Chapter 20
From Outcast to Overlord The Unyielding Heir
Chapter 20 A Disheartening Realization
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Yvette had initially been overwhelmed by a deep sense of gratitude and remorse toward Leander, emotions that swirled within her heart like a tempest. But with just one cold, dismissive statement from him, these feelings were extinguished as swiftly as a candle in a
storm.
“Really? It seems we’ve been deluding ourselves p>
Her face, once soft with emotion, hardened like ice, and the warmth in her voice froze over. The guilt that had once clouded her conscience evaporated, leaving behind nothing but a steely resolve.
As she approached the restaurant’s entrance, she hesitated, her hand on the door. An impulse made her glance back, and there he was–Leander, sitting with his head bowed, his attention focused solely on the menu. He didn’t spare her even the briefest glance. The sight only fueled the fire of her frustration.
Her mind replayed the moment when Leander first stepped into her home, the image of him handing back the ten thousand dollars flashing vividly before her eyes. Now, seeing him hunched over a menu in this modest, unremarkable eatery, it all began to make sense.
“That ten thousand dollars… must have been his entire savings, painstakingly accumulated over years. He returned it all, and now he’s just an ordinary high school student with no family connections, no powerful background–nothing p>
She shook her head slightly, a subtle motion that carried the weight of her thoughts. Leander’s pride, though admirable in its way, couldn’t disguise the truth. Strip away his unyielding spirit, and what remained? Just a high school boy, strong of arm but lacking in every other aspect.
Strength was, indeed, a quality to be admired. Among his peers, it might even have earned him respect, a certain awe. But in the world of adults, where the true games of power and influence were played, what did it count for?
At best, it could secure him a job as a bodyguard–an accessory to the true wielders of wealth and authority, nothing more than a servant to the powerful.
She could have accepted this if it meant being just a regular friend to Leander, perhaps even admiring his resilience. But the disdainful way he regarded them as if they were beneath him was something she couldn’t overlook.
For someone with so little in terms of ability, he carried himself as though he were invincible, treating everyone around him with an air of superiority. Such arrogance, such unwarranted pride–she despised it.
“Leander, you might be strong enough to take down an entire karate team by yourself today,
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Chapter 20 A Tusheartening Realization
but all of this… it’s just a fleeting illusion.
moned
“When you finally encounter the true elites, the high society where power and wealth reign supreme, you’ll come to realize that all your current pride, all that you rely on, is utterly worthless in their eyes p>
With a final, inward shake of her head, she turned away, not sparing him another glance, and walked out of the restaurant, her steps resolute, her mind made up.
Meanwhile, Leander barely acknowledged Yvette and Ginny’s brief presence. To him, Yvette was no more than a stranger. Without the tenuous connection through Monica, he might never have spoken to her at all. As for Ginny, she was even less significant–a fleeting shadow, barely noticed.
“Leander, I’ve got everything p>
Shortly after Yvette and Ginny had left, Madeline entered the restaurant, her presence bringing warmth to the small, simple space. She took a seat across from Leander, her smile lighting up the room.
Nearby, a group of high school students from the local school watched with growing indignation. What kind of luck had Leander stumbled upon, they wondered, to have both Yvette and Ginny invite him to dinner, only to be followed by Madeline’s company? To them, this was the pinnacle of achievement, a life they could only dream of.
“Yes, I’ve ordered all your favorite dishes,” Leander said with a gentle smile, his eyes softening as he looked at Madeline. At that moment, memories of her mother, Hazel, flooded his mind–a woman as gentle as she was stubborn, whose presence had once been a comforting anchor in his life.
To Leander, Hazel was more than a mother figure; she was the embodiment of love and resilience. During his years away, he had often thought of her, her image a constant in his heart. But when he had returned to his old home, he had been met with the devastating news of her passing.
Madeline was the only family Hazel had left in this world, and Leander had vowed to protect her, to ensure she was never alone.
He had chosen this modest restaurant with Madeline’s feelings in mind. Before he had arrived at the school, Frankie had provided him with every detail of Madeline’s life.
Madeline now lived alone in a small, unassuming apartment a short distance from Candor High School. Besides her studies, she worked part–time at a bar in the city center, earning just enough to get by. Each year, she secured scholarships with her outstanding academic performance, relying solely on her efforts.
Leander, despite owning the multi–billion–dollar Leandrix Corp., knew better than to offer her
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Chapter 20 A Disheartening Realization
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a new home or financial support outright. Madeline, with her fierce pride, would never accept such charity. If she had been willing to depend on others, she would have already accepted Victor’s pursuit.
