When They Beg, I Rise!

"Lemmy, now's not the time to throw a fit. If the Dravens come knocking, it won't just be you in hot water. The Langstons will be dragged into this mess too." Lemira replied with a scoff, "Don't worry, I won't drag you into anything."

"It's not up to you to decide whether or not we get involved. You're not seeing the big picture here. Alaric has already smoothed things over with Dorian. All you need to do is apologize to Mr. Draven, clear the air, and he won't hold you accountable once you explain everything." Lemira frowned, "I refuse. I've got more important things to do right now."

"Lemira, when will you stop this nonsense? And what could possibly be more important than sorting this out?"

Jessica raised her voice, "Obviously, attending the celebration of our city's top student is way more important."

Lucian frowned, "I heard the top scorer is in your school, but that's their achievement, not yours, Lemira. You need to focus on sorting your own issues instead of just going along for the ride."

Jessica's voice grew louder, "Because if Lemira doesn't show up at the celebration, it can't start."

Lucian's tone turned sour, "Lemira isn't the guest of honor, why wait for her to kick things off?"

city's top student! How could the

the news she'd been dying to share, feeling the attitude of Lemira's brother was dissatisfied. He didn't care about her score and just bombarded her with reprimand,

like the only ones out of the loop were the Langstons.

a bit shocked in disbelief. He could

up, a

proclaiming, "Congratulations to Lemira for securing the top rank in the city." The joyful

the reality, he ventured, "But I heard your grades suffered because of

was thick with sarcasm, "And your point

surprised and happy for you. This is

expected a Langston to

wasn't Lemira, but someone else. Evelina just pinned it on Lemira, probably

reflexively defended, "Eve's not like that. It must've been the faulty stationery