When They Beg, I Rise!

Lemira had this niggling feeling that she'd dined at Bistrova before.

It was Thaddeus who had footed the bill last time they visited that joint.

Orion, feeling slightly guilty for once, managed a strained response. "Yeah, it's the same place we hit up before."

After all, it was Thaddeus' treat.

Lemira nodded, "I knew that name rang a bell."

Evelina covered her mouth to stifle a laugh. "Oh, cut the act, you two. You only went to some knock-off version of Bistrova, not the real deal I was talking about. Given your status as a mere school doctor, I doubt you could afford a meal there." Evelina had walked in just now, spotting Lemira with a man, and couldn't resist joining them.

Sure enough, it was Lemira with that broke school doctor.

Thankfully, Lemira was still hanging out with that loser, leaving no room for her to swoop in on Dorian. That gave Evelina some peace of mind.

Lemira's fair face took on a frosty expression. "It's just a meal. Are you starving for attention or what?"

"Why are you getting so worked up, Lemira? I just want your boyfriend to treat you better. Skip these dive bars and at least aim for a decent diner." Evelina was in high spirits, finally having something to hold over Lemira.

At the very least, her boyfriend was loaded.

But Lemira's boyfriend was just a broke school doctor, doomed to be a pauper for life!

even appreciate good food?" Lemira retorted before

was no need to stick around for Evelina's

down but didn't resist, quietly following

them out. "Tough times running away from home, huh, Lemira? If you're strapped for cash,

turned around.

you focus

After all, his

up

to mess with."

life, Evelina hadn't stolen her glory or

was the scheming girl going to win over Dorian's

That seemed unlikely.

did Lemira know Dorian's mother

had even bought a gift for Dorian's mother, only for it to be returned the next day with a not-so-polite message saying they wouldn't

clear she wasn't

Fuming, Evelina's face contorted

velbet

determined to marry into

a society lady,

Dorian pulled up in his sports car,

an innocent smile.