Chapter 27
Chapter 27 A New Bar Server
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“As the eldest daughter of the Sitwell family, don’t get too involved with people like him who are of no use p>
Linden lowered his newspaper and spoke sternly when he saw his daughter enter the room.
Yvette paused, taken aback by his words, while her mother, Monica, furrowed her brow in disapproval. “What’s wrong with Leander? Why do you want Yvette to stay away from him p>
Linden snorted, clearly unimpressed. “I know that boy helped you once, but let’s be honest. Based on what I’ve seen tonight, he’s far from impressive. I briefly chatted with him earlier- he’s barely educated and only managed to get a spot at Ravenridge Senior High. What future can he possibly have p>
He leaned back, speaking with authority. “Sure, there are plenty of successful people without degrees, but those people at least understand how to leverage resources and manage relationships. That boy? He has no standout qualities. Worse still, he doesn’t even know how to blend in p>
Linden’s eyes narrowed as he recalled the evening’s events. “When Colin reached out to shake his hand, that boy clearly saw it but pretended not to notice. He clearly doesn’t grasp the basics of social etiquette.
Monica opened her mouth to protest, but Linden pressed on. “If you want to be generous, you could call his behavior ‘unconventional‘ or say he has ‘personality. But in reality, he’s just ignorant and arrogant, living in his own world, oblivious to his capabilities p>
He shook his head, his disappointment palpable. “He doesn’t fit in, lacks the knowledge and experience necessary to thrive and didn’t even bother listening properly during our dinner conversation. Someone like him is destined to remain at the bottom of society. He can’t possibly connect with our family p>
Upon seeing Monica’s displeased look, Linden softened his tone and gently took her hand. “I know you’re kind–hearted, dear. You want to help him because he once helped you, but forcing him into our circle isn’t going to do any good. It might even backfire and put unnecessary pressure on him p>
Monica sighed and had to admit that Linden wasn’t wrong, so she didn’t argue further.
“Yvette, I’m just reminding you. Of course, I trust your judgment. I know you understand who should be in your life and who should be kept at a distance,” Linden added, looking at his daughter confidently.
Yvette snapped out of her thoughts and nodded. “Don’t worry, Dad. I understand. I’ll make sure to keep my distance from him p>
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Chapter 27 A New Rai Server
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Later that night, alone in her room, Yvette replayed the evening’s events in her mind. She thought about Leander’s behavior and her father’s words, feeling more convinced than ever that she was right. Leander belonged to a different world where he would always look up to her from far below.
For a brief moment, she recalled how Leander had single–handedly taken down four thugs at the coffee shop and overpowered the karate team at the martial arts club. However, she quickly shook her head, pushing those thoughts away.
Meanwhile, on the city’s bustling streets, Madeline glanced at Leander and asked, “Leander, do you want to go to our apartment first? I have to work at the bar tonight and won’t be able to go back with you p>
Leander smiled and shook his head. “No need. I’ve got work tonight too. I’ll probably finish around the same time as you. We can head back together. It’ll be safer that way p>
Madeline’s eyes widened in surprise. “Really? You’re working too, Leander? Where p>
His eyes twinkled with mystery. “It’s a secret for now. You’ll find out soon enough. Come on, I’ll walk you to your job first p>
Together, they went through the crowded streets to the Shade Bar, nestled in the heart of the bustling central business district. The bar was a popular hotspot known for its elegant design and comfortable ambiance. This was where Madeline worked.
As they arrived, Daniel Price, a young man in his mid–twenties, greeted Madeline with a smile. “Madeline, you’re here p>
“Hello, Mr. Price!” she greeted him with a polite nod.
When Daniel saw the youthful and attractive Madeline, his eyes lit up with desire, but when he noticed Leander beside her, a flash of irritation crossed his face. Still, he quickly masked it and said, “Your shift’s about to start, Madeline. You should go change.” The source of thɪs content is
Madeline nodded and headed toward the changing room, leaving Leander behind. Daniel glanced at Leander, clearly unimpressed, and was about to walk away when Leander spoke up.
“Excuse me, Mr. Price,” he said, his tone casual but confident. “Could you tell me where the changing room is and where I can pick up my uniform p>
Daniel turned back, surprise evident on his face. “You are p>
Leander replied with ease, “I’m the new bar server. I applied two days ago, and your manager asked me to start tonight.” He had planned this out when Frankie handed him Madeline’s work details. He applied for this job solely to keep her safe and ensure she wouldn’t face any trouble.
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Chapter 27 A New Bar Server
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“Oh, so Harlan hired you? I see,” Daniel said, his annoyance fading as he realized Leander was just a new hire under his supervision. His gaze sharpened with a hint of disdain. “Head over there. Someone will show you where to get your uniform. Your shift ends at 1 a.m. Make sure you know that p>
Daniel had been eyeing Madeline since she started working at the bar. However, she had always been aloof and left right after her shift, so he hadn’t had a chance to make a move. Seeing her arrive with Leander had sparked a flare of jealousy. He assumed they might be a couple and was secretly annoyed. However, now that he knew Leander was just another temporary worker, he felt more at ease.
Even if he was Madeline’s boyfriend, Daniel thought smugly, what chance did he stand against someone like me?
“Got it,” Leander replied with a nod before heading toward the men’s changing room.
An older server handed him his uniform, and once he was changed, he joined the main bar
area.
“Leander, you…” Now dressed in her work uniform, Madeline was stunned when she saw his new look.
“Surprised?” He smiled lightly. “I knew you worked here, so I got a job here too. This way, we can finish at the same time and look out for each other p>
Madeline’s heart warmed at the thoughtfulness behind his actions, and she rewarded him with a sweet smile before starting her shift.
As Leander prepared to dive into his new role as a bar server, stretching his neck and surveying the bustling establishment, the older bartender earlier sidled up to him.
“Hey, buddy,” the older man whispered, “do you know Madeline? You guys Seem pretty close p>
Leander casually tilted his head. “Yeah, what’s up p>
The older bartender looked around, then lowered his voice even more. “Listen, you’d better keep your distance from Madeline while you’re here. Our boss has had his eye on her for a while and takes extra care of her. If Mr. Price finds out you’re getting too close, you might lose your job p>
He gestured discreetly toward Daniel, watching Madeline from behind the bar, and subtly indicated that Leander should be cautious.
“Oh?” Leander’s expression remained calm, though a sharp glint flickered in his eyes.