When They Beg I Rise (Lemira) novel Chapter 980

To Caleb, this whole situation wasn't nearly as complicated as they were making it out to be.

Orion fell silent for a moment, gently adjusting the bridge of his glasses. Finally, he caved. "Fine. Text me the address."

He desperately wanted to see her anyway, to clear the air once and for all.

That evening, Lemira, Stella, and Caleb headed out for dinner.

Janice had already left for the gaming base to train, leaving the three of them to eat together.

They picked a spot just a short walk from campus.

As they walked, Lemira suddenly remembered something and turned to Stella. "That lawyer, Sebastian? It turns out he's a massive foodie. He took me to this incredible restaurant the other day. I'll have to take you guys there sometime."

"Sounds great. I've heard he has a pretty ruthless reputation in legal circles—too arrogant, crosses a lot of lines. It's kind of hilarious that his secret passion is food. Total contrast."

Walking beside them, Caleb chimed in. "Everyone needs a vice."

Stella glanced over at him. "And what's yours?"

Caleb paused, his dark eyes locking onto her face with an intensity that made the air suddenly feel thick. He didn't answer her out loud, but Stella instantly understood exactly what he meant.

Her face burning, she quickly averted her gaze, grabbed a menu, and pretended to study the appetizers.

Right before the food arrived, Stella's phone buzzed. It was a text from Caleb: *Come outside with me for a second.*

*Why?* she typed back.

Caleb didn't reply. He just stood up and casually walked out of the room.

Worried he had news about Orion's testimony that he didn't want to share in front of Lemira, Stella excused herself and followed him into the hallway.

Before she could say a word, Caleb grabbed her hand and pulled her into the vacant private dining room across the hall.

Through the crack in the door, Stella saw a familiar figure slipping into their original room. It was Orion.

Caleb blocked her path back to the door. "Let them talk it out alone."

Stella glared up at him. "Why didn't you tell me this was the plan?"

"If I told you, we wouldn't be standing in here right now. This is between them; we need to stay out of it."

Stella fell silent. He was right.

"If they can clear the air about the testimony face-to-face, it saves everyone a massive headache down the line."

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