Chapter 25 Colin Bright ชร Finished Monica flashed a teasing smile at her daughter . " Your father also mentioned that barring any unforeseen circumstances , he plans to finalize your arrangement with Colin when you turn eighteen next month . " Yvette's cheeks flushed crimson as she quickly turned away , settling onto the nearby couch . " Mom , I'm only turning eighteen . What are you talking about ? " In Yvette's eyes , Colin Bright had always been the epitome of excellence . Even the school's reigning star , Shiloh Wolfe , or the campus heartthrob , Victor Lane , paled compared to Colin . His achievements were unparalleled , setting him leagues ahead of his peers . From the tender age of six , Colin had been mastering both piano and painting . By ten , he had clinched first prize in a national mathematics competition . At fifteen , he was already handling company documents and business planning , earning himself the title of Ravenridge's business prodigy . At eighteen , he aced his exams and secured direct admission to the prestigious Stanton Academy , making him a household name throughout Mornwick . Since childhood , Yvette had idolized Colin , striving to follow in his footsteps. He was more than just a role model ; he was her inspiration , her guiding star . The thought of seeing him again after six months excited her heart . Her mother's words echoed in her mind . ' He plans to finalize your arrangement with Colin when you turn eighteen next month . ' Could it mean an engagement ? The idea stirred a whirlwind of emotions within her . As a child , Yvette often daydreamed about marrying Colin and becoming his bride . These fantasies only intensified as she grew older . She should have been overjoyed at the prospect , but today , she found herself oddly unsettled , her emotions in disarray . Her gaze inadvertently drifted to Leander , who sat nearby with his eyes closed , seemingly indifferent to the conversation . His apparent lack of interest sparked a flicker of annoyance within her . " Madeline , " Yvette said , turning to her friend and gesturing toward the stairs , " I just bought some new clothes . Can you give me some advice ? " " Sure ! " Madeline readily agreed , following Yvette to the second floor . Despite only having met in high school , the two had quickly become as close as sisters , sharing everything . As Yvette showcased her new clothes in her room , she casually inquired , " By the way , Madeline , how did you and Leander meet ? Did you grow up in the same village ? " 1/3 19:21 Sat , Oct 11 Chapter 25 Celin Bright 41 Finished Madeline pondered for a moment before responding . " Actually , Leander isn't from our village . My mom rescued him from the mountains when he was young . " She went on to recount how she and Leander first met . Yvette's brow furrowed as she processed this information . " So , he's an orphan ? " Madeline nodded solemnly . " Yes , Leander doesn't have any family . From the moment I met him , he's always been alone . But he seems to handle it remarkably well . He's confident and has his own beliefs . I've never seen him display any sadness or self - pity . " Yvette listened quietly , her heart softening a little . She had only known Leander for two days and didn't understand him well , but learning he was an orphan stirred a pang of sympathy within her . Just then , her attention was caught by a Bentley pulling up to the villa . A middle - aged man and a young man in his twenties stepped out , making their way toward the villa . " Madeline , my dad's back . Let's go downstairs ! " Yvette grabbed Madeline's hand and hurried to the door . " Dad ! " Yvette called out as she opened the front door . The middle - aged man , dressed in a sharp suit and bearing a striking resemblance to Yvette , was her father , Linden Sitwell . He greeted her with a warm , affectionate smile . " Yvette , look who I've brought back ! " Behind him walked a young man in a burgundy checkered shirt , his face adorned with a friendly , gentlemanly smile . " Yvette , it's been a while ! " he said . He exuded a refined , scholarly air but also had an unmistakable aura of leadership that set him apart from his peers . His poise suggested a depth of experience far beyond his years . " Colin ! " Yvette greeted him politely and welcomed the two into the house . " Dad , you know Madeline well , so I won't introduce her again . This is Leander Ashcroft . You must have heard Mom mention him before . " " Oh ? Leander Ashcroft ? " Linden took off his suit jacket and hung it up , curiosity and scrutiny as he turned to look at Leander , his gaze filled with " Hello , Mr. Sitwell ! " Leander said , already alert and on his feet , offering a respectful nod . " Hello . Monica has mentioned you several times , saying you're her savior ." Linden smiled , but privately , he was less impressed . Years ago , Monica had indeed spoken often of Leander , praising him as extraordinary and unlike anyone else . However , upon closer inspection , Linden thought Monica might have exaggerated . 2/3 19:22 Sat , Oct 11 Chapter 25 Colin Bright 41 ( ཏྟི ( 4L ) ; Finished Twenty years ago , he came to Ravenridge alone , founded Sitwell Styles Corp. and built it into the successful Sitwell Group , worth over a billion . His extensive experience in the business world had honed his sharp judgment . At first glance , Leander appeared charming and well- mannered , but otherwise , he seemed just like any other high school student - nothing particularly exceptional . He glanced at the young man beside him , noting the stark contrast . " Ms. Hollis is too kind . I just helped out a bit . It's no big deal ," Leander chuckled modestly , showing no signs of taking undue credit . " Alright , then . I'll just call you Leander . Please , have a seat . Make yourself comfortable . " Despite his reservations , Linden still smiled warmly , like a kind elder . As Leander was about to sit down , Yvette said again , " Oh , by the way , Leander , let me introduce you ! " She gestured to the quiet young man standing off to the side . " This is Colin Bright , the heir to Brightstorm Holdings . " " Colin , this is Leander Ashcroft ." Yvette deliberately mentioned " Brightstorm Holdings " to make Leander aware of Colin's status , worried that Leander's arrogance might lead to an awkward encounter . " Oh , hi ! " Leander's face remained impassive when he heard " Brightstorm Holdings . " He just gave a casual nod . " So , you're Colin . Nice to meet you ! " Colin maintained his polite smile and extended his hand , though his eyes revealed a flicker of disdain . To him , a young man dressed in what looked like cheap clothes didn't measure up to his standards . What right did such a person have to associate with him ? Send Gifts 。 50