From Outcast to Overlord The Unyielding Heir Chapter 20 A Disheartening Realization Finished Yvette had initially been overwhelmed by a deep sense of gratitude and remorse toward Leander , emotions that swirled within her heart like a tempest . But with just one cold , dismissive statement from him , these feelings were extinguished as swiftly as a candle in a storm . " Really ? It seems we've been deluding ourselves ." Her face , once soft with emotion , hardened like ice , and the warmth in her voice froze over . The guilt that had once clouded her conscience evaporated , leaving behind nothing but a steely resolve . As she approached the restaurant's entrance , she hesitated , her hand on the door . An impulse made her glance back , and there he was - Leander , sitting with his head bowed , his attention focused solely on the menu . He didn't spare her even the briefest glance . The sight only fueled the fire of her frustration . Her mind replayed the moment when Leander first stepped into her home , the image of him handing back the ten thousand dollars flashing vividly before her eyes . Now , seeing him hunched over a menu in this modest , unremarkable eatery , it all began to make sense . " That ten thousand dollars ... must have been his entire savings , painstakingly accumulated over years . He returned it all , and now he's just an ordinary high school student with no family connections , no powerful background - nothing . " She shook her head slightly , a subtle motion that carried the weight of her thoughts . Leander's pride , though admirable in its way , couldn't disguise the truth . Strip away his unyielding spirit , and what remained ? Just a high school boy , strong of arm but lacking in every other aspect . Strength was , indeed , a quality to be admired . Among his peers , it might even have earned him respect , a certain awe . But in the world of adults , where the true games of power and influence were played , what did it count for ? At best , it could secure him a job as a bodyguard - an accessory to the true wielders of wealth and authority , nothing more than a servant to the powerful . She could have accepted this if it meant being just a regular friend to Leander , perhaps even admiring his resilience . But the disdainful way he regarded them as if they were beneath him was something she couldn't overlook . For someone with so little in terms of ability , he carried himself as though he were invincible , treating everyone around him with an air of superiority . Such arrogance , such unwarranted pride - she despised it . " Leander , you might be strong enough to take down an entire karate team by yourself today , 1/5 19:20 Sat , Oct 11 Chapter 20 A Tusheartening Realization but all of this ... it's just a fleeting illusion . moned " When you finally encounter the true elites , the high society where power and wealth reign supreme , you'll come to realize that all your current pride , all that you rely on , is utterly worthless in their eyes . " With a final , inward shake of her head , she turned away , not sparing him another glance , and walked out of the restaurant , her steps resolute , her mind made up . Meanwhile , Leander barely acknowledged Yvette and Ginny's brief presence . To him , Yvette was no more than a stranger . Without the tenuous connection through Monica , he might never have spoken to her at all . As for Ginny , she was even less significant - a fleeting shadow , barely noticed . " Leander , I've got everything ." Shortly after Yvette and Ginny had left , Madeline entered the restaurant , her presence bringing warmth to the small , simple space . She took a seat across from Leander , her smile lighting up the room . Nearby , a group of high school students from the local school watched with growing indignation . What kind of luck had Leander stumbled upon , they wondered , to have both Yvette and Ginny invite him to dinner , only to be followed by Madeline's company ? To them , this was the pinnacle of achievement , a life they could only dream of . " Yes , I've ordered all your favorite dishes , " Leander said with a gentle smile , his eyes softening as he looked at Madeline . At that moment , memories of her mother , Hazel , flooded his mind - a woman as gentle as she was stubborn , whose presence had once been a comforting anchor in his life . To Leander , Hazel was more than a mother figure ; she was the embodiment of love and resilience . During his years away , he had often thought of her , her image a constant in his heart . But when he had returned to his old home , he had been met with the devastating news of her passing . Madeline was the only family Hazel had left in this world , and Leander had vowed to protect her , to ensure she was never alone . He had chosen this modest restaurant with Madeline's feelings in mind . Before he had arrived at the school , Frankie had provided him with every detail of Madeline's life . Madeline now lived alone in a small , unassuming apartment a short distance from Candor High School . Besides her studies , she worked part - time at a bar in the city center , earning just enough to get by . Each year , she secured scholarships with her outstanding academic performance , relying solely on her efforts . Leander , despite owning the multi - billion - dollar Leandrix Corp. , knew better than to offer her 2/5 19:20 Sat , Oct 11 Chapter 20 A Disheartening Realization 41 Finished a new home or financial support outright . Madeline , with her fierce pride , would never accept such charity . If she had been willing to depend on others , she