When They Beg, I Rise!

As Lemira finished speaking, she noticed Evelina's face turning pale, caught in a mix of shock and fear.

With a dramatic sigh, Lemira lamented, "Juggling two relationships? Sooner or later, it's bound to crash down."

"That's nonsense! Evelina isn't like that," Evander immediately protested, glaring at Lemira. "You're just jealous that Eve has so many admirers, all more successful than your broke boyfriend. Did you really think I'd fall for your tricks?"

Lemira, incredulous, retorted, "Me? Stirring up trouble?"

"Exactly. I'm aware of Dorian's existence, one of Eve's admirers," Evander shot back.

With a hint of sarcasm, Lemira replied, "We all know that Evelina and Dorian are more than just that. They're an item."

"That's right," chimed in Alaric. "Evelina and Dorian have been together since they graduated high school."

Evander turned to Evelina, bewildered. "Eve, what's going on here?"

They claimed Evelina was involved with Dorian, but she had never said that to him.

never anticipated that mama's boy Dorian would snoop around Lemira for information and then spill the beans about her engagement plans. She had barely managed to calm Dorian down, and now Lemira had aired

never officially

now was out of the question. Evander would be

Evelina turned her pleading eyes to Asher,

intently, "So

taken aback that Evelina had lied to

lowered her head, remaining

"Asher, I

make connections

anything!" Asher snapped, infuriated by the accusation. Evelina had always been the one looking to climb the social ladder and now

fault. We can't afford to offend the Draven family, so I had to play along

I believe you," Evander

please. How many times have you

Dorian? And you're

shut it. You think Eve's like you, settling