When They Beg I Rise (Lemira) novel Chapter 401

Lemira couldn't help but scoff when she spotted Evelina eyeing Matthew as if he was the golden ticket to a better life.

So she wants to climb the social ladder now? Lemira deliberately kept her distance. "We're not exactly close, you know."

Evelina's face faltered, painting a picture of sorrow. "Lemmy, we've grown up together, even though I was only adopted. Even if you hate me, I've always seen you as my own sister."

Lemira's lips twitched in annoyance. Here we go again with the drama.

Evelina, having played her victim card, then turned to Matthew. "Mr. Everhart, I'm sorry you had to see this. Lemmy always thinks I'm after her brother, but that's not true."

Matthew raised an eyebrow. "If Lemira doesn't like you, maybe you should take the hint and keep your distance."

He had made up his mind; if his sister-in-law didn't like this woman, neither did he.

Evelina's face stiffened, surprised by Matthew's blunt dismissal.

Damn it, why wasn't her usual tactic working on him?

Lemira watched Evelina, barely hiding her amusement. "Did you really think you could fool everyone like you did the Langstons?"

Evelina struggled to maintain her façade in front of Matthew. "Lemmy, Lucian is in ICU, and Alaric's been detained. His team is on the brink of disbandment, facing a massive penalty for breaching their sponsorship contract. Don't you care about your family at all?"

She aimed to tarnish Lemira's image in front of Matthew, refusing to let Lemira outshine her.

Lemira snorted. "I've cut ties with the Langstons a long time ago."

However, Matthew, aware of Lemira's estrangement from her family and the favoritism shown to Evelina, sided with Lemira.

"I do have something to say," Matthew began, to Evelina's temporary delight.

"I think Lemira should stay as far away from the Langstons as possible."

Evelina was stunned, her scheme unraveling. Matthew's disdain was clear. "Who said I was doing this for you? At the championship backstage, I heard everything. How you guilt-tripped Lemira. Stop playing the saint."

Evelina tried to intervene as Matthew confronted the man defending her. "Mr. Everhart, please, there's no need for violence on my account."

"Who's fighting for you? Are you delusional? You and your moral high ground can take a hike," Matthew retorted, his patience worn thin by the charade.