From Outcast to Overlord The Unyielding Heir (Leander Ashcroft) novel Chapter 229

Chapter 229 Surrounded by Swagger

Troy’s stare burned with something sharp and territorial, like a predator locking eyes on another in his territory.

Finished

Ever since his engagement to Maeve, things hadn’t gone the way he imagined. She kept her distance, barely acknowledged him, and treated the entire relationship like a formality. He’d done everything to win her over–gifts, gestures, soft words–but nothing ever got through.

Eventually, he couldn’t take it anymore. In private, he asked Emma what was going on. That’s when the truth landed hard.

There was someone else. Someone Maeve couldn’t forget.

Now, that guy was standing right here.

Troy sized Leander up quietly. Nice suit. Clean lines. Stands like he owns the place.

I’ll admit it–he looks more polished than I do tonight. Even has that easygoing charm that turns heads without trying.

Still, he brushed it off.

So what? Looking good doesn’t mean anything in the martial world. What matters is presence and strength. The kind of weight that enters the room before the man does.

His mind flashed to men like his father, Thaddeus, or Yannick from the Tri–Peak Sect.

Those guys don’t need to say a word. The air just shifts when they walk in. That’s what real strength feels

like.

He glanced at Leander again and thought, But this guy? Nothing. No pressure. No edge. Just standing there, all calm like he’s got it all figured out.

Sure, there are those rare masters who keep everything bottled up–who look ordinary on the outside but are monsters beneath the surface.

But him? Come on. He’s way too young to be one of them. No chance.

Troy clenched his jaw slightly. So, what is it? What the hell does Maeve see in this guy? Why can’t she let him go?

The questions stuck in his chest like a splinter. He always thought he was leagues ahead of Leander–more qualified, more capable. Yet Maeve kept him at arm’s length like he didn’t

matter.

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Chapter 270 Surrounded by Swnoget

The jealousy was eating him alive, burning hot just beneath the surface.

Finished

Meanwhile, Leander didn’t even glance his way. He looked over the gathering of young elites, as if observing artwork in a museum, distant and bored.

Emma stepped forward, breaking the silence.

Her tone was cold and controlled. “Leander, it’s time we stop dancing around this.”

She locked eyes with him. “My father and I told Maeve you were gone. Dead. Out of the picture.”

Her voice sharpened. “I warned you at Ravenridge to stay out of her life. That engagement was void. You even gave me your word—you said you’d leave her alone. You’re supposed to be a grown man. Stop acting like some clingy fool.”

She pulled a card out of her purse–the same one she’d tried to hand him before.

“This was supposed to help you move on. You said no and made a speech about dignity. Now look at you. Showing up with her, riding in her car, tagging along like nothing happened. What’s your plan? Pick up where you left off?”

“Leander, get real.”

She gestured to Troy, who stood beside her like a sculpture.

“This is Troy Levington–eldest son of the Glenwick Levingtons. He’s Maeve’s fiance. I know you’re doing alright now, driving your BMW, flashing some cash… but do you honestly think that puts you on her level?”

“Let me break it down–ten more years of grinding still wouldn’t close that gap. You’re miles behind, not just from Troy, but from everyone else lining up for Maeve.”

“If you’ve got an ounce of self–respect, stay out of her life. You’re not the prince in some fairytale. No one’s handing you a crown.”

She scoffed. “And if you’re still dreaming about marrying into the Reyne family? Wake up. You don’t have what it takes. Not now, not ever.”

Troy finally spoke, voice calm but firm. “I’ve heard what you did for Maeve–saving her eyesight, saving her life. I respect that. I really do.”

He nodded once.

“Still, let’s get one thing straight. I’m the one by her side now. She’s my fiancee–my future wife. If you’re looking for thanks, say the word. I’ll make sure you’re rewarded.”

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Chapter 229 Surrounded by Swagger

#Finished

His eyes darkened slightly. “But if you think that means you can take her back? You might need to think twice before making a mistake you can’t walk away from.”

Elias let out a sharp breath and sneered. “Last time I saw you, you didn’t look like much, but you held your ground. I gave you that.”

He tilted his head. “This time, though? You came crawling right back. Honestly, I don’t even know why we’re wasting breath on you.”

They kept coming–Emma, Troy, Elias–like they’d rehearsed the whole speech ahead of time: all that arrogance, all that fake concern layered over real resentment.

Trevor, off to the side, stood frozen entirely. He’d expected Troy to yell at him for clashing with Leander earlier. Instead, the three of them had turned all their energy on Leander, and Trevor was left blinking in confusion.

Autumn stood a little apart from the chaos, her expression unreadable.

Are they seriously doing this?

That’s Jeff Ashcroft. The guy they call Mornwick’s Legend.

And they’re talking down to him like he’s some lovesick nobody? Acting like he’s not even in Troy’s league?

What a joke.

With everything Leander’s accomplished, even a thousand Troys wouldn’t add up to him—not on their best day. They really think they’re putting him in his place? That’s just embarrassing.

Through all their speeches, Leander didn’t flinch once. No reaction. No words.

Until he finally looked at Troy and spoke, “If she’s yours, maybe try looking after her better. Letting her hop into someone else’s car isn’t a great look.”

His voice was calm, steady enough to be unsettling.

He paused just long enough to let that land. “As for the consequences? I’d actually love to see you try.”

Then his eyes slid over to Emma. “You know, there are plenty of self–important women out there, but you? You’ve got a real gift for fiction. Honestly, it’s impressive.”

He tilted his head, like he was trying to remember something.

“Maeve? She’s just someone I happened to help. That’s all. I don’t have the slightest interest in chasing her around.”

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Chapter 220 Surrounded by Swagget

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13 Finished

He smiled, just a little before adding, “As for being the Reyne family’s son–in–law? I wouldn’t marry into your family if you paid me. Honestly, I could flick ten of your households away like dust.”

With one hand in his pocket, he strolled past Emma like she wasn’t even there and said, “I’m here for the charity gala. That’s it. Whatever you’ve got going on? Has nothing to do with me.”

He didn’t even look back. “I let your nonsense slide tonight. Try it again, and I won’t be nearly as polite.”

His voice had dipped lower, calm, but ice–cold. “Don’t take my words as a joke.”

The group stood stunned. None of them expected Leander to push back, let alone throw a warning right in their faces.

While they were still reeling, he was already making his way toward the hall entrance.

At the door, he glanced back over his shoulder one last time.

His voice stayed calm, but his eyes told a different story.

“Emma, if I’d seen this coming, I wouldn’t have even bothered.”

Then he turned and walked in, leaving Emma stunned and speechless in place.

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60. 60.