After finalizing the details with the university, Lemira Langston stepped down, officially taking on the role of Vice-Captain. Timothy was now the Captain.

The administration had offered to let her keep the title, but she couldn't stomach the idea of holding the position without putting in the actual work.

Timothy was the perfect fit. He had the skills and the natural leadership required for the job.

Lemira joined the team for a celebratory dinner at a restaurant across from the campus. The conversation naturally drifted toward their futures in the gaming industry.

Some dreamed of joining the national team, while others wanted to become full-time streamers.

Listening to their passionate aspirations, Lemira felt a sudden wave of nostalgia. Not too long ago, she had shared those exact same dreams.

Back then, her only goal was to break free from the Langston family and build an independent life.

But then she discovered the disturbing truth behind her parents' deaths, and everything shifted toward an intense, consuming investigation.

Even now, it was the only thing occupying her mind.

Once this chapter of her life was finally closed, she promised herself she would chase her own dreams again. She owed it to herself to make this second chance at life count.

By the time they finished dinner, it had gotten quite late.

As the group stepped out into the crisp night air, a sudden wave of dizziness hit Lemira.

She stumbled slightly. Timothy immediately reached out to steady her. "Are you okay?"

"Just a little dizzy. I'm fine."

"You've had a bit too much to drink."

Lemira remained silent. The suffocating weight of her emotions had gotten the better of her, leading her to drink more than she intended.

She knew her limits and usually avoided alcohol.

But as the cold breeze hit her face, the alcohol rushed straight to her head.

"Captain Jones, make sure you hold onto our goddess! Don't let her fall."

"Yeah, man, it's your job to play the knight in shining armor tonight."

It was an open secret that Timothy had feelings for Lemira. But she was entirely out

of his league, and with a billionaire secret boyfriend in the picture, she seemed utterly untouchable.

No one honestly believed he stood a chance.

But now that she had dumped the rich guy, the window of opportunity for Timothy was wide open.

Timothy ignored the teasing glances from his teammates. He carefully supported Lemira, his heart hammering wildly against his ribs.

He had never dared to make a move before, painfully aware of the massive gap between them.

But now, if he could just stay by her

side and help her win the

championship, maybe she would

fire

see him as more than just a

teammate.

The mere thought made his pulse race.

As the group of young students crossed the street, a sleek luxury car sat idling by

the curb.

Walking past it, Timothy felt a

sudden chill. He glanced over his et

shoulder and locked eyes with a Staking, predatory gaze staring from backseat.

the

Was that Lemira's billionaire ex-boyfriend?

Timothy tightened his jaw. A flicker of intimidation hit him, but he refused to back down. They were broken up, after all.

As long as Lemira didn't push him away, he wasn't going to let go of her arm.

Inside the car, Orion Everhart watched Lemira walk past, leaning heavily against another man.

A raw, consuming jealousy flared in his chest, instantly incinerating whatever logic he had left.

Orion shoved the door open and strode toward them, his expression thunderous.

He stopped right in front of Lemira, fixing a lethal glare on the younger man. "Let her go."

Dressed in a sharply tailored dark suit, Orion was strikingly handsome, exuding a heavy, dominant aura that demanded absolute submission.

Compared to the college students, his sheer presence was suffocatingly powerful. The group of friends froze, their eyes wide with unspoken panic as they stared at him.

They all knew who this man was-Lemira's immensely powerful and obscenely wealthy ex.

Swallowing his nerves, Timothy stood his ground. "I'm taking her back to her dorm."

A cruel, mocking smirk touched Orion's lips. "I'll be taking her. Take your hands off her."

"Aren't you two broken up? She

al

came out with us tonight, which means it's my responsibility to get her home safely I'm not letting her leave with you."

Timothy kept his voice remarkably firm.

Orion's face turned to stone, a dark, dangerous tension radiating from him.

The suffocating pressure was almost too much for Timothy to bear.

One of the teammates finally cracked under the tension. "Let it go, Captain. Maybe

they're just having a lover's quarrel?"