From Outcast to Overlord The Unyielding Heir (Leander Ashcroft) novel Chapter 500

Leander stared at the young man for a long moment. The young man's gaze never left Maeve—he stood holding a bouquet of bright red roses, looking at her with deep affection, and hardly reacted to Leander at all.

"Hm? It's not him?"

When Leander noticed the young man's aura, he thought it might be the Hermit in disguise. The next moment, he realized it was not.

While the two auras were somewhat similar, the Hermit's was much more restrained and powerful. By contrast, the young man's aura felt immature—there was no comparison.

Leander withdrew his gaze, but a stronger doubt emerged in his mind.

This young man isn't the Hermit, so why does he have an aura so similar to his?

Thinking of this, Leander silently released his spiritual sense. It spread outward like an invisible net, enveloping the young man without him noticing a thing.

Leander probed every inch of the youth's body from head to toe, and the young man remained completely unaware. When the scan was finished, and Leander recalled his spiritual sense, the answer was clear.

The young man's bloodline carries traces remarkably similar to the Hermit's, which means he is very likely a descendant of the Hermit.

"To think that even in a Sahar Wastes city like Yelem, there are descendants of the Hermit. Looks like this trip to the Sahar Wastes won't be boring after all."

He let out a faint laugh and casually found a seat. Everyone else's attention had already been drawn back to Maeve's interview.

Maeve's appearance had caused a huge sensation in Yelem. She was not only famous in Astria—she had recently starred in several major Dollywood films and even performed their theme songs. Her international influence had already placed her among top-tier celebrities.

Maeve looked like a goddess of light. Under the sun, she appeared even more dazzling and ethereal.

At some point, she had changed clothes—she now wore a simple long dress that nearly reached the ground, paired with crystal heels. Standing at 175 centimeters, she radiated a noble elegance that made people afraid to stare for too long.

In terms of beauty and presence alone, she was unquestionably flawless.

She stood on the steps of the Yelem Hotel, continuously waving to the crowd with a warm smile that never faded.

Both Astrians and the locals alike waved their arms wildly, chanting her name over and over.

The entire city of Yelem was in an uproar because of Maeve's arrival.

"Ms. Maeve, in your newly released album Return to You, there's a lyric that goes—'To meet you at the most beautiful age—you brought me into a whole new world.' Does that line carry any special meaning?"

A reporter from a well-known TV station squeezed forward and raised his microphone.

"Special meaning?" Maeve smiled gently. "Nothing special. I simply wrote down my own experiences and emotions."

The reporters continued with a few harmless questions. Then, finally, one of them abruptly asked, "Ms. Maeve, this world tour is already at its seventh stop. For the next stop, where would you most like it to be?"

Maeve paused for a moment, then smiled sweetly and answered without hesitation.

"I hope my next stop will be Ravenridge in Umbral Court, Astria—because that place holds a special meaning for me."

But no matter how the reporters pressed her for details, she refused to elaborate. She only hinted at it and moved on.

While answering questions, her thoughts drifted back to that night—the night when Leander appeared like a god descending from the heavens, dominating everything in his path.

Even now, though thousands of miles apart, his face appeared vividly in her mind.

That night, when the Umbral Court descended upon her, she had thought she was doomed. But Leander had suddenly appeared, shattering every lethal strike aimed at her. It became the most unforgettable night of her recent years.

"Mr. Benjamin, your reputation precedes you. Thank you for your kindness."

Maeve didn't care much for Denzel personally, but she knew the Benjamin family's influence couldn't be ignored.

The Benjamin family had ruled Yelem for over two centuries. They were known as the city's most powerful clan. Even across Dechor, their status matched royal families in places like the Umbrya.

Arriving in Yelem meant entering the Benjamin family's territory. As heir, Denzel was like a crown prince here.

Denzel's eyes lit up with joy at her response.

"I didn't expect Ms. Maeve to even know who I am. I'm truly honored. This Yelem Hotel belongs to my family. I have already prepared the presidential suite for Ms. Maeve. Please—this way. It is my greatest honor to host you."

Although Maeve felt little interest in him, she noticed the reporters still crowding the entrance. With no better option, she nodded and followed Denzel into the hotel.

The two walked side by side, with Maeve's two female security guards behind them. In an instant, the hotel lobby's attention centered on only the two of them.

Leander was seated on a couch at the side of the lobby with Celia. He lowered his head slightly, not wanting Maeve to spot him. But at that moment, Nathan—who was at the front desk asking about sightseeing routes—suddenly shouted:

"Leander! They said there's a bonfire party out in the desert tonight! Should we go?"

His loud voice made several people turn toward Leander—and Maeve was among them.

The moment her gaze swept over and met his, Leander's heart instantly tightened.

"Crap."