From Outcast to Overlord The Unyielding Heir (Leander Ashcroft) novel Chapter 265

Chapter 265 He Will Destroy You

Finster

Clement’s imposing presence left Leander with two choices. Then he looked at the young man, exerting invisible pressure with his gaze alone.

The guard beside him stood tall and impassive, gazing downward. He had always trusted Clement’s judgment without question.

Leander rubbed his chin, then suddenly let out a soft chuckle.

“Old Mr. Shire, I’m afraid I reject both of your proposals.”

Clement’s eyes narrowed slightly, only to hear Leander continue calmly, “Madeline is my sister -the only comfort Ms. Shire had left in this world. I swore at her grave that I’d protect Madeline’s happiness and well–being for the rest of my life. There’s no way I’ll cut ties with her.”

“And as for joining the Shire family’s businesses… It means nothing to me. In a month, I’ll be heading to Highcliffe University.”

As his words fell, a flicker of disappointment crossed Clement’s eyes.

He had assumed Leander was someone who knew how to read a situation, someone who understood when to advance and when to retreat.

But Leander’s response struck him as immature and frustrating. The first part, he could still accept. But saying that attending Highcliffe made working for the Shire family meaningless was simply laughable.

Highcliffe University may be the top institution in Astria–the pride of its academic world–but within the Shire family’s vast business empire were countless elites from Ivy League and other top–tier universities, including dozens with PhDs, master’s degrees, and even postdoctoral credentials.

Even if Leander completed his studies at Highcliffe, there was no guarantee he’d land a high- level position anywhere. Yet he chose to forgo a direct opportunity in the Shire family’s vast business empire–one many would kill for–for the sake of school. To Clement, it was a complete joke.

“Leander,” he said, shaking his head, “I once thought you were an unpolished diamond. Now, I see you’re just a dull stone.”

“Do you know how many top graduates from key universities fight for a position in our company every year?”

“And here you are, throwing that opportunity away just because of some idealistic pursuit at Highcliffe. You’re stubborn, and frankly, blind to reality.”

“I was planning to groom you… even considering letting you be with Madeline someday. But now I’ve changed my mind.”

His voice turned cold.

“Since you refuse my offer, I won’t help you any further. If you want to stay by Madeline’s side, you’ll have to face what’s coming on your own. Whether you rise or fall–that’s your business now.”

“Tonight, the so–called ‘Stock Genius‘ Sawyer will also be in Kaldia. How he chooses to handle you is up to him–and up to you to deal with.”

“Now go. There’s nothing more to say.”

With that, Clement waved a sleeve and dismissed him.

Leander’s expression didn’t change. He gave Clement a slight nod and stood up.

At the door, he paused briefly.

“Old Mr. Shire, every word you said to me today–I know it came from the heart. And for that, I’m grateful.”

“But let me be clear. None of it means anything to me.”

A smile tugged at the corner of his lips. His eyes glinted with a hint of disdain.

“I have no right to interfere with Madeline’s feelings, and it’s your business to choose a husband for her. But in the end, it all comes down to Madeline’s own wishes. I won’t let anyone force her -or harass her.”

“And as for this so–called ‘Stock Genius–to me, he’s just another nobody.”

“What you should be thinking about isn’t how I’ll deal with them—it’s whether they’re smart enough not to mess with me.”

With that, Leander opened the door and walked out.

Clement’s gaze sharpened as he watched him leave. Only after Leander had disappeared down the corridor did he sigh softly and shake his head.

“He’s got potential,” Clement muttered, “but it’s a shame–too arrogant and not nearly capable enough. He’s clearly never been tested. With that attitude, he’ll never achieve anything real.”

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