When They Beg, I Rise!

Lucian was visibly anxious as he looked towards Lemira, "Lemmy, can you really stand by and watch your little sister get hurt like this?"

Alaric furrowed his brows, knowing full well that Evelina's actions were somewhat out of line.

But if Lemira just agreed to join the team, wouldn't this all go away? So, all Lemira had to do was nod her head in agreement.

Lemira responded coolly, "You guys might be missing the point here."

Lucian was baffled, "What do you mean?"

"First off, I made it clear. My refusal to join the team is simply because I don't like it, and it has nothing to do with any of you. Secondly, Evelina resorting to self-harm to pressure me, how is that any different from me self-harming to force King to marry me?" Her sarcasm hit right on the mark.

The teammates who wanted to chime in all suddenly shut their mouths, realizing she might have a point.

Alaric couldn't help but speak up, "No matter what, Eve is family."

Even though Evelina was terrible at gaming and lacked any sense of responsibility, she was still just a girl at the end of the day.

"Does that have anything to do with me? Whether Evelina chooses self-harm or even suicide, it's none of my business. Stop trying to guilt-trip me!"

"Lemira, her dad once saved your life. How can you provoke her like this!" Alaric was furious, intending to slap Lemira across the face.

Lemira was caught off guard; she never expected Alaric would actually hit her! Except for Caspian, who tended to be violent, none of her other brothers had ever laid a hand on her.

But this slap never landed on her face.

Orion was there, blocking Lucian's hand, his expression stern, "According to the Child Protection Act, this is already the second instance of violence. According to the law, the victim can call the police and request a restraining order."

Lemira turned, staring at him in shock. How did he get here?

Alaric gritted his teeth, "And who might you be? This is a family matter, and you, a stranger, have no right to interfere!"

Lucian recognized Orion but was surprised to see him here.

Orion spoke calmly, "Even a stranger like me can't stand by and watch. That says a lot about how out of line you guys are."

His gaze was icy, dismayed at their repeated attempts to harm her. He was barely holding back.

Lucian frowned, "Dr. Everhart, you misunderstand. This time it's different."

"How's it different? Your adopted sister is holding everyone back, disappearing when needed most, relying on Lemira, the real sister, to step in and win the game, earning the opponents' respect and apologies. And instead of treating her right, you choose to lay hands on her?"

Lucian was at a loss for words, suddenly realizing Alaric's behavior towards Lemira was indeed out of line.

He looked at Lemira with a hint of guilt, "Lemmy, I didn't mean it like that. I just didn't want Eve to impulsively harm herself!"

Lemira pressed her lips together.

Orion's tone was mocking, "So, to prevent your adopted sister from getting hurt, you choose to harm your real sister? What kind of fricking logic is that!" Lucian's guilt deepened; he turned to Alaric, "You better apologize to Lemmy! Who gave you the right to hit her?"

Lucian himself was shocked by Alaric's action. Alaric stood frozen, guiltily hiding his hand.

He hadn't expected to actually go through with the slap, looking guiltily towards Lemira, "I was just so angry hearing what you said. That's why I did it."

He wasn't sure why he had such a strong reaction, acting impulsively as if scolding her was an everyday occurrence.

After all, Lemira never held grudges for his past excesses.

This time should be no different, right? At least he wouldn't do it again.

Lemira's heart aching, her eyes bore sarcasm, "So what now?"

She realized that she had always been a doormat in Alaric's eyes, which was why he had taken her for granted.

"An apology should come with the right attitude."

Orion took Lemira's hand and fiercely slapped Alaric in return.