When They Beg I Rise (Lemira) novel Chapter 1116

"You insolent brat, how is that the same? She dared to look down on your cousin! What right does a piece of damaged goods have to act so superior?"

Mrs. Halloway's tone was incredibly arrogant as she glared at Jessica. "If you keep defending her, we'll see how you explain this to your grandmother inside."

Jessica's eyes immediately reddened with frustrated tears. "But you two are clearly in the wrong!"

Growing up, she had always known her grandparents heavily favored Barrett simply because he was a boy.

But she never expected them to blatantly disrespect her right in front of her friend. They clearly didn't view her as an equal human being.

Seeing Jessica on the verge of tears made Lemira's blood boil.

Just then, Orion strolled down the hallway, stepping smoothly to Lemira's side. "Why are you still standing out here? Didn't you want to head back to the table?"

He had finished his phone call and was surprised to find her still in the corridor.

Lemira glanced at Orion, then turned her attention back to Jessica. "I'll be in the city for the next couple of days. Let's grab coffee soon."

Jessica managed a strained smile. "Okay. You guys go ahead and eat. I won't keep you."

"Hold it right there. I didn't say you could leave."

Mrs. Halloway narrowed her eyes at the strikingly handsome man standing next to Lemira. "Listen here, buddy, you need to raise your standards when picking a girlfriend. This girl was practically begging for my son's number a minute ago, and when he turned her down, she threw a hysterical fit."

Jessica gasped in absolute horror. "Aunt Halloway, what the hell are you talking about?!"

"I'm telling the truth!"

"Yeah, my mom is absolutely right."

Barrett took one look at Orion's designer clothes and sophisticated aura and knew instantly this guy was loaded. Bitter jealousy flared in his chest. Was this all women cared about? Money?

He sneered at Orion. "Your girlfriend is playing you. She's hooking up with other guys behind your back."

Orion stared down at Barrett with cold, aristocratic detachment. "I don't think my girlfriend's taste is quite that tragic. She wouldn't look twice at you."

Barrett's fragile ego shattered instantly. "I'm a great catch! Why the hell wouldn't she look at me?"

Orion's voice was deadly calm. "Because I am infinitely better than you. Once she's had the best, why would she ever settle for a defective knockoff?"

Even though the Langston Group had hit a rough patch recently, they were still elite billionaires. They were leagues above their own middle-class existence.

Jessica stared at him with pure disgust. "Did you happen to miss the part where she said you were a bottom-feeder?"

Without waiting for a response, Jessica spun around and headed back toward the private room, entirely done with their delusions.

—

Back in their private dining room.

Lemira recalled the absurd encounter and couldn't help but chuckle.

She looked across the table at Orion. "I had no idea Jessica had to deal with such a toxic family."

Orion sat down, his gaze shifting to her. "I just got off the phone. Evelina's body was brought back to Lyria."

Lemira's head snapped up. "And?"