Chapter 96
Chapter 96 The Engagement is Over
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It had been nearly a month since Leander’s departure, and during this time, Yvette had transformed into someone almost unrecognizable. She seemed lost, her thoughts adrift as she often gazed vacantly out the window.
Ginny was perplexed by this change in her friend, unable to pinpoint what had caused such a shift. It was as if Yvette had withdrawn from the world, declining Colin’s repeated invitations with a series of flimsy excuses. The vibrant spirit she once embodied had faded, leaving behind a shadow of her former self. Fresh chapters posted on.net
Today was no exception. Yvette sat in class, her eyes fixated on the window, her mind wandering far beyond the lesson being explained at the front of the room. Ginny couldn’t hold her curiosity any longer. Leaning closer, she whispered, “Yvette, what’s been going on with you lately p>
“Ever since that guy Leander left, you’ve been like a ghost, wandering without a soul p>
Ginny’s heart sank at the sight of Yvette, who had once radiated confidence and poise. Now, she seemed burdened by a melancholic haze, an ordinary girl weighed down by emotions that were consuming her.
“Has he left?” Yvette’s voice came out softly as if awakening from a deep slumber. She murmured, “Ginny, he’ll come back, won’t he p>
With a shrug, Ginny shook her head. “Who knows? That guy marches to the beat of his drum. He’s been gone for over half a month without a word p>
“Madeline has already left to pursue her career with Glorious Entertainment. And you? You’re just here, daydreaming and acting like a zombie. It’s like both of my best friends have been enchanted by Leander, and I just don’t understand–what’s so special about him p>
“Sure, he’s strong and knows how to fight,” Ginny continued, her frustration bubbling over, “but he’s also arrogant and self–absorbed, indifferent to anyone else’s feelings. He even beat up Colin, for heaven’s sake. How can someone like that command so much attention p>
As she vented her frustrations, a sudden thought struck Ginny, freezing her in place. She turned to Yvette, her expression a mix of disbelief and concern. “Yvette, don’t tell me… you’ve fallen for Leander p>
At the question, a flicker of panic crossed Yvette’s face, and she shook her head vigorously. “What are you talking about? He saved me twice. I’ve never had the chance to thank him properly, and I feel guilty about that. It’s not like I like him or anything. How could I possibly like someone like him p>
She spoke with firm resolve, yet there was a lack of true confidence behind her words. Ginny,
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sensing Yvette’s uncertainty, gently patted her shoulder and raised her hands in a gesture of surrender. “Exactly! Who would like someone like Leander? He acts as if he owns the place, looking down on everyone through a narrow slit of arrogance just because he can fight. He’s nothing more than an overconfident narcissist–no one in their right mind would fall for someone like him p>
Yvette nodded along, though her thoughts swirled with an unsettling question that lingered in the back of her mind.
Do I… like Leander?
Panic fluttered in her chest at the thought, and she quickly shook her head, attempting to dispel the chaotic notions that threatened to take root.
Like Leander? That’s impossible.
During the afternoon break, Yvette found herself at the entrance of Class Four, as she always did. Leander’s desk remained empty, just as it had for weeks, and the hope she once carried in her heart dissipated into a sigh of longing.
Madeline had long since left school to pursue her dream of becoming a singer, leaving Yvette feeling even more isolated. She stood outside Class Four, preparing to leave, when a stylish, mature woman approached her.
“Excuse me, is Leander in this class p>
The woman appeared to be around twenty–four or twenty–five, her delicate features framed by short, chic hair. Dressed in a sleek leather jacket and fitted pants, she exuded an air of wildness and allure that drew the eyes of several nearby boys.
Yvette nodded but couldn’t suppress the frown that creased her brow. The woman’s attire spoke of high–end fashion and luxury, each piece perfectly coordinated to convey wealth and sophistication. Yvette found herself wondering how someone like Leander could possibly know someone like her.
The short–haired woman smiled politely at Yvette and asked, “Could you help me call him out p>
Yvette quickly shook her head. “He’s not in class. He hasn’t been here for about a month p>
Her voice held a trace of disappointment and regret. The woman paused, taken aback by the news, before waving dismissively. “Is that so? I see. Maybe I’ve come to the wrong place p>
“Thanks for your help, anyway. I’ll be on my way p>
With that, the woman turned and walked away, her strides marked by a sense of decisiveness that lingered in the air as she disappeared.
