From Outcast to Overlord The Unyielding Heir (Leander Ashcroft) novel Chapter 26

Chapter 26 The Isolated Leander

Finished

Colin’s disdain was palpable. Who was he? None other than the heir of Brightstorm Holdings. His father, Jasper Bright, commanded a multi–billion–dollar publicly traded company and stood shoulder to shoulder with Linden as one of Ravenridge’s top ten entrepreneurs.

From an early age, Colin received the finest education, and his knowledge, skills, and worldly experience far outstripped those of his peers. He was the epitome of a young leader, surrounded by people who were either extraordinarily wealthy or held immense power. Only such individuals were worthy of his time, and only they could engage him in conversation. As for someone like Leander, a high school student from an ordinary family? He wasn’t even worth a glance.

Yet, Leander had ties to the Sitwell family and seemed particularly close to Yvette. Colin had long harbored feelings for her, and despite his distaste, he knew he had to play a part in this social charade.

“Ah, so you’re Leander,” Colin said, plastering on his most convincing smile and extending his hand. “Pleasure to meet you for the first time!” His voice dripped with false warmth as he attempted to showcase his gentlemanly demeanor in front of Yvette.

Leander, of course, was not easily fooled. He could read people like an open book, and despite Colin’s nearly flawless act, the contempt in his eyes was crystal clear to Leander. So, instead of accepting the handshake, Leander simply ignored Colin and casually sat back on the couch.

Colin’s smile faltered, his hand left hanging awkwardly in the air. A surge of anger boiled within him. He, Colin Bright–the acknowledged business prodigy of Ravenridge and the future heir of Brightstorm Holdings–had just been snubbed by a mere high schooler? The humiliation was almost unbearable.

Yvette and Linden both witnessed the exchange. Yvette’s face clouded with disappointment and confusion, while Linden’s sharp gaze hinted at deep, private thoughts.

“Leander, Colin is trying to shake your hand!” Yvette urged, her voice tinged with frustration.

“Oh, really? I didn’t notice,” Leander replied dismissively, not even bothering to look up. alone stand to reciprocate the gesture.

let

Madeline, sitting nearby, gently nudged Leander, but he remained unfazed, content in his seat.

“You…” Yvette’s brow furrowed as she prepared to say more, but Colin interrupted with a wave.

“Yvette, it’s alright. It seems Leander is just a man of his own principles. No harm done,” he said, smiling as though unbothered by the slight.

Yvette couldn’t help but compare the two young men before her. On one hand, there was

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Chapter 26 The Isolated Leander

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Leander—a loner with no family or status, who carried himself with an air of superiority and seeming disregard for others. On the other, there was Colin–heir to a powerful corporation who, despite being disrespected, still maintained his poise and grace, embodying the true spirit of a gentleman.

The difference between them was as clear as day.

Yvette shook her head slightly, her initial admiration for Leander–sparked by his past heroics -beginning to fade like mist in the morning sun.

After about twenty minutes, Monica emerged from the kitchen, having prepared a lavish dinner. She removed her apron and cheerfully said, “Dinner’s ready, everyone! Come and take your seats!”

The group responded promptly, gathering around the table. Linden took his customary place at the head, inviting Colin to sit beside him. Leander, meanwhile, was left to his own devices, the divide in treatment unmistakable.

Madeline and Yvette sat together, exchanging light–hearted conversation. Leander found himself at the far end of the table, isolated except for Monica, who occasionally attempted small talk with him. However, he seemed unperturbed by the exclusion, focusing instead on the food before him. Having survived on meager fare for years, Monica’s cooking was a rare delight for him.

At the table, Linden turned to Colin thoughtfully. “Colin,” he began, his tone serious, “what’s your take on Ravenridge’s current economic landscape?”

Colin smiled humbly and shook his head. “Mr. Sitwell, with your and my father strategizing, my thoughts are hardly worth mentioning in front of you.”

Linden laughed heartily. “No need for modesty, my boy! Your father has told me more than once that your grasp

of business and economic trends often surpasses his own. I’m genuinely curious to hear your thoughts.”

Colin finally nodded, adopting a more serious tone. “Well, sir, the other day, the Commerce Daily listed the top ten enterprises in Ravenridge. The chairmen of these companies were also named among Ravenridge’s top ten outstanding entrepreneurs, including yourself and my father. However, I’ve observed that the city’s strongest business leader isn’t among these ten.”

Linden’s expression remained unchanged as he waited for Colin to continue.

“In my opinion,” Colin continued, “Ravenridge’s economy can be summed up in one phrase: ‘Ten strong, one supreme. The ‘ten strong‘ are the top ten enterprises recently listed, and the ‘one supreme‘ is none other than Leandrix Corp. Though it has only been around for a few years, it has risen with astonishing speed, securing business channels at an unprecedented rate. Today, its market value is conservatively estimated to exceed ten billion dollars. It’s undoubtedly the number one company in Ravenridge. The benchmark for the enterprises in

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Chapter 26 The Isolated Leander

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