Chapter 191
“Leander p>
Madeline Gardner practically flew into Leander’s arms, unable to believe her eyes.
a
#Finished
Since that fight on Glidewing Mountain, Leander had vanished from Ravenridge without a trace. She had tried several times to ask Frankie about his whereabouts, but every time she came up empty–handed.
She’d resigned herself to the idea that after their last goodbye, their paths would never cross again. She thought Leander would never look after her like before, maybe never even speak to her again.
And yet he was standing right here. On the eve of her big commercial gig, no less. The joy that surged in her heart nearly overwhelmed her.
Leander stood still for a moment before gently patting her shoulder in a quiet gesture of
reassurance.
Many in the lobby looked on with surprise. Though Madeline wasn’t yet a nationwide household name, plenty recognized her as the star singer of Glorious Entertainment. Her connection with Henry was common knowledge in Westin Listin. But now, this famously aloof beauty had just thrown herself into a stranger’s arms–naturally, everyone began speculating about Leander’s identity.
While Yvette and Ginny watched with knowing smiles, Grace looked utterly stunned.
Madeline had always struck her as poised, refined, and elegant. But now, in front of Leander, she looked like an ordinary girl in love.
And the young man standing behind her in the suit–his expression had darkened completely. His eyes were sharp as blades.
That man was none other than Henry, Grace’s brother and the heir of the Barret family. He had met Madeline on her very first night in West Listin, during a formal gathering, and had been smitten ever since.
With her quiet beauty and exceptional poise, Madeline was leagues above the women he’d known before. Despite her consistently polite but distant attitude over the past week, he remained persistent, convinced her aloofness was just part of her personality.
He was confident. With his charm, intellect, and unmatched influence in Listin, he was sure he could eventually win her over. But now, right in front of him, Madeline had flung herself into the arms of another man–like a devoted wife reuniting with her long–lost husband. Jealousy roared through him like wildfire.
1/3
17:43 Tue, Oct 14
Chapter 191 Whose Turf Is This?
50
Finished
In his mind, Madeline was already his. He could not tolerate another man touching her. Even so, he forced himself to stay calm and quickly masked his fury.
It took a long moment before Madeline finally pulled away from Leander’s embrace. She stared at his face, so close to hers, eyes filled with tears. Latest content published on
“Leander, I still can’t believe you’re here,” she said, her voice trembling as she clung to the sleeve of his shirt.
“I always thought I was smart… strong… but that night at Water Paradise, I acted like a complete idiot.
“I actually believed what other people said about you. I doubted you because of some random nonsense. I don’t deserve to be your girl.
“I don’t care if you acknowledge me or not, but to me… you’ll always be my Leander p>
The emotions she’d been suppressing for so long finally burst forth. She just wanted to say everything that had been building up inside her.
“I’ve been waiting for the chance to apologize for so long. I’m sorry, Leander.” Tears streamed down her face. Every word came straight from the heart.
Ever since their falling out at Water Paradise, she’d been filled with regret. And after learning that Leander had been silently helping her behind the scenes the whole time, that guilt had only deepened.
Leander remained calm and gave a faint smile. “No need to dwell on the past p>
“Ms. Shire’s gone now, so I’m basically like your guardian. And come on, what kind of big brother holds a grudge against his little sister p>
Madeline blinked, her voice cautious. “So… you forgive me p>
Leander shrugged, smiling gently. “I was never upset to begin with.” He patted her shoulder. “Alright, don’t you have a recording session to get to? Don’t let this throw you off. If this is the road you’ve chosen, then walk it with confidence p>
Madeline sniffled, finally breaking into a smile. She knew now–her Leander had never truly left her.
“Madeline,” came a smooth voice behind them. “Aren’t you going to introduce your friends p>
Henry stepped forward, a gentleman’s smile on his face.
Madeline blinked as if snapping out of a daze. She quickly introduced Yvette and Ginny, but
2/3
17:43 Tue, Oct 14
Chapter 191 Whose Turf Is This?
50
Finished
noticeably skipped over Leander, making no attempt to introduce him to Henry or Henry to
him.
Henry greeted Yvette and Ginny politely, then turned toward Leander, his gaze unreadable. “You two seemed pretty close just now,” he said with a light chuckle. “I’m guessing you’re quite important to her. Strange she didn’t introduce you p>
Henry had eyes only for Leander. Despite the latter’s plain clothes, he didn’t underestimate him. In this world, many dangerous men dressed like nobodies. He just wanted to get a read on who Leander really was.
Madeline hesitated. She hadn’t introduced Leander because she understood him well. He wasn’t the type to socialize unnecessarily or make small talk with people he didn’t care to know.
But Henry clearly wasn’t backing down.
Before Madeline could say anything, Henry extended a hand. “Nice to meet you. I’m Henry Barret–general manager of this hotel and a good friend of Madeline’s p>
Grace, watching from the side, sneered inwardly. For someone of Henry’s status to offer his hand to someone like Leander? It is beneath him.
If it weren’t for Madeline’s involvement, a nobody like Leander wouldn’t even deserve to stand beside Henry, let alone shake his hand.
“Leander Ashcroft.” Leander gave Henry a quick handshake–brief and casual.
Henry raised an eyebrow. Usually, when people learned he was the general manager of a five- star hotel, they would at least offer some polite small talk or mention their background. But Leander? Nothing–just his name.
Either this guy looked down on him, or he had absolutely no status to speak of. And Henry? He was the Barret heir–there wasn’t a single young man in West Listin who could rival him in terms of pedigree or influence. Who would dare look down on him? So, the only explanation left was that Leander was fully aware of the gap between them and was trying to avoid confrontation.
So much for a mysterious figure… Turns out he’s just another nobody. Henry sneered internally, a dangerous smirk playing at the corners of his mouth.
Madeline belongs to me. He thought coldly. You came to Listin for her? Fine. I’ll show you exactly whose turf this is.
Send Gifts
60