bloodcurdling scream.