Chapter 38
Chapter 38 Regal Influence
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“Kneel and swear loyalty to me, and I’ll let you live!” Leander pulled out a chair and plopped down like a ruler on his throne with a mischievous grin. Fresh chapters posted on
Gumus, the seasoned lead of Ascendia, felt a cold sweat dripping down his forehead as fear gripped his heart. He brought Bryce, a Martial Master, to force Frankie into submission. He thought Frankie was like a fish caught in a net, utterly defenseless with Bryce around.
However, he never anticipated Leander, who stood behind Frankic. Not only was Leander more powerful than Bryce, but he had also swiftly taken him out, flipping the entire situation upside down.
When Leander scanned the room, even Gumus felt a chill run down his spine. Mr. Duffy is a serious threat – invulnerable to firearms – but this kid took him down without breaking a sweat. If he sets his sights on me, it would be a piece of cake for him to finish me off. Even with my four top henchmen at my side, I can’t hold my own against him.
With that thought, Gumus sprang to his feet, rushed over to Leander, and pleaded, “Sir, I was momentarily blind and foolish! Please forgive me! Just spare my
life p>
Not knowing Leander’s name, he opted for “Sir.” He even bowed three times, sincerity dripping from every word.
Leander narrowed his eyes and remained silent.
As Gumus lifted his gaze to meet Leander’s eyes, a wave of anxiety washed over him. He had always prided himself on his ability to read people and situations. He thought, Usually, a quick assessment reveals a person’s character, but this kid is a puzzle I can’t figure out. It feels like staring into a bottomless abyss.
“I heard you formed a Northridge Alliance?” After briefly meeting Gumus‘ gaze, Leander finally broke the silence.
“Yes! I did it for Northridge’s prosperity. I worried that Tommy might stretch his influence into this area,
so I took steps to safeguard it. I never meant any harm to Frankie!” Gumus replied quickly, a smile plastered on his face.
Now that Leander had shown his strength, Gumus was eager to deflect blame, anxious that Leander might be just as merciless with him as he had been with Bryce.
“Hmph!” Leander scoffed, suddenly grabbing Gumus by the collar and hoisting him off the ground.
“Let me introduce myself. I’m Leander Ashcroft; you can call me Mr. Leander. I don’t like nonsense. I’m now leading the Northridge, and you’ll follow my orders if you want to survive p>
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Chapter 38 Regal Influence
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Gumus felt like an iron grip was crushing his throat, turning his face pale. Faced with imminent danger, he nodded frantically.
Noticing Gumus‘ submission, Leander finally released his grip. Then, he demanded, “Get your people out of here! Gather all the members of the Northridge Alliance at Maplebrook Manor in three days p>
Gumus felt as if he had just been given a second chance. He quickly agreed and gestured for his four top henchmen to hurry back to their turf.
Confronting Leander felt like facing the devil himself, and he couldn’t wait to escape. He covertly rejoiced, thinking he would reclaim his position once he returned to Ascendia.
His earlier promise of loyalty to Leander was just a temporary tactic. Being shrewd and adaptable, he was used to doing what was necessary and had no intention of actually serving Leander or relinquishing control of the Northridge Alliance.
“Wait!” Leander called out just as Gumus was on the verge of leaving the meeting room, making him stop in his tracks. A wave of dread washed over him as he feared that Leander might have reconsidered and was about to end his life.
“Gumus, I can guess your thoughts now,” Leander remarked with a slight smile before abruptly striking with his palm.
A loud crack pierced the air, and a wave of energy surged through the room as a coffee table, more than three meters from Leander, shattered into splinters.
“What the…” The onlookers turned pale, eyes wide in shock, almost speechless.
Gumus stood frozen in place, terrified.
“Is this the famed internal strength of a Martial Master being displayed outwardly?” Jamero whispered in amazement, his voice brimming with wonder as his expression shifted with each heartbeat.