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Yvette watched the retreating figure, her brows furrowing tighter with each passing moment. A flicker of curiosity tugged at her. Leander, an orphan without parents, had once lived with Madeline and her daughter. Now, in the unfamiliar landscape of Ravenridge, he seemed adrift. Given their small circle of acquaintances and Leander’s reserved nature, it appeared unlikely that he had forged many friendships. Yet, here was this woman, purposefully seeking him out.
Doubts swirled within Yvette, whispering of secrets that lingered just beyond her grasp- mysteries surrounding Leander that remained shrouded from view.
Meanwhile, in Tardide Valley, Leander’s yard thrummed with its usual energy. Each day, a throng of eager young Escain women gathered to watch him, with Sierra among them, her enthusiasm reaching new heights. She had begun to see his yard as her second home.
Since unearthing Leander’s extraordinary abilities, her fascination with him had only deepened. She yearned for his company, hoping to ensure that he could never slip away from her again.
At the heart of the small courtyard, a delicate metal disk lay nestled in the soil. Leander stood with his hands clasped behind his back, allowing the stabilizing spiritual energy around him to wash over him. A smile played at the corners of his lips.
“The issue with the unstable spiritual energy has finally been resolved,” he declared, his voice a mixture of relief and triumph.
He had not anticipated such fortuitous circumstances. After fending off a sudden attack from a ghostly spirit, he had unexpectedly acquired the Spiritual Suppression Disk–an item he desperately needed.
This disk had the power to harmonize the surrounding spiritual energy, allowing the Silverleaf to flourish once more. After just a few days, nearly all of the Silverleaf had matured, its tender shoots boasting a vibrant green hue.
“In two more days, it should be ready,” he mused, mentally calculating the timeline. Nearly three weeks had slipped by since his arrival in Tardide Valley.
The Silverleaf was a premier spiritual herb, exceedingly rare in nature. He had journeyed to over a hundred volcanic sites to harvest it from the blistering craters, and now he possessed only a single bag. Even the foremost pharmaceutical companies had never encountered such a specimen. The prospect of cultivating so much exceeded his wildest dreams.
He realized that only a small fraction of this Silverleaf likely existed in the world. His experiments were approaching fruition. Once completed, his ambitious commercial venture would finally take flight.
of
Just then, the tranquility of the valley was shattered by the distant rumble of engines. Many of the residents, unaccustomed to such spectacles, turned to observe the commotion. A convoy over a dozen SUVS surged toward Leander’s yard, breaking the peaceful routine.
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The SUVs halted outside the courtyard, and more than fifty individuals emerged, unloading an array of specialized equipment from the trunks. Each person donned a crisp white lab coat, reminiscent of doctors or researchers, their intent clear as they descended upon the scene.
At the forefront of the gathering stood a man clad in a dark green suit, his demeanor exuding a blend of respect and authority as he approached Leander with a slight bow. It was Frankie, his loyal confidant.
“Mr. Ashcroft,” Frankie announced, his voice steady, “I have brought everyone you requested. These are renowned medical researchers from across the country. The equipment they carry is state–of–the–art, imported from abroad–some of the most advanced in the world p>
The Escain villagers, taken aback by such a grand display, instinctively stepped aside, their curiosity piqued by the procession. Leander, with a reassuring pat on Frankie’s shoulder, strode toward the assembled researchers, confidence radiating from him like the warmth of the sun.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” he began, his tone low yet resonant, capturing the attention of all present, “I recognize you as the pinnacle of medical developers in Astria. Each of you is an esteemed expert in your respective fields p>
His words wove through the air, settling in the ears of the gathered crowd. A glint of determination flickered in his eyes, reflecting an ambition and pride that soared to the heavens
above.
“I summoned you here, and your presence indicates that you are ready,” he continued, his voice steady and firm. “Since you are prepared, starting today p>
Leander paused for effect, the air thick with anticipation.
“We will change the world’s landscape!” he declared, his voice rising with conviction, echoing the promise of a transformative journey ahead.
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