From Outcast to Overlord The Unyielding Heir (Leander Ashcroft) novel Chapter 274

Chapter 274 Are You Here to Thank Me?

Overnight, half of Cranfordale’s high society was thrown into chaos. Leander’s name spread across the city like wildfire.

Almost every socialite heard the same story. Leander had gone against both the Locke and Quigley families. He even dared them to come for him. Everyone was eager to find out if this bold kid was actually some kind of monster.

By morning, the rich and powerful from all over Cranfordale began flooding into Kaldia. Many had never spoken to the Shire family before. Still, they came to wish Old Mr. Shire a happy birthday. What they really wanted was a front–row seat to the drama.

Everyone knew what kind of people the Locke and Quigley families were. There was no way they would let this go. Since Leander had said he’d be at the banquet, they knew where to find him.

Guests arrived one after another. Martha was in charge of greeting them, but her face showed no joy. Worry kept building in her heart.

The more important guests showed up, the more obvious it became. A storm was coming, and it was coming for Leander.

The banquet was in full swing. Leander sat with Madeline in a corner, chatting and laughing like nothing had happened. He didn’t even glance at the new guests. It was as if last night had never happened. Martha clenched her teeth at the sight.

She walked up to him and spoke in a low voice. “How can you still laugh?

“Look around. They’re all here because of you. Every single one of them wants to see you fall. Did you even stop to think about what would happen after what you did last night?

“Do you think just because you can fight, you can take on Sawyer and Ronald like that? What are you going to do when the Locke and Quigley families strike back?”

Leander sat at the table with Sylvia, Linden, Rhea, and a few of the younger Shire family members.

Sylvia’s eyes flickered. She looked at Leander and gave a small shake of her head. She looked troubled.

Even with her status, if she had crossed both the Locke and Quigley families at once, she would have to call in every favor she had with the Stonepeak Sect just to stay alive.

If she had crippled Sawyer and badly hurt Ronald, her master, Master Friedel, would have to step in himself. Even then, she would still need to apologize and offer gifts as compensation.

Leander had pushed both families past their limits, yet here he was, sitting with Madeline, joking like it was nothing. Madeline didn’t look worried at all, like those two men meant nothing.

Sylvia couldn’t understand it. What kind of power did Leander have backing him? What gave him the courage to go head–to–head with two of the most feared families in Cranfordale? What gave him the guts to provoke them?

“What was there to think about?” Leander calmly said. “If they want to come after me, they’d better be ready to pay the price.

“They tried to crush my hand and beat me down. I just gave them a taste of their medicine. What’s wrong with that?”

Martha shook her head. Her voice turned cold. “So what? I told you not to come to this banquet. Why didn’t you listen?

“Now look at the mess you’ve made. Who’s going to protect you?”

She had to admit she respected his courage. Beating those two like the sc*m they were had taken guts. However, the aftermath was another story.

She knew the Quigley and Locke families would never let this go. That morning, she had gone to Clement to ask if the Shire family could help. His answer was clear. They would not get involved.

In a place as ruthless as Cranfordale, if even the Shire family wouldn’t help, who else would dare step up?

“I’ve never needed anyone to protect me,” Leander coolly said. “I’ll face whatever comes my way.”

He spoke with ease. Nothing about him looked worried.

To him, the Locke and Quigley families were just clowns. If it really came down to it, he was ready to handle them by force and exterminate them.

Madeline sat beside him, a little uneasy at first. However, her nerves soon faded. Even if both families teamed up, how could they stand against the Iron Sovereign, the man who once

crushed the martial world of Astria?

“Well said. Whatever comes your way, huh?” Martha snapped. Her temper boiled over, though she didn’t even know why.

“You and that giant ego of yours are going to land yourself in jail, or worse. Do you think this is all a joke?”

She waved her hand and turned away, her face like stone. She sat down next to them and didn’t say another word.

“Mr. Ashcroft. Last night, you broke my son’s arms and told the Locke family to come find you. Well, here I am,” he said.

The room froze. Every eye followed Bradley’s gaze to Leander.

“That’s him? That’s Leander? The guy who shattered Sawyer’s bones and sent Ronald to the hospital?

“He’s so young! He has no idea who he’s messing with.”

“Sure, beating them up must’ve felt great, but he’s about to pay the price. This is going to be good.”

Whispers spread fast. All eyes were fixed on Leander.

Martha’s gaze flickered. She let out a quiet sigh. The storm had arrived. All they could do now was watch Leander get torn apart.

Clement sat at the head of the table, still and calm. He said nothing. He simply watched.

Beside him, an old man took a slow sip of tea. He studied Leander with growing interest.

The rest of the Shire family stayed quiet. No one said a word.

With everyone watching, Leander pulled his chair forward and crossed one leg over the other, leaning back with ease.

“You’re Bradley, then?” he asked.

He lazily glanced over, a smirk tugging at his lips.

“I went easy last night by only breaking a few bones. You’re here today to thank me, aren’t you?”

The room fell dead silent.

Everyone stared in disbelief.