From Outcast to Overlord The Unyielding Heir (Leander Ashcroft) novel Chapter 255

Chapter 255 Not Enough

“Get out. Right now.”

The man stood tall, sharp–eyed, voice full of frost. He didn’t raise it, but the edge in his tone cut deeper than a shout. He kept pointing to the doors without blinking.

This banquet was full of high–ranking names–wealthy families, business leaders, and powerhouses across Mornwick. Leander had no place here. At most, he should’ve been by the wall in a black suit, not eating at the table meant for VIPS.

The man had done his homework. And he didn’t pull punches.

People from other tables turned to look. Even a few powerful guests leaned over to see what the fuss was about.

“People really love messing with that kid,” someone whispered under their breath.

Skyler didn’t move. He folded his arms and watched with cold satisfaction. His lips lifted just slightly.

Leander raised his eyes and met the man’s glare. His face didn’t change.

“My seat has nothing to do with you,” he said.

“And you think you can make me leave? Based on what?”

The man sneered. His voice lowered.

“Based on my name. Adrian Smith.”

The room shifted again. This time, people gasped out loud. Those who hadn’t recognized him now stared with full attention.

“Adrian Smith?” someone repeated.

Skyler’s gaze narrowed.

“One of the Three Princes of Ravenridge?”

Years ago, there had been three young men who stood above the rest in Ravenridge’s elite circles. Josiah was one. Adrian was another. And Adrian wasn’t just some rich kid. He was the heir to Reginald Enterprises.

Back then, Reginald Enterprises ruled the real estate industry in Ravenridge. As the company grew, it expanded into all of Mornwick and started branching out into the larger Astria region.

During that time, Adrian had left the city to study abroad.

And now, five years later, he returned. Not quietly either. He showed up at Jeff Enterprises‘ celebration banquet, right in the middle of the spotlight.

When the shock wore off, the mood changed. Whispers turned into grins. Everyone turned back to Leander.

Of all people to challenge, he just had to go toe to toe with one of the Three Princes?

He didn’t stand a chance. Maeve sat beside Leander, her lashes low, her face still. She knew Adrian was stepping up because of her. But she didn’t say a word. She didn’t plan to.

She knew Leander. Adrian wasn’t even on his radar. Not even a hundred Adrians would be enough to rattle him. She didn’t want to shield him. She wanted him to be annoyed. She wanted to stay in his life, even if it meant lighting fires under his feet.

“Adrian Smith?”

Leander said the name slowly, like it meant nothing. While everyone else stared, unsure of what would happen next, he sat still, calm as ever.

Leander’s voice hit the room like a whip crack.

“Never heard of you. Nobodies like you shouldn’t be anywhere near me. Go bark somewhere else and stay out of my face.

“And you? You’re not even close to being qualified to challenge me.”

The air shifted. People nearby blinked like they couldn’t believe what they’d just heard. Some sneered. Others looked like they were watching a car crash in slow motion.

Everyone in Mornwick knew there were only a handful of names Adrian wouldn’t mess with. They were the type who dined with his father, but Reginald Leander wasn’t one of them. Not even close.

“Wow. This kid’s really asking for it.”

A few older businessmen shook their heads. Most of them had brushed shoulders with Mornwick’s upper crust. They knew every heir worth naming. But Leander? He didn’t ring a bell. He wasn’t one of them. He had no legacy. No reputation. Nothing.

So, hearing him call Adrian unqualified just sounded like nonsense.

“You think Adrian can’t challenge you? Fine. Count me in, too.”

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