When They Beg I Rise (Lemira) novel Chapter 977

A mocking smirk touched Lemira's lips. "Keep dreaming."

Asher looked visibly frustrated. "You're not on the same side as them anyway, so why not just come back to the Langston family? Once Evelina is gone, you'll be the only daughter in this house. No one is going to mistreat you ever again."

Lemira paused mid-step, her tone turning to ice. "Do you honestly think everything you put me through can just be wiped away with a few empty promises? Save your breath. The only reason I'm even standing in the same room as you is because of this lawsuit. The second this case is closed..."

She didn't finish the sentence. Raking a cold, dismissive glance over them, she turned and walked out to her SUV.

Asher's face darkened with indignation. He turned to Lucian. "Look at her. She's completely alienated herself from us. What exactly is she planning to do once this case is over?"

"It's her life and her choice. You have zero right to dictate what she does," Lucian snapped, his voice thick with bitter resentment. "If any of us had just treated her with an ounce of decency back then, we wouldn't have pushed her away."

Asher choked on his response, suddenly defensive. "I'm trying to make up for it now, aren't I? But look at how she treats us. She looks at us like we're her mortal enemies."

Standing quietly off to the side, a dark, vindictive gleam flashed through Evelina's eyes.

*Of course,* she thought bitterly. *The biological daughter will always get the special treatment.*

If only she had seen through the Langston brothers' hypocrisy earlier. If she had just focused on building her own life instead of desperately fighting Lemira for their affection, she wouldn't be trapped in this suffocating house right now.

Resting a hand on her pregnant belly, she knew she had to start making her own contingency plans.

The group drove in strained silence to the Lyria Remand Center, where Hale had recently been transferred.

Seated in the sterile visitation room, Evelina fidgeted nervously in her chair.

A few minutes later, Hale was led into the room. His head had been shaved, and he looked incredibly haggard, having aged a decade in just a few weeks.

When his eyes landed on Evelina, his gaze immediately dropped to her swollen stomach. A fleeting look of raw emotion crossed his face.

Sitting down behind the glass, he stared at her. "How's the baby?"

"Fine."

Evelina took a trembling breath. "Where is the evidence? You promised you'd hand it over as soon as you turned yourself in."

Lemira held his gaze effortlessly. "So, you knew too."

Hale looked slightly taken aback. "It seems you're already aware."

"I am," Lemira said coolly. "And yes, we had a massive falling out over it, exactly as you all hoped. But I also know the Sinclair family orchestrated the hit. And I am going to make them pay in blood."

"You think the Everhart family is just going to step aside and let you do that?"

"That's none of your concern."

"If the Everhart boy is willing to testify in court, I'll tell you exactly where the evidence is hidden."

Lemira's eyes narrowed dangerously. "You want him to take the stand?"

"Why not? He's an eyewitness to the scene, isn't he?"

But as he spoke, Lemira couldn't shake the unsettling feeling that Hale's smile was laced with a dark, mocking ulterior motive.