"Don't bother. There's no need."

Lemira met Orion's gaze evenly. "I'll find a new lawyer. The Everhart family doesn't need to trouble themselves on my behalf."

"Don't be difficult at a time like this."

Orion's brow furrowed instinctively.

Mockery danced in Lemira's eyes. "I'm not being difficult; I'm being perfectly rational.

If I get played right before trial, the Langston family loses everything."

"Do you really think I'm that kind of person?"

"You've been lying to me this whole time, haven't you?"

Lemira refused to back down, holding his stare until he finally averted his eyes, unable to meet her intense gaze.

She then turned back to the attorney. "Mr. Alfred, I will have my new counsel contact you for the handover. Thank you for your help thus far, but I expect you to uphold basic professional ethics moving forward."

Mr. Alfred sighed heavily. "If it puts your mind at ease, Ms. Langston, we can sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement."

"Fine."

Lemira knew an NDA was largely symbolic in this scenario, but forcing him to sign it gave her a sliver of vindication.

Without a second glance at Orion, she turned on her heel and walked away.

Orion's eyes remained glued to her retreating back until she disappeared completely from his line of sight.

Mr. Alfred exhaled sharply. "What's your plan, Mr. Everhart?"

The situation was crystal clear: Ms. Langston wanted absolutely nothing to do with their help.

And realistically, if Alfred continued to represent the Langston family, they would constantly doubt his loyalty. It was only natural.

Orion remained silent for a long moment before quietly stepping into the interrogation room.

Outside, Lemira stepped into the crisp air. The memory of Orion's devastated expression flashed in her mind, and she frustratedly pushed the man out of her thoughts.

She checked the time. Buying a car was at the top of her to-do list; she needed the mobility.

Right on cue, Stella Waverly called her. "Where are you?"

"Just left the precinct. I'm heading to the Elite Motors Showroom to buy a car."

"I'll come meet you!"

Lemira didn't object. It was good timing-she had something she needed to verify with Stella anyway.

Last night, her family had

bombarded her with the truth about

the Everharts. However, she didn't

entirely trust the Langstons and

needed Stella to corroborate th details.

After getting a recommendation from Stella, Lemira arrived at the dealership.

The showroom was packed with high-end luxury vehicles that screamed wealth.

She honestly just wanted a Standard SUV to get around; she had no interest in something flashy.

"Well, well, if it isn't the Campus Queen. Here to buy a ride?"

Dorian Draven's eyes lit up as he spotted her. He immediately ditched the girl clinging to his arm and strutted over to Lemira "Pick

iel

whatever you want buy for

you."

Lemira ignored him completely and kept walking into the showroom.

Dorian trailed after her like a lost

puppy. "Don't be so cold. Honestly, you were the one I had my eye on from the beginning, not Evelina. You

Sole

just kept brushing me off, so I started dating her to make y jealous.

Lemira didn't even look at him. "I still have zero interest in you."

Dorian gritted his teeth, his ego bruised. "Yeah, well, you had your eyes set on the Everhart heir, and he tossed you aside like trash."

Lemira's expression turned freezing cold. She glared at him. "Get the hell out."

Dorian bristled at the insult but refused to leave. "Tell me what car you want. I'm buying it."

"Are you sure about that?"

Dorian puffed out his chest. "Absolutely."

Lemira pointed lazily at the most expensive supercar sitting on the center pedestal.

"I suppose I could settle for that one."

When Dorian saw the price tag, all the color drained from his face. "Lemira, don't be ridiculous. Even I can't just buy that on a whim."

Lemira scoffed. "Then stop writing checks your ass can't cash."

Dorian scowled. "You say that like you can afford it yourself."

"At least I don't walk around acting like a billionaire when my pockets are empty."

Lemira tore him down without an ounce of mercy.

Just then, Stella arrived, accompanied by Caleb.

Lemira grabbed Stella's arm. "What do you think of that SUV over there?"

Stella nodded approvingly. "It's nice."

Caleb, however, casually strolled past them, his eyes locked on the sleek supercar.

He snapped a photo of it and texted it to Orion: "Nice car."

Orion's reply was instant: "?"