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 1/3 19:22 Sat , Oct 11 Chapter 26 The Isolated Leander 41 D Finished 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 2/3 19:22 Sat , Oct 11 Chapter 26 The Isolated Leander Finished Ravenridge is no longer within the city but must consider the entire Mornwick region . " When Colin finished , Linden's eyes gleamed with approval as he nodded vigorously . " Well said , indeed ! " he exclaimed , giving Colin a firm pat on the shoulder . " Your insights align perfectly with mine , Colin . To see through the grand economic game of Ravenridge so clearly and differentiate the strengths and weaknesses among the players at your age is truly remarkable ! I dare say , given another decade , you may very well become Ravenridge's wealthiest man , perhaps even ranking among the top ten in all of Mornwick ! " Colin felt a surge of pride but maintained his modesty . " You flatter me , Mr. Sitwell . I still have much to learn , and I hope you'll continue to guide me . " After hearing Linden and Colin's analysis of the Ravenridge situation , Yvette and Madeline were both in awe . While they were top students at Ravenridge Senior High , practically guaranteed spots at one of Astria's top ten universities , they suddenly felt woefully unprepared for the real world . Even Victor , another top student , paled in comparison to Colin . Colin was just a year older than them , yet he discussed economics and analyzed the city's future with a corporate chairman . At the same time , they were still preoccupied with shopping and dining . The difference was stark . Yvette couldn't help but glance at Leander , who remained focused on his meal , seemingly uninterested in the weighty conversation around him . She sighed inwardly , finding her previous admiration and guilt for Leander suddenly ridiculous . The two of them were just from different worlds . After dinner , Leander and Madeline briefly lingered at the Sitwell home before leaving . " Mr. Sitwell , Ms. Hollis , " Leander said politely , " thank you for your hospitality . I have some matters to attend to tonight , so I'll take my leave now . I'll be sure to visit again when I have the chance . " Linden made a polite gesture on the surface , while Monica genuinely offered to have them stay longer . However , Leander and Madeline insisted on departing . Not long after they stepped out , Colin also excused himself . Yvette walked him to the door , then returned to the house , only to hear her father's stern voice . " Yvette , I want you to keep your distance from that Leander Ashcroft boy in the future . As the eldest daughter of the Sitwell family , don't get too involved with people like him who are of no use . "