Leander had no intention of disrupting her life. Instead, he wanted to walk alongside her, sharing in the life she had chosen for herself. It was this authentic, self–reliant version of Madeline that he cherished.
As they ate, Madeline’s happiness was palpable. She talked animatedly about the past few years, sharing the ups and downs of her life. Though Leander was already aware of much of what she said, he listened intently, pretending to be hearing it for the first time.
When Madeline inquired about his own experiences over the years, Leander deflected with casual mentions of trivial, unimportant events, skillfully avoiding revealing too much.
“Oh, by the way, I came here in a rush,” Leander said suddenly, his voice laced with a subtle undertone of curiosity.
“The enrollment process was done in a hurry, and I haven’t found a place to stay yet. Where are you living? Do you know of any good apartments nearby?” he asked deliberately, his mind already at work, plotting his next move.
In truth, Leander had been residing for some time in the opulent “Rivergate Haven” Villa No. 1, a luxurious arrangement provided by Frankie. Yet, to remain close to Madeline, he feigned having no accommodations, subtly waiting for her to extend an offer.
The apartment Madeline rented was a charming two–bedroom unit, perfectly suited for him to move in.
As anticipated, Madeline responded with delight, “That’s splendid, Leander. The apartment I’m renting is a two–bedroom, and I’m the sole occupant. I’ll inform the landlord, and you can move in at once p>
Her gaze lingered on Leander with hopeful anticipation, recalling their previous six–month cohabitation. She longed for those times when their conversations flowed effortlessly.
“Really? I’m thrilled. This way, we can live together once more and share the rent as well p>
Leander’s agreement was swift and decisive, aligning perfectly with his plan all along.
Madeline hurriedly contacted the landlord, and once she received confirmation, their new living arrangement was set.
Observing Madeline’s joy, Leander made a silent pledge. Ms. Shire, rest assured. I will take excellent care of Madeline.
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Chapter 20 A Babeanteng Bealization
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nisher
Later, as Leander and Madeline walked into Class 4 together, Victor’s expression darkened upon seeing them. He had previously dismissed Leander as inconsequential. However, after Leander’s solitary triumph over the Karate team earlier that day, Victor’s ego had been severely
wounded.
Seeing Leander with the girl he had long admired only fueled Victor’s anger. His face clouded with fury. “Leander, though I may have been defeated in skill, I will surpass you in every other aspect. Madeline is a girl beyond the reach of someone like you from the countryside.
Fury bubbled within him as Leander, undeterred, merely returned to his seat.
“Wow, Leander, you were incredible today p>
As Leander settled into his chair, Liam approached, his eyes gleaming with admiration. Leander’s victory over the Karate team had left a profound impression on him, prompting him to address Leander with newfound respect.
“Whenever you have time, show me a few moves. It would be great to have some skills for outings, dating, or handling fights p>
Leander chuckled softly, amused by Liam’s desire to learn martial arts for social escapades and conflicts.
At that moment, a girl entered the room. Leander recognized her as Jade, the one who had ridiculed him earlier at the martial arts club.
She was a student in Class 4 and served as the class monitor. Her position gave her considerable authority, allowing her to issue commands to everyone except Madeline and Victor, whom she dared not challenge, but she had also considered herself the center of attention.
Upon entering the classroom, she called out loudly, “The school’s publicity department has received new equipment. We need a few students to help move it. I’m selecting some of you to
assist me p>
Jade was notably attractive. Although not in the same league as top campus beauties like Madeline or Yvette, she was still among the most beautiful. The prospect of helping a beautiful girl prompted several boys in the class to volunteer eagerly.
“Yes, we still need two more. Ben can go, and one more… Hmm p>
With five boys already volunteering, Jade’s gaze landed on Leander, who was seated in the back
row.
Her expression briefly darkened as she recalled how she had mocked Leander earlier, only to be embarrassed by his remarkable performance. Her displeasure was evident.
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Suddenly, a sly smile curved her lips. She quickly concealed it with a neutral demeanor and called out to Leander
“Leander, you’re the last one. With your skills, you must be strong. Come on, join us in moving the equipment p>
Many turned to observe Leander. The news of his solo defeat of the Karate team had spread, and curiosity about the new student from the countryside was piqued.
Leander rested his chin on his hand, staring out of the window with detached disinterest. At the sound of Jade’s call, he turned his head back.
“Move equipment p>
His demeanor remained aloof, his eyes slightly raised.
“I’m not part of the publicity department. Why should I help? I’m not going p>
As soon as he finished speaking, the atmosphere in the classroom grew icily silent.
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