From Outcast to Overlord The Unyielding Heir (Leander Ashcroft) novel Chapter 265

Chapter 265 He Will Destroy You

Finster

Clement’s imposing presence left Leander with two choices. Then he looked at the young man, exerting invisible pressure with his gaze alone.

The guard beside him stood tall and impassive, gazing downward. He had always trusted Clement’s judgment without question.

Leander rubbed his chin, then suddenly let out a soft chuckle.

“Old Mr. Shire, I’m afraid I reject both of your proposals.”

Clement’s eyes narrowed slightly, only to hear Leander continue calmly, “Madeline is my sister -the only comfort Ms. Shire had left in this world. I swore at her grave that I’d protect Madeline’s happiness and well–being for the rest of my life. There’s no way I’ll cut ties with her.”

“And as for joining the Shire family’s businesses… It means nothing to me. In a month, I’ll be heading to Highcliffe University.”

As his words fell, a flicker of disappointment crossed Clement’s eyes.

He had assumed Leander was someone who knew how to read a situation, someone who understood when to advance and when to retreat.

But Leander’s response struck him as immature and frustrating. The first part, he could still accept. But saying that attending Highcliffe made working for the Shire family meaningless was simply laughable.

Highcliffe University may be the top institution in Astria–the pride of its academic world–but within the Shire family’s vast business empire were countless elites from Ivy League and other top–tier universities, including dozens with PhDs, master’s degrees, and even postdoctoral credentials.

Even if Leander completed his studies at Highcliffe, there was no guarantee he’d land a high- level position anywhere. Yet he chose to forgo a direct opportunity in the Shire family’s vast business empire–one many would kill for–for the sake of school. To Clement, it was a complete joke.

“Leander,” he said, shaking his head, “I once thought you were an unpolished diamond. Now, I see you’re just a dull stone.”

“Do you know how many top graduates from key universities fight for a position in our company every year?”

“And here you are, throwing that opportunity away just because of some idealistic pursuit at Highcliffe. You’re stubborn, and frankly, blind to reality.”

“I was planning to groom you… even considering letting you be with Madeline someday. But now I’ve changed my mind.”

His voice turned cold.

“Since you refuse my offer, I won’t help you any further. If you want to stay by Madeline’s side, you’ll have to face what’s coming on your own. Whether you rise or fall–that’s your business now.”

“Tonight, the so–called ‘Stock Genius‘ Sawyer will also be in Kaldia. How he chooses to handle you is up to him–and up to you to deal with.”

“Now go. There’s nothing more to say.”

With that, Clement waved a sleeve and dismissed him.

Leander’s expression didn’t change. He gave Clement a slight nod and stood up.

At the door, he paused briefly.

“Old Mr. Shire, every word you said to me today–I know it came from the heart. And for that, I’m grateful.”

“But let me be clear. None of it means anything to me.”

A smile tugged at the corner of his lips. His eyes glinted with a hint of disdain.

“I have no right to interfere with Madeline’s feelings, and it’s your business to choose a husband for her. But in the end, it all comes down to Madeline’s own wishes. I won’t let anyone force her -or harass her.”

“And as for this so–called ‘Stock Genius–to me, he’s just another nobody.”

“What you should be thinking about isn’t how I’ll deal with them—it’s whether they’re smart enough not to mess with me.”

With that, Leander opened the door and walked out.

Clement’s gaze sharpened as he watched him leave. Only after Leander had disappeared down the corridor did he sigh softly and shake his head.

“He’s got potential,” Clement muttered, “but it’s a shame–too arrogant and not nearly capable enough. He’s clearly never been tested. With that attitude, he’ll never achieve anything real.”

He turned calmly and gave a nod.

Martha’s eyes showed a hint of apology. “My grandpa’s from the Thundercliff Army. He’s always been blunt and direct. If he came across too harshly, I hope you won’t take it personally.”

At that moment, she shifted the conversation and took on the commanding presence of Cranfordale’s business queen.

“His words may have been tough, but they came from a place of concern. Ultimately, the choice is yours–so choose wisely.”

“Madeline may not carry the last name Shire, but like me, she’s considered a grandchild of the Shire family. Because of how much Grandpa loved her mom–and the guilt he carries–he treats Madeline as his own. That’s why he’ll never let her repeat her mom’s mistakes.”

“I hope that after this birthday party, you’ll start keeping your distance.”

Leander chuckled to himself. The Shire family really did speak with one voice.

“Is that a warning?” he asked, smiling faintly at her.

“Not a warning,” Martha replied. “A reminder.”

She added, “Also, tonight, Madeline’s future fiancé–Sawyer–will be in Kaldia. He reserved the Regal Suite at the Waterfront Court. He’s hosting a private gathering for our family and some of the most elite young professionals in the area. It’ll be a very exclusive crowd.”

“Madeline, as part of our family, will definitely be there. And given her connection to Sawyer, she’ll probably be the center of attention.”

Leander’s expression didn’t change. A faint smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.

“Oh? Good for her. So what?”

Martha’s eyes narrowed. “I suggest you don’t go.”

“If Sawyer picks up on how Madeline feels about you…”

“He’ll destroy you.”