Orion turned and naturally spotted the Langstons, who had appeared out of nowhere.
Lemira's lips curled into a cold smirk. "I bet they heard about the school event and showed up with Evelina just to bask in a little borrowed fame."
"I think it's more likely that since you were chosen to speak for the students, someone got jealous and rushed over, hoping to steal the spotlight for themselves," Orion replied.
Lemira found Orion's reasoning perfectly convincing.
She and Orion made their way back, and sure enough, they saw Asher leading a conversation with the invited executives, while Evelina chimed in, charming the group and keeping everyone entertained.
As soon as Lemira and Orion appeared, the atmosphere in the room quieted noticeably.
Evelina's eyes lit up with surprise when she saw Orion. If she had known his true identity earlier, she definitely would have tried to win him over herself—why let Lemira have such an opportunity?
Asher's expression was equally unpleasant. Ever since he learned that Lemira's boyfriend was the Everhart heir, his emotions had been in turmoil.
He couldn't help but regret—if only he'd treated Lemira better back then, maybe things wouldn't be so strained now. If the Langston family could have established a connection with the Everharts, there would have been no need for him to marry into the Waverly family and put up with their condescension and mockery.
A flicker of resentment toward Lemira flashed through Asher's mind as well. The ungrateful girl knew how much the Langston family needed a connection like Orion, but she kept his identity from the family. Truly ungrateful.
Orion hadn't seen anyone from the Langston family since the last product showcase.
At that moment, Evelina took the initiative and stepped up to Lemira. "Lemmy, you were the student representative today-why didn't you tell the family? We would have loved to come and support you!"
"Support me? You're Maple Group's competitor. Who knows what you really came here to copy this time?" Lemira shot back, holding nothing back.
Evelina's eyes instantly filled with tears. "Lemmy, that's so unfair. We're still family. Even though we compete in business, in private, we're still related."
As she spoke, Evelina deliberately glanced at Orion. "Mr. Everhart, we honestly want to make amends with Lemmy."
Orion's reply was ice-cold. "And what does that have to do with us?"
The implication was clear: whether or not they reconciled with Lemira was none of his or Lemira's concern.
Evelina's expression turned awkward. "Mr. Everhart, I think you still misunderstand us."
"You know the truth perfectly well," Orion said, his voice utterly chilly.
Asher gave a cold snort and turned to the principal. "Eve is just as outstanding as Lemira-she's just more low-key, so people aren't aware brought her back to her alma mater today so she could serve as a role model for the students."
The principal smiled kindly. "That's wonderful. If we'd known in advance, we could have arranged for Eve to speak as well. Theyre sisters after alf, and it would reflect well on the school."
He was more than happy to oblige, already thinking about arranging a lecture with the Langstons in the future.
But Orion interjected, "Principal, haven't you heard what happened at the recent product showcase? The Langston family was implicated in plagiarism. They might have kept it quiet for now, but if it ever comes to light, it won't look good for the school."
The principal's smile froze on his face.
That happened? He'd definitely have to investigate.
Asher glared at Orion. "That matter has already been dealt with. Isn't it inappropriate
for you to bring it up again, Mr. Everhart?"
"You think you're in the clear? I could ruin your family at any moment," Orion said, his tone brazen and unyielding.
No one dared to speak up.
Asher's face turned ashen with rage, but he knew the truth-on the day of the
product showcase, he had indeed left behind evidence, and Orion had caught him red-handed.