When They Beg, I Rise!

Lemira wasn't about to budge, not even an inch.

Caspian spoke up, "Evelina, Lemira just got back home. Maybe you should give her some leeway."

Lucian chimed in, "Any seat's as good as another, Evelina. How about you take this one over here?"

Evelina was on the verge of tears. In the past, she'd always snagged Lemira's spot, and her brothers had always backed her up. Never in her wildest dreams did she think she'd be the one asked to move one day.

Asher stayed silent, leaving Evelina with no choice but to grudgingly take another seat, though she simmered with resentment. Lemira noticed Evelina's unwilling expression. Good, she thought.

Before long, Zack, along with the staff, began serving dinner. As Lemira's fork clattered to the floor, she glanced at Zack, "Could you bring me a fresh set, please?"

Zack promptly obliged, returning shortly with new utensils. After taking a bite of her meal, Lemira spat it back onto her plate, "What's going on in the kitchen? This food is atrocious. Is this your way of saying I'm not welcome back?"

Zack, taken aback, retorted, "Ms. Lemira, these dishes were prepared by the head chef. They can't possibly be bad."

"Well, they are to me."

you're not up to the task. Maybe it's time for a

our family for over a decade. We're all used to him.

code without permission, altering things our parents left behind. I don't think someone like him should stay on with

don't

for words and turned to Lucian for

happy, then a change it is. But since he's been with us for so long, it's best he returns to his hometown, Lyria. He's no longer needed here.

Lemira's stubborn streak, any confrontation could easily escalate into full-blown discord.

departure was

more suitable course of

"That

you can't send

action.

Asher agree, was suddenly

patience, said, "Eve, don't be difficult. Zack's from Lyria, going back is the best option

Zack's like family. I don't want

as she had so many times before. This time, Asher gently pushed her away, "We'll do as Lucian

was just a matter of letting go of