From Ruin to Reign Leander's Unbreakable Will novel Chapter 190

Chapter 190 A Reunion with Madeline

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“So, you’re Leander? I’ve heard so much about you.” Grace narrowed her eyes and, after giving him a quick once–over, let out a dismissive chuckle.

She and Madeline had become fast friends due to a business partnership between their families and Glorious Entertainment. The two hit it off immediately, sharing common interests and unique insights into music, quickly growing close.

During Madeline’s time in West Listin, they met nearly every day, and one name she constantly brought up was “Leander.” Though she never went into much detail about him, it was obvious to Grace that this so–called “Leander” meant a lot to Madeline.

The emotional weight behind the way she spoke about him was unmistakable, and it piqued Grace’s interest.

In her mind, this “Leander” could very well be her brother Henry Barret’s number one rival.

She had assumed that for someone to matter so much to a rising pop star like Madeline, he must be a top–tier heir or perhaps the son of a high–ranking official.

However, after seeing him in person today, she realized she couldn’t have been more wrong.

This “Leander” Madeline talked about all the time was just an ordinary student dressed in dime–a–dozen brands–he didn’t give off even the faintest air of prestige. Compared to her brother Henry, this guy was light–years behind.

“That’s me.”

Leander leaned against the window and gave her a curt nod. He only glanced briefly at Grace before turning back around, not even bothering to greet her, as if she weren’t worth a second of his attention.

What the hell? Grace’s expression faltered, her pretty eyes twitching in irritation.

The Barret family was, without question, the most prominent household in West Listin. Their business empire spanned nearly every major city in the region. Grace’s name was known far and wide. Yet she was now being blatantly snubbed by someone like him?

This was a first.

Seeing the shift in Grace’s expression, Yvette and Ginny exchanged a knowing look. They had already gotten used to Leander’s attitude–it wasn’t their first time dealing with it.

Yvette smiled politely at Grace. “Apologies, Ms. Barret. That’s just how he is. He’s not exactly good with strangers.” She had said it to smooth things over, not to actually apologize.

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Given Leander’s current status and overwhelming strength, he didn’t owe anyone anything. Even if he ignored everyone around him, no one would be in a position to demand an apology.

Grace’s initial impression of Leander had already hit rock bottom. She gave a cool nod and, deciding not to bother with “insignificant people,” went back to chatting with Yvette and Ginny.

“You guys are headed to West Listin to visit Madeline?” she asked casually.

“Yeah, she has a commercial gig tomorrow night. We’re here to support her,” Ginny replied with a smile.

“Oh? So, he’s tagging along too?” Grace asked, her eyes glinting as she gestured toward Leander.

The two girls nodded, and Grace’s heart leapt.

Ever since Madeline first arrived in West Listin, Henry had been smitten with her. He treated her with unwavering attention and made sure she was protected at every turn, playing the role of a devoted gentleman.

Yet despite all this, their relationship hadn’t progressed beyond casual friendship. There was no talk of romance, let alone anything serious. Even with Grace trying to help behind the scenes, Madeline’s attitude remained firm–she had no intention of getting closer to Henry.

Grace blamed all of this on Leander.

But now he was finally here—and heading to West Listin, no less. As long as the two men appeared side by side in front of Madeline, she was confident that Henry would shine far brighter, showing Madeline what a real catch looked like.

And then? Winning the girl’s heart would only be a matter of time.

“Leander?” She scoffed to herself. “A regular student like him standing next to Madeline? Please. Only someone like Henry is worthy of her.”

This trip to West Listin–I’ll make sure you finally understand the difference between yourself and real high society.

The more she thought about how Leander had ignored her earlier, the more eager she became to see him utterly humiliated in front of West Listin’s elites–unable to even lift his head in front of Madeline.

Half an hour later, their plane landed at West Listin Airport. Grace arrived at the exit a few

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Chapter 190 A Reunion with Madeline

minutes ahead of the others, where a stretch Bentley was already waiting.

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“Yvette, Ginny–hop in!” She waved as Leander’s group emerged. “Madeline’s staying at the Boya Hotel. It’s one of our properties–I’m heading there now. We’re going the same way.”