would have already accepted Victor's pursuit . Leander had no intention of disrupting her life . Instead , he wanted to walk alongside her , sharing in the life she had chosen for herself . It was this authentic , self - reliant version of Madeline that he cherished . As they ate , Madeline's happiness was palpable . She talked animatedly about the past few years , sharing the ups and downs of her life . Though Leander was already aware of much of what she said , he listened intently , pretending to be hearing it for the first time . When Madeline inquired about his own experiences over the years , Leander deflected with casual mentions of trivial , unimportant events , skillfully avoiding revealing too much . " Oh , by the way , I came here in a rush , " Leander said suddenly , his voice laced with a subtle undertone of curiosity . " The enrollment process was done in a hurry , and I haven't found a place to stay yet . Where are you living ? Do you know of any good apartments nearby ? " he asked deliberately , his mind already at work , plotting his next move . In truth , Leander had been residing for some time in the opulent " Rivergate Haven " Villa No. 1 , a luxurious arrangement provided by Frankie . Yet , to remain close to Madeline , he feigned having no accommodations , subtly waiting for her to extend an offer . The apartment Madeline rented was a charming two - bedroom unit , perfectly suited for him to move in . As anticipated , Madeline responded with delight , " That's splendid , Leander . The apartment I'm renting is a two - bedroom , and I'm the sole occupant . I'll inform the landlord , and you can move in at once . " Her gaze lingered on Leander with hopeful anticipation , recalling their previous six - month cohabitation . She longed for those times when their conversations flowed effortlessly . " Really ? I'm thrilled . This way , we can live together once more and share the rent as well ." Leander's agreement was swift and decisive , aligning perfectly with his plan all along . Madeline hurriedly contacted the landlord , and once she received confirmation , their new living arrangement was set . Observing Madeline's joy , Leander made a silent pledge . Ms. Shire , rest assured . I will take excellent care of Madeline . 3/5 19:20 Sat , Oct 11 Chapter 20 A Babeanteng Bealization D nisher Later , as Leander and Madeline walked into Class 4 together , Victor's expression darkened upon seeing them . He had previously dismissed Leander as inconsequential . However , after Leander's solitary triumph over the Karate team earlier that day , Victor's ego had been severely wounded . Seeing Leander with the girl he had long admired only fueled Victor's anger . His face clouded with fury . " Leander , though I may have been defeated in skill , I will surpass you in every other aspect . Madeline is a girl beyond the reach of someone like you from the countryside . Fury bubbled within him as Leander , undeterred , merely returned to his seat . " Wow , Leander , you were incredible today . " As Leander settled into his chair , Liam approached , his eyes gleaming with admiration . Leander's victory over the Karate team had left a profound impression on him , prompting him to address Leander with newfound respect . " Whenever you have time , show me a few moves . It would be great to have some skills for outings , dating , or handling fights . " Leander chuckled softly , amused by Liam's desire to learn martial arts for social escapades and conflicts . At that moment , a girl entered the room . Leander recognized her as Jade , the one who had ridiculed him earlier at the martial arts club . She was a student in Class 4 and served as the class monitor . Her position gave her considerable authority , allowing her to issue commands to everyone except Madeline and Victor , whom she dared not challenge , but she had also considered herself the center of attention . Upon entering the classroom , she called out loudly , " The school's publicity department has received new equipment . We need a few students to help move it . I'm selecting some of you to assist me . " Jade was notably attractive . Although not in the same league as top campus beauties like Madeline or Yvette , she was still among the most beautiful . The prospect of helping a beautiful girl prompted several boys in the class to volunteer eagerly . " Yes , we still need two more . Ben can go , and one more ... Hmm ... " With five boys already volunteering , Jade's gaze landed on Leander , who was seated in the back row . Her expression briefly darkened as she recalled how she had mocked Leander earlier , only to be embarrassed by his remarkable performance . Her displeasure was evident . 4/5 19:20 Sat , Oct 11 Chapter 20 A Disheartening Realizationy ( 4 ) Finished Suddenly , a sly smile curved her lips . She quickly concealed it with a neutral demeanor and called out to Leander " Leander , you're the last one . With your skills , you must be strong . Come on , join us in moving the equipment ." Many turned to observe Leander . The news of his solo defeat of the Karate team had spread , and curiosity about the new student from the countryside was piqued . Leander rested his chin on his hand , staring out of the window with detached disinterest . At the sound of Jade's call , he turned his head back . " Move equipment ? " His demeanor remained aloof , his eyes slightly raised . " I'm not part of the publicity department . Why should I help ? I'm not going ." As soon as he finished speaking , the atmosphere in the classroom grew icily silent . Send Gifts 50 。 5/5