From Outcast to Overlord The Unyielding Heir (Leander Ashcroft) novel Chapter 230

Chapter 230 They Finally Showed Up

Finished

Leander slipped into the hall without another word. After exchanging a quick greeting with Autumn, he continued forward, Yvette following closely behind.

The rest of the group just stood there, silent, frozen, still trying to wrap their heads around what had just happened.

Emma especially looked thrown off. What the hell was that supposed to mean? ‘If I’d seen this coming, I wouldn’t have even bothered.’

She scoffed under her breath and shook her head.

Seriously? He thinks he gets to decide who’s worth his time?

I’m the core disciple of the Tri–Peak Sect, for crying out loud–one of Astria’s Nine Geniuses. Since when have I ever needed saving—especially from someone like him?

Even if I did, what exactly does he think he can do?

She clicked her tongue, pulled her gaze away, and muttered coldly, “Waste of time.”

Without saying another word, she turned to Troy and Elias. They regrouped quickly and began reviewing their security plans for the event.

She had no idea–the man she just dismissed so casually was the same one who’d saved both her and Elias during that Jesund ambush.

Meanwhile, Trevor flashed his usual smug smile and turned to Autumn. “Miss Little, care to join me?”

A moment ago, Autumn might’ve humored him–taken his arm just to be polite.

Now? She didn’t even slow down.

Autumn breezed right past him, not sparing a single glance. Her expression was blank and icy, like he didn’t exist.

Trevor blinked, caught off guard. Okay… what was that about?

Her switch–up was sharp enough to sting, though he didn’t show it. With a shrug, he followed the crowd into the hall, still clinging to the socialite on his arm like nothing had happened.

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Chapter 230 They Finally. Showed Up

Inside the hall, the atmosphere was a whole different world. Chandeliers lit up the grand ballroom like a galaxy of stars. Rows of round tables lined the floor, each draped in fine linen and arranged with gold–trimmed name cards.

Red carpet rolled from the main entrance to the stage like a runway for the clite.

Tonight was a show, and everyone knew it.

Leander took his seat at a reserved table near the center, one that Frankie had arranged personally for him. While the other tables buzzed with celebrities, politicians, and business moguls, his was quiet. It was just him and Yvette.

Yvette leaned toward him, her curiosity already peeking out.

“Be honest, what’s the deal with you and Maeve?” she asked, half–smiling. “You saved her, didn’t you? She clearly doesn’t know it was you.”

Leander took a slow sip of his drink, eyes scanning the crowd casually. “It wasn’t some big heroic thing. I just happened to be there. Right place, right time.”

He paused, then added, “She reminded me of… well, me. We’d both lost something back then. So, I stepped in. She couldn’t see back then, so yeah–she has no idea it was me.”

Yvette tilted her head, frowning slightly. “So, why not tell her now?”

Leander raised a brow. “Why would I?”

He turned toward her, voice low and steady. “That moment passed. We were just two people crossing paths. I saved her, then I moved on. That’s it. She’s got her life. I’ve got mine. We’re not part of each other’s story–never were. Honestly, that’s probably for the best.”

Yvette’s brows drew together as old memories stirred.

He saved me more than once… but to him, I was never really there. Every time he stepped in, it was for Monica, not me. He didn’t even want me to know it was him.

That kind of quiet kindness–unspoken, unseen–cut deeper than she ever expected.

Now, Maeve was caught in that same place, completely unaware she was being protected by someone who wouldn’t even let her see it.

Watching it play out from the sidelines, Yvette felt a flicker of sympathy rise in her chest.

She stared at him for a beat. “That’s pretty cold, you know. Still, she deserves to know the truth.

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Chapter 230 They Finally Showed Up

Finished

You gave her something huge–her sight, her life back. She has a right to know who did that.”

Her voice softened, almost breaking. “I’ve felt that kind of pain before. Not knowing… It eats you up.”

Leander downed the rest of his drink and leaned back in his seat. His eyes were calm, but there was something hollow in his tone.

“She doesn’t need to know. It wouldn’t change a thing.

“You heard what they said–she thinks I’m dead. Her family made sure of it. Her sister, her father… they fed her that lie. To her, I’m just some ghost from the past.”

He exhaled slowly. “Let her keep it that way. It’s cleaner.”

Yvette sat back quietly, her expression shadowed with thought.

She knew how he operated–always distant, always one foot out the door. Even when he saved Maeve, he never stuck around long enough to be remembered. It was just how he was built.

Still, thinking of Maeve… It stung her.

At exactly 8:30 p.m., the lights dimmed across the ballroom. A hush fell over the guests, followed by a single beam of white light cutting across the room toward the stage.

Frankie stepped forward with a bright, practiced smile and a mic in hand.

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen! On behalf of Jeff Enterprises, thank you for joining us tonight for this year’s charity auction.”

He gave a quick, respectful bow. The applause came fast and loud.

Jeff Enterprises no longer needed an introduction. Their reach was global. Just being present at their event was a status boost for everyone in the room.

Frankie straightened and continued, “Tonight’s event is split into two main segments: performances and the auction.”

“To kick things off, we’ve invited a very special guest.”

The spotlight shifted.

“Please welcome the nation’s sweetheart–Miss Maeve Reyne!”

The beam of light landed on the side of the stage, and the crowd drew a collective breath.

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Chapter 230 They Finally Showed Up

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Maeve walked out slowly, dressed in a sleek, floor–length gown with simple lines. Her hair was tied back, and her makeup was barely noticeable. She didn’t need it.

She smiled and waved to the crowd. “Hi, everyone!”

The room erupted. Applause thundered across the hall. Fans–some young, some not so young -cheered like they were at a concert.

Maeve was more than just a rising star. She was the voice of a generation, already being called the next international sensation. Her presence had that magnetic pull–the kind that turned heads the second she stepped into a room.

Even Astria’s elite weren’t immune. Plenty of them looked just as dazzled as the fans in the back

rows.

Besides, this crowd wasn’t made up of casual admirers. These were heavy–hitters–top–tier tycoons, political families, and high–society names. Each of them knew who Maeve was and where she came from.

Their admiration wasn’t surface–level. It came with weight and deep respect.

Maeve spoke with warmth, “I’m so honored to be here tonight. Thank you to Jeff Enterprises for the invitation, and thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way. It means everything.”

She bowed lightly, and the crowd roared again.

Troy sat quietly at his table across the room, flanked by Elias and Emma.

His eyes never left Maeve.

To the rest of the world, she might’ve been Astria’s shining star. To him, she was more than that. She was his fiancee, his future, and his whole world.

He glanced sideways at Leander, seated calmly in the crowd, sipping his drink without a care in the world.

A flicker of something passed through Troy’s expression.

He never saw Leander as a real threat. Not at first. Yet, deep down, he knew if Maeve ever found out Leander was alive, she’d go to him without hesitation.

She wouldn’t look back.

That thought alone was enough to twist something inside him.

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Finished

Troy clenched his jaw, a cold determination settling in. That can’t happen. No matter what. Once this whole underworld mess is dealt with, Leander’s got to vanish–for good.

Across the room, Leander casually rolled his glass between his fingers.

Then, his hand stilled.

His posture shifted just slightly, his gaze sharpening. Twelve unfamiliar auras had just crossed into the outer perimeter–fast, precise, locked in on the hall.

He set his glass down gently, a faint smile tugging at his lips. He murmured, “Looks like they finally showed up.”

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