When They Beg I Rise (Lemira) novel Chapter 721

Sophia’s gaze turned noticeably colder.

Susanna walked over, visibly frustrated. “Sophia, you saw how arrogant Lemira was just now! Why does she get to sit next to Mr. Everhart?”

“Enough. I know,” Sophia snapped.

She stormed back to her seat, her eyes fixed on Orion in the first row. All around her, she could hear people whispering about how handsome and wealthy he was.

Sophia recalled something her mother had recently told her, and a faint, knowing smile flickered across her face.

That’s right—she couldn’t afford to be impatient.

The Everhart family was responsible for Lemira’s parents’ deaths. The revelation gave Sophia a thrill; with a secret this explosive in her hands, she’d been so worked up she could barely sleep.

Her smile faded, replaced by an icy resolve. No wonder Orion had suddenly transferred to Lyria and taken a low-profile job as a campus physician—it was all for Lemira.

He only wanted to make up for what had happened to her; he didn’t actually love her.

How could she let this slip to Lemira?

At that moment, Susanna marched straight up to the front row and confronted Lemira. “Is this your seat? From what I hear, you've recently been getting dropped off late at night by some wealthy older man. Didn’t he even give you a Chanel bag?”

Lemira felt the weight of everyone’s stares. The rumors had been circulating wildly around campus.

Susanna shot Orion a triumphant look. “See? Lemira is just a gold digger. Her private life is a mess.”

“Susanna, don’t say that. Maybe there’s some misunderstanding,” Sophia quickly interjected, her voice soft and conciliatory. “Ms. Langston, I’m really sorry about this.”

“Why are you defending her, Sophia?” Susanna protested. “She’s always cozying up to rich old men! There are even photos—people saw it with their own eyes.”

Susanna pulled out her phone and displayed the photos.

Susanna’s face changed colors as she stood there, speechless.

Orion’s voice was cold. “Susanna, do you realize that spreading rumors is against the law?”

“I—I just read it on the campus forum,” Susanna stammered, her confidence faltering. She couldn’t afford to be held responsible for anything.

Sophia jumped in quickly. “Orion, Susanna just saw a discussion online. If anyone should be held accountable, it’s whoever started the rumors and posted them.”

“Yeah, exactly! I was just repeating what I heard. I didn’t make anything up,” Susanna added, looking at Sophia for support. “Sophia, this really has nothing to do with me.”

“It’s okay, I believe you,” Sophia replied, though she felt a wave of panic rising inside her. She turned to Orion. “If you have doubts, you’re free to investigate.”

Orion’s tone was icy as ever. “Regardless, spreading rumors and maliciously slandering someone is considered defamation, and that carries legal consequences.”