From Ruin to Reign Leander's Unbreakable Will novel Chapter 251

Chapter 251 Celebration

At that dinner, it didn’t matter how well–read Victor was, how rich Colin from Ravenridge seemed, or how stunning Yvette looked. The second Skyler walked in with that shiny new acceptance letter from Southern Wyvern Blade, everyone’s attention shifted to him.

Freshmen leaned in to serve him food like he was royalty, while older students threw compliments his way without stopping. It was like the whole table revolved around him.

Skyler emptied every glass handed to him. He drank hard and fast, and by the time he hit double digits, his face was red, his voice loud, and his presence impossible to ignore. He laughed like the room was his.

Leander, on the other hand, stayed silent through most of it. After speaking once or twice early on, he faded into the background completely. No one noticed him until the meal was nearly done, when Skyler finally turned and acknowledged him.

“Leander, you’re from Ravenridge Senior High, right? Actually, a bunch of folks here are your upperclassmen. I’m one of them too!”

The alcohol had peeled away Skyler’s usual pretense. His words came out smug and cutting.

“Let me give you some advice. You had something good. Why didn’t you hold onto it?

“I heard you scored 1595 on a monthly exam once. Even if you didn’t hit that on the SAT, a 1200 would’ve been enough. You could’ve walked into Mornwick, Listin, or Fortshire without even trying.

“But no, you dropped out. You chose to be Frankie’s watchdog. Gave up your future just to stand around his villa. You seriously don’t regret that?”

He tried to sound like a caring older brother, but his tone gave him away. He didn’t want to help. He wanted to humiliate.

Sure enough, people started glancing at Leander, their eyes full of mockery.

Almost everyone there had come out of Ravenridge Senior High. Other than the younger students still in school, the rest were already in college–most in top–tier schools. Even the ones who didn’t get in anywhere fancy still managed to land somewhere respectable.

Academic pride was a heavy thing, and once they found out Leander had dropped out, they barely tried to hide their judgment. When they heard he did it to work under Frankie, that judgment turned to scorn.

Frankie might have been the top dog in Ravenridge, the kind of man nobody dared mess with.

But just because people feared him didn’t mean they respected the ones under him. In their eyes, Leander wasn’t a loyal follower. He was just another lackey.

They were only calling Leander an employee out of courtesy. But the truth, as they saw it, was simple. Leander was Frankie’s dog.

“Skyler, that’s enough.” Yvette’s expression turned cold in an instant.

Earlier, when two guys had mocked Leander, she had shut them down without holding back. But with Skyler, she had stayed quict—until now.

“Skyler, whatever Leander chooses to do with his life is his call. I don’t care if you’re older. That doesn’t give you the right to lecture him. And he’s not Frankie’s errand boy. Don’t go making wild assumptions.”

As she spoke, she reached over and placed her hand on top of Leander’s. She gave him a quick look, silently telling him not to respond.

Leander smiled lightly and gave a small shake of his head. Skyler’s comments didn’t get under his skin at all. He had no reason to fight back.

It felt like an ant trying to pick a fight. If one were in a bad mood, maybe they’d step on it. But if one were relaxed, they’d ignore it completely.

Leander had eaten well, had his fill of wine, and didn’t care about whatever game Skyler was playing.

Skyler saw Yvette step in for Leander, and though he clearly didn’t like it, he forced a smile. “Yvette, don’t take it so seriously. I had a bit too much to drink and got carried away. My bad.”

He waved it off, then raised his voice so the whole table could hear him.

“Alright, looks like dinner’s wrapping up. I’ve got a little surprise planned. I’m inviting everyone to a party tonight!

“It’s at Maplebrook Manor. Jeff Enterprises is throwing a celebration, and it’s gonna be packed with top names from all over Mornwick. And guess what? Your favorite celebrity—the national sweetheart, Maeve–is gonna be there too!”

As soon as he said that, the room buzzed with excitement. Faces lit up, and the mood shifted in

an instant.

“Skyler, are you for real? Jeff Enterprises is throwing a party at Maplebrook Manor? And Maeve’s gonna be there? That’s insane!”

But the real shock was Maeve. She wasn’t just famous. She was the star. Her name hit harder than any fancy building. Hearing she’d be there turned the whole room electric.

That party was his stage, and they were the audience he needed.

Yvette looked at Leander, waiting for his answer.

Leander’s lips pulled into a lazy, dangerous grin. “Well, since he’s being so friendly about it… Let’s go check it out.”

Skyler’s eyes lit up. He grabbed his phone and sent off a quick message.

Meanwhile, in the largest private room at Maplebrook Manor, a tall, sharp–looking young man spun a porcelain wine flask between his fingers.

“Dad, a friend of mine is coming tonight. He’s on the main team for Wyvern Blade, and he’s bringing a few classmates. Can you save them some seats?”

Across the room, a man stood by a table, flipping through files. He paused, then looked up. “Main squad of Wyvern Blade?”

He thought for a second and gave a firm nod. “Of course. Put them in the VIP section, on the left.”

The young man smiled and thanked him. Then, a spark of excitement crossed his face.

“Dad, you always said Mr. Leander is a martial arts master. One of the best in all of Astria. Please, you’ve got to introduce me tonight.”

The man finished with the documents and slipped them into a folder. When he turned around, there was deep respect in his expression. He clearly held Leander in the highest regard.

“I will. I keep my promises. You just got back from your military post, so I’ll make sure Mr. Leander gives you some guidance.

“With his help, maybe you won’t rule the world–but you’ll be a force no one can ignore.”

His voice was steady and sure. His short beard bristled as he straightened his coat.

This man?

Frankie, the CEO of Jeff Enterprises.