Chapter 86
Chapter 86 Regret Beyond Measure
“Colin, who do you think you are? Do you really believe you can question me p>
gaze
Finished
Leander’s remained indifferent, his voice cold and detached. The man in front of him, widely regarded as one of Ravenridge’s most promising young talents and a future leader in the business world, barely even registered in Leander’s eyes.
“You b*stard, are you looking to die p>
Colin was enraged, launching a punch straight toward Leander’s face.
Bang!
Before his fist even got close, a powerful force pulled him out the door and sent him crashing through the railing and into the artificial river. He hadn’t even seen how Leander made his
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The commotion was massive. Yvette, Madeline, and Ginny all rushed out to see what was happening. When they saw Colin drenched and floundering in the river, they hurriedly called the staff to fish him out.
Yvette rushed over and asked anxiously. “Colin! What happened p>
Colin, soaked and utterly humiliated, was seething, but before he could respond, Leander stepped out of the room and looked down at Colin from above.
“Next time you want to pick a fight with me, make sure you’re aware of your own limits first p>
Colin’s fury surged as if it could set him ablaze. He had come to provoke Leander, but instead, he was the one thrown into the river without even landing a hit. The humiliation overwhelmed him, especially in front of Yvette. It was the ultimate disgrace.
“Leander, did you lay hands on Colin?” Madeline asked with a frown, turning toward him after hearing what had happened.
On the other hand, Ginny was furious. She pointed at Leander and scolded, “What’s wrong with you, Leander? Colin and Miss Little brought us to Ascendia to have fun. They gave you this luxurious Amorous Room, treated you to the finest foods from across the world, and let you enjoy this beautiful scenery. And how do you repay them? By hitting him p>
“Do
you think you can do whatever you want with your skills p>
“Please don’t forget that you could work your whole life and still never experience something like this with your financial situation if it weren’t for Miss Little and Colin. You don’t show any gratitude. Instead, you attack him. Do you have no conscience p>
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Ginny’s harsh words seemed to give Colin some relief, knowing that everyone present was on his side. Even Madeline didn’t step in to defend Leander. What puzzled Colin most, though, was Yvette’s reaction. She silently handed him a towel, gave Leander a deep look, and said nothing. Not a single word of reproach. It only made Colin’s anger burn hotter.
However, Leander looked unbothered by Ginny’s accusations. His expression was cold and dismissive.
“Ginny, don’t think too highly of yourself, and don’t mistake your ignorance for something to brag about.” He pointed to himself, continuing, “I get it with my own two hands when I want something. I don’t need anyone’s charity.
“I’ve tolerated your snide remarks before because you’re Madeline’s friend, and I didn’t want to stoop to your level. But my patience seems to have only emboldened you. So let me be clear that I won’t hold back if I hear you running your mouth in front of me again from now on p>
Ginny was stunned, her face paling as she realized just how terrifying Leander could be when he treated her as if she were one of his enemies. Until now, he had always ignored her provocations, and she had assumed he wouldn’t dare confront her. But now, she saw the truth and it scared her.
“Leander, you’re going too far!” Madeline stepped forward, placing herself in front of Ginny. She met Leander’s gaze, her displeasure clear. “Ginny is my friend, and she’s a girl. How could you talk to her like that?
“We came out here to have fun, but first you hit Colin, and now you’re threatening Ginny. Don’t you think that’s unreasonable? It seems I made a mistake bringing you here. I shouldn’t have invited you in the first place p>
As her words left her lips, both Yvette and Ginny were left speechless. Even Madeline herself was a bit surprised by what she’d just said. But thinking back on what Autumn had told her in the restaurant, and how Ginny had been whispering in her ear these past few days, Madeline couldn’t help but feel disappointed in Leander. His attitude toward her friends was ruining the image she had of him.
She didn’t take back her words. Instead, she held Leander’s gaze and clearly chose to side with Ginny and the others. In that moment, her decision was final.
Leander stared at her, this girl who had always followed him around since childhood. She used to look up to him with admiration. He shook his head and chuckled softly.
“Gardner, you’re an adult, huh p>
That simple name, “Gardner,” sent a shiver down Madeline’s spine.
Leander had always called her “Madeline” before, but now he was using a more formal name.
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Chapter 86 Regret Beyond Measure
This change in how he addressed her was like a silent rift opening between them.
Finished
Leander didn’t seem angry at all. His voice was calm as he said, “You’ve grown up, and you’re no longer the little girl who followed me everywhere. You have your own circle now, your own choices to make p>
“Your path is yours to choose. No matter who walks beside you, I hope you can stay the course. Do it not just for yourself, but for Ms. Shire’s memory p>
He turned and walked away, his voice carried back by the wind as he disappeared from sight.
“The road is already paved. From now on, there’s no ‘Leander‘ for you, and there’s no more little girl‘ for me. But I’ll still be there for you if you ever need help p>
His words lingered long after he had vanished and left Madeline standing frozen in place. She was completely at a loss as unable to process everything that had happened in just a few minutes.
There’s no Leander ‘ for you, and there’s no more little girl ‘ for me!
The meaning of his words echoed in her mind. She realized with a start that in just a few short minutes, she and Leander had completely broken off their relationship.
“Lea…” She instinctively reached out and wanted to call after him, but Ginny suddenly grabbed her arm.
“Madeline, let that arrogant jerk go. Why should you care about him? He just said all those hurtful things. Are you really going to go running after him and beg for forgiveness p>
Ginny looked down on Leander, scoffing, “Don’t bother with him. He’s not even worth hanging out with. You’re going to be a star soon. Why would you still care about him p>
“He’s the one who chose to end things with you, so why should you be the one to crawl back p>
Colin also smirked coldly. “Madeline, you’ll soon be mingling with the elite of society, rubbing shoulders with top businessmen and officials. Frankly, Leander doesn’t even deserve your friendship. There’s nothing worth holding onto p>
Madeline’s gaze flickered for a moment. In the end, she let her hand fall to her side and didn’t
call out to him.
She knew that her future and star–studded career would bring her into contact with the country’s top elites. No matter how hard Leander worked, he could never reach that level, and she couldn’t drag him there either.
“Let it go,” she whispered with a sigh. Even though her heart ached, she forced herself to hold it in. She knew Leander no longer had a place in the life she was destined to live.
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Chapter 6 Regret Beyond Measure
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Yvette frowned as she watched all this unfold. She felt that Madeline was making a mistake, but it was Madeline’s decision, and she couldn’t interfere.
“Madeline p>
At that moment, Autumn walked over in a striking red outfit and placed a hand on Madeline’s shoulder with a look of deep regret.
“You might regret today’s decision more than you can imagine someday p>
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