He wondered, I’ve always been told Martial Masters can inflict damage from afar, but seeing it in action takes things to a whole new level. When Leander attacked, the coffee table broke apart over three meters away. What is it if that’s not the famous external manifestation of internal strength?
“Keep this in mind. Since I’m allowing you to leave Ascendia today, I could end you whenever possible. If you believe you can outsmart me, I hope your head is tougher than that coffee table!” Leander smirked, his fingers curling slightly as if to create a chilling aura.
Gumus had come in with plans, but now his mind was completely empty.
If Mr. Leander can destroy a coffee table with one palm strike, what fate would await me if he
struck me?
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Chapter 38 Regal influence
I’d be annihilated!
He realized that for Leander, taking his life would be as simple as squashing a bug.
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He quickly turned around and bowed deeply to Leander, his voice trembling. “Mr. Leander, I promise the key members of the Northridge Alliance will be at Maplebrook Manor within three days p>
In response, Leander gestured for him to go. Gumus swiftly left with his men.
A hush fell over the meeting room as Frankie, Jamero, and the others stared in amazement at Leander’s strength and tactic.
Frankie recalled his first meeting with Leander, who was then experiencing significant difficulties after being ousted from Ravenridge by his rivals. Despite being a teenager still finding his way, Leander exhibited impressive courage that left a lasting impression on Frankie. He gave Frankie ten million upfront, allowing him to rebuild, eliminate competitors in Ravenridge, start Leandrix Corp., and achieve great success.
Frankie held absolute respect for Leander, viewing him as his benefactor. However, he hadn’t seen him as a true powerhouse.
After all, Leander was quite young; most of his peers were still in high school and had little real–world experience. Frankie believed he would have to mentor Leander to help him evolve into a genuine strongman in the future.
At this moment of realization, Frankie recognized just how wrong he had been.
Leander’s strength surpassed his wildest dreams–he defeated the Martial Master, Bryce, in one swift move, tamed Gumus with a mere word and gesture, and seized control of the Northridge Alliance. Who could challenge such power and bravery? Who else but a ruler?
“Frankie, handle things here, and tell me when Gumus has assembled everyone from the Northridge Alliance!” Leander nonchalantly stated as he left the meeting room.
“I must say, Mr. Leander is truly impressive!” Jamero shared, his admiration evident.
He had always admired Leander due to Frankie but never really respected him until now; Leander’s actions had truly impressed him tonight.
“He’s a natural leader. His strength and authority are clear. We just need to follow him confidently. He’ll lead us to heights we can’t even dream of!” Frankie agreed, his determination intensifying.
After leaving Maplebrook Manor, Leander returned to the small rental house he shared with Madeline, only to discover she was missing. He promptly contacted her.
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Meanwhile, Yvette, Madeline, and Ginny huddled on Yvette’s big bed at the Sitwell Residence, their emotions intensifying.
“Yvette, do you think something happened to Leander?” Madeline asked nervously. She had wished to stand by Leander, but her two close friends had urged her to leave.
Yvette and Ginny sat in silence. They knew that in Ravenridge, even the most powerful officials and the wealthiest billionaires wouldn’t claim they could remain safe after confronting Tobias.
Someone like Leander–a country boy without support in Ravenridge–would likely face total defeat, even if he chose to fight. How could he fend off Tobias‘ many henchmen and intricate connections?
Yvette let out a sigh as she recalled the resolute expression on Leander’s face when he ordered Madeline to leave. She realized Leander wanted to protect Madeline and the others from involvement, allowing them to leave while he took on the pressure alone. His readiness to endure for their benefit moved her, yet he was also entering a perilous situation alone, possibly confronting a harsh destiny.
While the three girls reflected on their thoughts, Madeline’s phone unexpectedly rang. She looked at the screen, her face brightening with happiness.
Yvette and Ginny turned in surprise, their eyes wide with excitement. “Is it Leander p>
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