Chapter 13
From Outcast to Overlord. The Unyielding Heir
Chapter 13 Victor Lane
“Oh my God, what am I seeing p>
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The students in the classroom all stared with wide eyes, completely stunned. Madeline was always the center of attention wherever she went at school. Countless people admired her, and the number of love letters and flowers she received daily was beyond count. Yet, she never acknowledged any of it, always seeming detached, like an otherworldly goddess.
Among her admirers, none stood out more than Victor, the school’s number–one heartthrob. But even Victor, at best, could exchange a few more words with her or engage in slightly more frequent conversations. There had never been any physical contact between them, and certainly, no one else had the guts to even try. But here came this new guy, boldly stroking Madeline’s hair, moving his hand through it like it was the most casual thing in the world. This wasn’t just casual contact–it was outright desecration of their goddess.
“That guy’s gone too far p>
“That jerk! How dare he do that to her p>
Several boys were furious, itching to teach Leander a lesson. Others, however, watched with smug anticipation, silently mourning Leander’s fate. Madeline had always been cold and untouchable, and Leander’s audacity surely wouldn’t go unpunished. And when Victor, her self- appointed guardian, found out about this, Leander’s outcome was bound to be even worse.
The only exception was the boy sitting next to Leander, who gave him a thumbs up. Despite Leander’s earlier arrogance, the courage to touch Madeline like that earned him some respect.
Madeline’s body tensed, and her anger rose when she felt someone being handsy. She never expected anyone in the class to be so bold as to treat her with such disrespect. Yet, something about the hand on her head, the gesture–it all felt strangely familiar.
With a mix of anger and curiosity, she looked up only to meet a strikingly handsome face. It was a face she didn’t quite recognize, but the longer she looked, the more familiar it seemed. Especially those eyes–they stirred a sense of nostalgia.
While she was still processing this, Leander grinned. “What’s wrong, kiddo? It’s only been a few years; don’t you recognize me anymore p>
His voice was light, teasing, and laced with a familiar affection that made Madeline’s eyes widen in shock. After a few moments, her face lit up with joy, and she excitedly grabbed Leander’s arm like a child. “Leander? Is it really you p>
Her reaction froze the atmosphere in the classroom. Everyone had been expecting her to blow up, to unleash her fury on Leander for his inappropriate behavior. But what they saw instead left them utterly speechless. Was this the same cold, aloof Madeline Gardner who always kept
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Chapter 13 Victor Lane
her distance from the boys?
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Just then, another student entered the classroom–a tall, handsome boy who froze the moment he saw what was happening. His expression became rigid, and he stared, speechless, at the scene before him.
Meanwhile, Madeline, brimming with joy, couldn’t stop looking Leander over. Even though he had changed a lot, she could still make out the familiar features.
“It’s me,” Leander replied, his tone soft as he patted her head again with a smile. “You’ve grown up, kiddo p>
Now, certain it was Leander, Madeline threw herself into his arms without a second thought, not caring that they were in class. Tears streamed down her cheeks. “Leander, I thought I’d never see you again. There’s so much I want to tell you about p>
Leander gently patted her back, a trace of sadness flickering in his eyes. For a 17–year–old girl to endure so much, to hide behind a cold facade for over two years–it wasn’t easy.
“It’s okay, I’m back now. You can tell me everything p>
Madeline had more to say, but the sound of the school bell interrupted her, and she reluctantly let go. Leander gave her a reassuring smile, gesturing for her to focus on class as he returned to his seat in the back row.
Countless eyes were now fixed on Leander, all filled with shock. ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ.net
“Dude, what’s your story with Madeline? She just threw herself into your arms like that—I’m seriously impressed!” Leander’s tablemate whispered, eyes wide in amazement. “Man, you’ve just made school history! You actually got the ice queen to act like a little girl. If word gets out, the school’s gonna blow up!
“Especially Victor–look at his face right now, it’s like he’s been poisoned. This is priceless, haha p>
Leander followed the guy’s gaze and saw a student standing frozen at the classroom door, face twisted with a dark expression, staring at Leander with pure hostility.
Leander barely spared him a glance before turning away, uninterested. That guy wasn’t even
worth his attention.
“By the way, the name’s Liam Preston. You’re one interesting guy, and I’m definitely sticking with you,” the young man said, grinning and introducing himself.
Leander smiled faintly. “Leander Ashcroft p>
A few minutes later, the homeroom teacher walked in. “Alright, class, I have an announcement
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Chapter 13 Victor Lane
to make. Today, we’ll be welcoming a new student into our class p>
All eyes turned instinctively toward the back of the room.
Finished
“Ah, it seems our new student is already here.” The teacher noticed the unfamiliar face and smiled. “Why don’t you introduce yourself so everyone can get to know you p>
Leander stood up, his voice calm. “I’m Leander Ashcroft, from the countryside p>
With that, he sat back down. Both the teacher and his fellow classmates were stunned. Sure, introductions should be brief, but Leander’s was too brief. He didn’t even mention where in the countryside he was from or anything about his background. It felt like he couldn’t care less.
After the earlier interaction between Leander and Madeline, the class had been eager to learn more about him, but his vague introduction left them deflated. People like him, who acted so aloof, rarely fit in with the group. And when he said he was from the countryside, it made several people secretly look down on him. Ravenridge had plenty of city folk, and someone like Leander, from the rural outskirts, didn’t seem like someone to take seriously.
Some of the girls, who had initially been intrigued by his looks, shook their heads, dismissing any thoughts of getting closer to him. In this day and age, looks didn’t mean much. In the end, it all came down to family, background, and connections. Being handsome might let one be some sugar mama’s boy toy, but it wouldn’t get one far in life.
Victor, who had been sitting in the front row, slowly relaxed his furrowed brow. From the countryside? Hmph, I thought he was someone important –so, he’s just a bumpkin.
Victor had initially viewed Leander as a threat after seeing Madeline’s affectionate behavior toward him. But now, he no longer cared. He figured Leander must’ve known Madeline from way back; maybe they grew up together in the same village–nothing more than childhood friends.
Victor was confident that his charm and abilities would eventually make Madeline see the vast difference between him and Leander. He would show her what a real man was like, a true elite. Leander, a country boy, wasn’t even worth competing with.
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