Yvette and Ginny looked pleased but didn’t answer right away. Instead, they turned to Leander.

“Let’s take it. No point grabbing a cab when we’ve got a ride waiting,” he declined with a shrug. As he stepped in, he gave Grace a small nod. “Thanks, though.”

Grace’s brow twitched. She scoffed inwardly at what she saw as a shameless attempt to take advantage of a free ride.

Leander took the front passenger seat while the three girls sat in the back. The whole way there, Grace was puzzled.

She couldn’t wrap her head around why two girls like Yvette and Ginny–both stunning and clearly intelligent–were so obedient around a guy like him. If you put them in any high school or college, they’d easily be campus queens with tons of admirers.

Why were they tagging along with Leander like this? Taking his lead? Seeking his opinion before doing anything? Was it just because he was good–looking? No way.

They both spoke with the grace and confidence of someone used to high society. They were no naive girls, but their attitude toward Leander made no sense.

Could he be some kind of hidden heir? She racked her brain, but even across all of Mornwick and Listin, she couldn’t think of any influential family with the surname Ashcroft.

Still deep in thought, she didn’t realize they’d arrived until the car stopped at the entrance of the Boya Hotel.

“We’re here. Let’s go.” Grace led them into the grand lobby. Yvette and Ginny both looked around in mild awe at the lavish decor–it felt like stepping into a royal estate.

This place could rival Ascendia’s Water Paradise in its opulence.

Seeing their reaction, Grace smiled proudly and introduced, “This is the only five–star hotel in West Listin. My family owns sixty percent of it. My brother’s been managing it, and he just invested another two hundred million to convert the back into an eco–park. We can check it

out later.”

“Madeline’s staying in the presidential suite on the top floor. I’ll take you to her.” As she spoke, her

eyes flicked to Leander, hoping for a reaction.

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When she mentioned the investment worth 200 million, both Yvette and Ginny visibly reacted -but Leander didn’t even blink. He didn’t seem the least bit impressed by the lavish surroundings.

That caught her completely off guard.

Just as they reached the elevator, the doors slid open–and a man and woman stepped out side by side. The woman wore a pure white dress that hugged her graceful curves, tall and elegant, exuding a goddess–like innocence with every smile; the man looked to be around twenty–three or twenty–four, tall and handsome in a pale blue suit. His hair was slicked back neatly, and he wore black–rimmed glasses, giving him the air of a refined academic.

Together, they made a striking couple, drawing glances from everyone in the lobby.

None of them recognized the man, but the young woman? That was Madeline Gardner.

“Madeline, I booked a table at the Royal Pavilion in Sousand Isle tonight. I even brought in a few famous Mornwick chefs just for you. Want to go after your recording session?” the man asked with a gentlemanly smile.

Madeline smiled politely. “Mr. Barret, two of my best friends just arrived from Mornwick. I’ll be spending the evening with them. But thank you for the kind offer.”

Despite the gentle rejection, the man didn’t seem fazed. In fact, he laughed lightly. “I see. Then I won’t intrude on your girls‘ night. But if you’re out late, let me know–I’ll send someone to take you back to the hotel.”

“Thank you, Mr. Barret.” Madeline nodded slightly.

“Madeline!” Yvette and Ginny, seeing their long–lost bestie, ran over excitedly.

“Yvette? Ginny?” Madeline’s eyes lit up, and she threw her arms around them. “Didn’t you say you’d be here this afternoon? I was planning to pick you up after my session!”

Yvette beamed. “We wanted to surprise you!”

With the three of them together, the hotel lobby instantly felt brighter.

The man beside them stood with his hands behind his back, watching with a gentleman’s smile.

After a few warm greetings, Ginny grinned mischievously. “That surprise was just the warm–up. We’ve got something else that’s going to blow your mind.” She exchanged a look with Yvette, and they stepped aside at the same time.

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Madeline blinked, looked up, and saw the handsome young man standing not far away.

She froze. Her body trembled. She couldn’t believe her eyes.

The next second, she broke into a run and threw herself straight into Leander’s arms. Behind her, the once–composed young man in the suit instantly went stiff–his face darkening as fury surged in his eyes.

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