Chapter 21 The True Adversary " I'm not going ." 41 Finished Leander's voice rang out with a firmness that shattered the pregnant silence , his refusal sharp and unyielding . Jade's carefully laid plans crumbled before her eyes , her request left in ruins . The classroom fell into a stunned hush . The students , wide - eyed and incredulous , exchanged uneasy glances , struggling to comprehend what had just transpired . The audacity of this new student , Leander , to openly defy the class monitor , Jade , was beyond anything they could have imagined . In Class 4 , the hierarchy was clear , and Jade stood near the top , just below Madeline and Victor , whose reputations were unassailable . Jade , the class monitor , was not just a leader ; she was a force of nature within Ravenridge Senior High . As the vice president of the arts committee and an active figure in the school's many social circles , her influence was both broad and deep . Her connections extended far beyond the confines of their classroom , reaching into the upper echelons of the school's elite . She was the shining star of the school , her name known and respected by all . Within Class 4 , Jade's word was law . Her commands were to be followed without question , and her authority was rarely challenged . To defy her was to risk social exile , a fate no one dared to tempt . Such was the power she wielded with effortless grace . But today , Leander had done the unthinkable - he had become the first to stand against her . " What nerve he has ... " Murmurs of disbelief and admiration rippled through the room as Leander's classmates struggled to process what they had just witnessed . To openly defy Jade , to confront her so directly , was something they wouldn't have dared even in their wildest dreams . Jade's expression darkened , her eyes narrowing into slits of cold fury . The calm , controlled mask she usually wore slipped away , revealing the storm brewing beneath . Beside her , Madeline cast a glance toward Leander , then back at Jade , unsure of what to say or do in the tense silence that followed . " Leander , why are you refusing to follow the group's decision ? Everyone else is going ; why should you be an exception ? " Jade's voice , usually so composed , trembled with irritation as she gestured toward the group of boys standing nearby , her tone laced with accusation . " If they're going , must I go too ? " Leander's lips curled into a mocking smile , his tone dripping with disdain . " Tell me , Jade , is this really about following the group's decision , or is it just about following your orders ? " Jade's brows furrowed , her frustration deepening as she struggled to maintain control . " I am 1/5 19:20 Sat , Oct 11 Chapter 21 The True Adversary & C Finisherf the class monitor , Leander . I have the authority to delegate tasks as I see fit . " Leander responded with a derisive chuckle , shaking his head as if amused by her words . " Being class monitor doesn't make you special , Jade . Your role is to serve the class , not to flaunt your power and boss everyone around . " " I have no obligation , nor any responsibility , to move equipment for the Publicity Department . If others want to do it , that's their choice . I won't go , and you have no right to force me ." Normally , Leander wouldn't have wasted his breath on a confrontation like this . He wasn't one to engage in petty arguments , especially with someone like Jade . But her relentless provocations , her attempts to turn him into her personal errand boy , had pushed him to the edge . He couldn't - wouldn't - remain silent any longer . Jade was stunned into silence , her face flushing with a mix of anger and embarrassment . Her chest heaved as she fought to rein in her rising temper , but when she finally spoke , her voice was edged with a near - hysterical intensity . " Leander , what are you implying ? Are you accusing me of abusing my authority ? " " The Publicity Department is the concern of the entire school . How dare you say it's none of your business ? " " Would you have the guts to say that in front of Yvette , the head of the Publicity Department ? " At the mention of Yvette's name , a ripple of unease passed through the classroom . The realization dawned on them - Jade wasn't just the class monitor ; she was speaking on behalf of one of the most revered figures in the school . The Publicity Department was prestigious , but its status was elevated to legendary heights by Yvette , the school's celebrated beauty and the department's leader . Leander's dismissal of the Publicity Department's concerns wasn't just an affront to Jade ; it was a direct insult to Yvette , the school's reigning queen . Liam , standing nearby , shot Leander a warning glance , subtly signaling him to back down . Offending Jade was one thing , but crossing Yvette could spell disaster . In the insular world of Ravenridge Senior High , a misstep against someone of Yvette's stature could render Leander a pariah , an outcast among his peers . But Leander remained unperturbed , his expression unwavering . " Yvette ? So what ? " he replied with a calm indifference that sent a chill through the room . " Even if Yvette herself stood before me , I'd still say the same thing . " Gasps of disbelief echoed through the classroom as Leander's words hung in the air , the weight of his defiance sinking in . Nearly everyone thought he was overstepping , his arrogance bordering on reckless . Refusing to help move equipment was one thing , but Leander's blatant disregard for both Jade 2/5 19:21 Sat , Oct 11 Chapter 21 The True Adunicmary A Finmbed and Yvette's authority was an act of sheer audacity . He was playing with fire , and the whole class waited with bated breath to see how it would unfold . Just then , a stir at the classroom door drew everyone's attention . Heads turned , eyes widening in surprise as they recognized the figure standing there . At the entrance , framed by the soft light of the hallway , was a girl of striking beauty . Tall and elegant , her long black hair cascaded down her back like a silken waterfall . Her presence commanded attention , an undeniable aura of grace and power surrounding her . It was Yvette , the school's goddess , and she had arrived just in time to witness the spectacle . The boys in the classroom gawked in awe , their eyes wide with admiration , as if transfixed by a rare and precious gem . The girls , on the other hand , watched with envious longing , their gazes tinged with a wistful desire to trade places with the radiant figure standing in the doorway . " It's Yvette ." Whispers of disbelief rippled through the room , mingling with the astonished gasps that filled the air . The girl gracing the entrance was none other than Yvette , the ethereal beauty who commanded attention wherever she went . Many of the students exchanged knowing , almost gleeful glances , their eyes darting toward Leander with a mix of amusement and anticipation . Just moments ago , Leander had boasted that even if Yvette herself were to stand before him , he would remain unmoved . Now , with Yvette's sudden arrival , the entire class buzzed with curiosity , eager to see if Leander would truly hold firm in the face of her undeniable allure . " Yvette ! " Madeline's voice rang out , warm and welcoming as she waved at the newcomer . Yvette's lips curled into a sweet , effortless smile , a gesture that seemed to light up the entire room . " Madeline , my dad is coming back from his business trip tonight . My mons cooking a special dinner herself . Why don't you come over ? " Madeline , who had shared a close bond with Yvette for over two years , nodded without hesitation , her acceptance as natural as their friendship . Jade's eyes narrowed , her expression growing cold and calculating . She quickly made her way to Yvette's side , eager to twist the recent events to her advantage . With exaggerated flair , she recounted what had transpired , her finger pointed accusingly at Leander . " Oh no ... " Liam's heart sank as he watched the scene unfold . Yvette was known throughout the school for her dedication and precision , especially in her role overseeing the publicity department , which she managed with an almost military - like efficiency . She was the one who had secured countless sponsorships , earning her a reputation as a formidable force within the school - a 3/5 Sat , 41 Chapter 21 The True Adversary Finished figure not to be trifled with . The mere thought of Yvette discovering Leander's disregard for the publicity department sent a chill down Liam's spine . If Yvette decided to take offense , Leander's days at the school could become unbearably difficult . " I understand . " Yvette replied after listening to Jade's embellished account , her voice steady , though a hint of gravity darkened her expression . She lifted her gaze , directing it squarely at Leander , her eyes narrowing slightly as if assessing the situation with a critical eye . " First he offends Jade , and now he's managed to upset Yvette . This guy is seriously unlucky . " The classmates exchanged sympathetic looks , shaking their heads in unison . Their eyes , filled with a mixture of pity and resignation , settled on Leander , who seemed unaware of the impending storm . Madeline opened her mouth to explain , but Yvette had already moved , her graceful steps carrying her to the back row where Leander sat . The tension in the room was palpable , and Liam , fearing that Leander's usual stoic demeanor might exacerbate the situation , hurried to intervene . " Yvette , he didn't mean it like that . He just- " Before Liam could finish , Yvette parted her lips , and with a single sentence , plunged the entire classroom into stunned silence . " Leander , come to my house for dinner tonight . My mom insists that you join us . " In an instant , every eye in the room turned toward Leander . Shock , envy , and disbelief played out across the students ' faces , their expressions a kaleidoscope of emotions . Did they just hear correctly ? Yvette , the aloof and untouchable school goddess , had openly invited a boy to her home for dinner - a privilege unheard of within these walls . Even the most prominent figures at the school , like Shiloh , who had been fortunate enough to be on friendly terms with Yvette , had never been granted such an honor . And yet , here was Leander , a mere newcomer from the countryside , seemingly well - acquainted with Yvette and her family . Madeline's eyes widened , her mind racing with surprise and curiosity . She had never imagined that Leander knew Yvette , let alone that Yvette's mother would be familiar with him . Liam stood frozen in place , his mind reeling as he recalled Leander's earlier claim that he had shared coffee with Yvette and Ginny just the day before . At the time , Liam had dismissed it as idle bragging , but now , faced with the undeniable truth , he found himself utterly speechless . Jade's face turned to stone , her expression one of sheer disbelief , as if the ground beneath her had shifted . 4/5 19:21 Sat Oct 11 Chapter 21 The True Ndversary C Finished