Chapter 27 A New Bar Server 19 Finished " As the eldest daughter of the Sitwell family , don't get too involved with people like him who are of no use . " Linden lowered his newspaper and spoke sternly when he saw his daughter enter the room . Yvette paused , taken aback by his words , while her mother , Monica , furrowed her brow in disapproval . " What's wrong with Leander ? Why do you want Yvette to stay away from him ? " Linden snorted , clearly unimpressed . " I know that boy helped you once , but let's be honest . Based on what I've seen tonight , he's far from impressive . I briefly chatted with him earlier- he's barely educated and only managed to get a spot at Ravenridge Senior High . What future can he possibly have ? " He leaned back , speaking with authority . " Sure , there are plenty of successful people without degrees , but those people at least understand how to leverage resources and manage relationships . That boy ? He has no standout qualities . Worse still , he doesn't even know how to blend in . " Linden's eyes narrowed as he recalled the evening's events . " When Colin reached out to shake his hand , that boy clearly saw it but pretended not to notice . He clearly doesn't grasp the basics of social etiquette . Monica opened her mouth to protest , but Linden pressed on . " If you want to be generous , you could call his behavior ' unconventional ' or say he has ' personality . But in reality , he's just ignorant and arrogant , living in his own world , oblivious to his capabilities . " He shook his head , his disappointment palpable . " He doesn't fit in , lacks the knowledge and experience necessary to thrive and didn't even bother listening properly during our dinner conversation . Someone like him is destined to remain at the bottom of society . He can't possibly connect with our family ." Upon seeing Monica's displeased look , Linden softened his tone and gently took her hand . " I know you're kind - hearted , dear . You want to help him because he once helped you , but forcing him into our circle isn't going to do any good . It might even backfire and put unnecessary pressure on him . " Monica sighed and had to admit that Linden wasn't wrong , so she didn't argue further . " Yvette , I'm just reminding you . Of course , I trust your judgment . I know you understand who should be in your life and who should be kept at a distance , " Linden added , looking at his daughter confidently . Yvette snapped out of her thoughts and nodded . " Don't worry , Dad . I understand . I'll make sure to keep my distance from him . " 1/4 19:22 Sat , Oct 11 Chapter 27 A New Rai Server Finished Later that night , alone in her room , Yvette replayed the evening's events in her mind . She thought about Leander's behavior and her father's words , feeling more convinced than ever that she was right . Leander belonged to a different world where he would always look up to her from far below . For a brief moment , she recalled how Leander had single - handedly taken down four thugs at the coffee shop and overpowered the karate team at the martial arts club . However , she quickly shook her head , pushing those thoughts away . Meanwhile , on the city's bustling streets , Madeline glanced at Leander and asked , " Leander , do you want to go to our apartment first ? I have to work at the bar tonight and won't be able to go back with you . " Leander smiled and shook his head . " No need . I've got work tonight too . I'll probably finish around the same time as you . We can head back together . It'll be safer that way . " Madeline's eyes widened in surprise . " Really ? You're working too , Leander ? Where ? " His eyes twinkled with mystery . " It's a secret for now . You'll find out soon enough . Come on , I'll walk you to your job first . " Together , they went through the crowded streets to the Shade Bar , nestled in the heart of the bustling central business district . The bar was a popular hotspot known for its elegant design and comfortable ambiance . This was where Madeline worked . As they arrived , Daniel Price , a young man in his mid - twenties , greeted Madeline with a smile . " Madeline , you're here ! " " Hello , Mr. Price ! " she greeted him with a polite nod . When Daniel saw the youthful and attractive Madeline , his eyes lit up with desire , but when he noticed Leander beside her , a flash of irritation crossed his face . Still , he quickly masked it and said , " Your shift's about to start , Madeline . You should go change . " Madeline nodded and headed toward the changing room , leaving Leander behind . Daniel glanced at Leander , clearly unimpressed , and was about to walk away when Leander spoke up . " Excuse me , Mr. Price ," he said , his tone casual but confident . " Could you tell me where the changing room is and where I can pick up my uniform ? " Daniel turned back , surprise evident on his face . " You are ... ? " Leander replied with ease , " I'm the new bar server . I applied two days ago , and your manager asked me to start tonight . " He had planned this out when Frankie handed him Madeline's work details . He applied for this job solely to keep her safe and ensure she wouldn't face any trouble . 2/4 19:22 Sat , Oct 11 Chapter 27 A New Bar Server 41 Finished " Oh , so Harlan hired you ? I see , " Daniel said , his annoyance fading as he realized Leander was just a new hire under his supervision . His gaze sharpened with a hint of disdain . " Head over there . Someone will show you where to get your uniform . Your shift ends at 1 a.m. Make sure you know that . " Daniel had been eyeing Madeline since she started working at the bar . However , she had always been aloof and left right after her shift , so he hadn't had a chance to make a move . Seeing her arrive with Leander had sparked a flare of jealousy . He assumed they might be a couple and was secretly annoyed . However , now that he knew Leander was just another temporary worker , he felt more at ease . Even if he was Madeline's boyfriend , Daniel thought smugly , what chance did he stand against someone like me ? " Got it , " Leander replied with a nod before heading toward the men's changing room . An older server handed him his uniform , and once he was changed , he joined the main bar area . " Leander , you ... " Now dressed in her work uniform , Madeline was stunned when she saw his new look . " Surprised ? " He smiled lightly . " I knew you worked here , so I got a job here too . This way , we can finish at the same time and look out for each other . " Madeline's heart warmed at the thoughtfulness behind his actions , and she rewarded him with a sweet smile before starting her shift . As Leander prepared to dive into his new role as a bar server , stretching his neck and surveying the bustling establishment , the older bartender earlier sidled up to him . " Hey , buddy , " the older man whispered , " do you know Madeline ? You guys Seem pretty close ." Leander casually tilted his head . " Yeah , what's up ? " The older bartender looked around , then lowered his voice even more . " Listen , you'd better keep your distance from Madeline while you're here . Our boss has had his eye on her for a while and takes extra care of her . If Mr. Price finds out you're getting too close , you might lose your job ! " He gestured discreetly toward Daniel , watching Madeline from behind the bar , and subtly indicated that Leander should be cautious . " Oh ? " Leander's expression remained calm , though a sharp glint flickered in his eyes .