Lucian's heart twisted with a bitter, suffocating wave of despair. "Lemmy, I swear I didn't mean for this to happen."

"If you didn't mean it, then take your people and get out."

Lemira was forcefully keeping her temper in check. She refused to let the toxic Langston drama overshadow her Gen-2 technology launch.

Asher had deliberately banked on the fact that she wouldn't cause a scene in front

of the press.

It made Lemira feel absolutely sick to her stomach.

Lucian glanced helplessly toward Asher. "You know how he is. Now that he's set this up, he's not going to just walk away because I ask him to."

"Fine. I gave you a chance. You threw it away."

Without another word, Lemira marched directly toward Asher and the cameras.

Watching her back, Lucian felt an intense, dreadful premonition, though he couldn't pinpoint exactly why. Surely she wouldn't create a massive scandal at her own company's launch, right?

Evelina caught sight of Lemira approaching and instinctively shielded her bulging stomach, terrified the bitch might try to attack her.

Right now, her unborn baby was her ultimate shield.

Evelina plastered on a fake smile. "Lemmy, I was just so overjoyed that I ended up talking a bit too much to the reporters. You aren't mad at me, are you?"

Asher immediately jumped in. "What are you talking about? Lemira isn't that petty."

Lemira offered a flawless, ambiguous smile. "How could I be? I'm thrilled you're all here. After all, you've spent my entire life focusing solely on Evelina. Now that I've worked so incredibly hard, you finally noticed my success and came to support me. I am truly, deeply happy."

As she spoke, her eyes welled up with tears. She carefully wiped them away, painting the perfect picture of a heartbroken, neglected sister.

Evelina instantly realized she was losing control of the narrative. "Lemmy, they've always treated you wonderfully too! They only paid a little extra attention to me because I'm adopted, and they were worried I'd feel left out!"

"I know. Asher always lectured me to treat you better, telling me that because you aren't biological blood, you couldn't be allowed to feel slighted, otherwise outsiders would gossip."

Evelina nearly snapped her teeth. "When did that ever happen?"

Lemira looked up innocently at Asher. "Right, Asher?"

Asher's face stiffened awkwardly. "I don't recall saying that. You're misremembering. You've always been too sensitive and overthought things."

Lemira's eyes instantly dimmed. She lowered her head and stood there quietly, looking exactly like a fragile girl crushed by her family's emotional neglect.

The reporters captured the entire exchange, completely stunned by the blatant favoritism.

A second later, Lemira looked up with a brave, wobbly smile. "I thought if just worked hard enough, my brothers would finally look at me it seems was expecting too much. Maybe I'm just not excellent enough yet."

A reporter couldn't stand it anymore. "Ms. Langston, if someone of your caliber isn't excellent, then excellence doesn't exist in this world!"

"Exactly! You are one of the youngest brilliant minds in the industry, leagues ahead of everyone else. You have absolutely no reason to feel insecure!"

"Live for yourself, Ms. Langston! Don't spend your life chasing your toxic family's approval!"

Hearing their support, Lemira offered the press a radiant, deeply appreciative smile.

It was the perfect blend of vulnerability and unyielding strength.

She spoke softly, "Thank you all for the comfort. I will continue to work hard."

The cameras flashed wildly. How could anyone blame Lemira? She was just a brilliant girl desperate for the family love she had been denied.

Who hadn't felt neglected by their parents or siblings at some point?

Seeing the media completely shift their sympathy to Lemira, Evelina burned with rage. She grabbed Evander and pushed her way forward termy you're

overthinking it! In our hearts, we are

all one big happy family!"

Suddenly, Lemira stepped forward, reaching out to warmly grab Evelina's hand as if

they were sisters making amends.

Terrified of letting Lemira get close to her stomach, Evelina panicked and scrambled backward. In her

haste, she collided hard wil net

Evander her heel slamming aggressively down onto his prosthetic leg.

With a sharp crack, Evander hopped wildly on his good leg before losing his balance

and crashing heavily to the floor.

His prosthetic leg was left completely detached, lying discarded right beneath Evelina's feet.