From Ruin to Reign Leander's Unbreakable Will novel Chapter 266

Chapter 266 A True Hero

“Destroy me?”

Leander didn’t show much of a reaction when he heard it–just lifted his gaze slightly, as if he found the whole thing mildly amusing.

“Do you think I’m joking with you?”

Martha’s tone sharpened, her eyes narrowing.

“Sawyer, the so–called ‘Stock Genius‘ of Cranfordale? He is cocky as hell. He’s got a big ego and a high opinion of himself–but no one can deny his skill.”

“He’s used to being the smartest one in the room, totally arrogant, and he doesn’t give a d*mn about anyone else–except

Madeline. She’s the one soft spot he’s got.”

“If he catches wind of her being even a little flirty with you? Trust me, with the kind of ego he’s packing, he’ll go full psycho mode. He’ll see you as a threat and won’t stop until he crushes you.”

Martha kindly reminded, “The Locke family is just as powerful as the Shire family. Sawyer’s dad, Bradley Locke, isn’t just the richest man in Cranfordale–he runs half the city. Billions in assets, multiple private fleets, and total control over the Everflow River Valley.”

“Do you seriously think you can go toe–to–toe with Sawyer and the Locke family?”

“So please, don’t show up at the party tonight. In fact, it’d be best if Sawyer doesn’t even know you exist. No need to paint a target on your back.”

Martha meant every word. She was being real–looking out for him. She genuinely cared about Leander and didn’t want him at the birthday celebration–risking a clash with the petty and vindictive Sawyer.

Even she, who could handle just about anyone, found dealing with Sawyer a massive headache.

Standing nearby, Sylvia flicked her eyes over to Leander, curious to see how he’d take it.

But Leander only smiled faintly, giving Martha a small nod.

“Appreciate the heads–up.”

Then, without another word, he turned and walked away.

Watching his figure disappear, Martha let out a soft sigh.

“Sylvia, was I too cruel?”

Sylvia’s gaze was cold, unapologetic. “Martha, that wasn’t cruel. That was the truth. Sugarcoating it would’ve been cruel.”

“If he had walked into that party blind, got targeted by Sawyer, and ended up wrecked? That would’ve been a whole different level of cruel.”

“He and Madeline live in two completely different worlds. Forcing it will only end in heartbreak. I think even he knows that.”

Sylvia, the sharp–tongued prodigy from the Stonepeak Sect, spoke with the kind of blunt honesty that hit hard and left no room for argument. Martha couldn’t help but admire her clarity.

Martha’s bright eyes sparkled, and she suddenly smiled.

“What about you, Sylvia? Where’s that hero Jeff Ashcroft you’re always going on about? Have you met him yet?”

At the mention of Jeff, the ever–composed Sylvia actually blushed slightly and shook her head.

“He’s truly a man blessed by the universe, a hero in every sense of the word. He always seems out of reach. I’ve admired him for a long time, but I’ve yet to see him in person.”

She continued, “Not long ago, I met Claire from the Silvermoon Sect. She once had a brief encounter with Jeff. And with all of Claire’s pride, she still described him as ‘a peerless hero, unmatched in grace and strength. That alone says he’s even greater than the rumors. If I ever got the chance to meet him, to witness his brilliance for myself, I’d consider that moment enough to make life worthwhile.”

Martha’s eyes lit up as she listened to her close friend’s soft musings, and her heart stirred as well.

Sylvia was the most outstanding disciple the Stonepeak Sect had produced in nearly 50 years- brilliant in talent and sharp in judgment. At only 21, she was already being viewed as a future successor of the sect. Many of the male disciples, despite their own talents, couldn’t compare to her, and she had long been recognized as a leader among her generation.

Martha had seen firsthand how even the likes of Ronald and Sawyer–figures who usually dominated every scene–would lower their pride and show deference to Sylvia. That was the weight Sylvia carried, along with the powerful Stonepeak Sect backing her.

Someone like Sylvia, with a vision likely even broader than hers, never showed much interest when big–name heirs or so–called prodigies were mentioned–she’d usually just brush them off with a passing remark, barely reacting.

But whenever Jeff’s name came up, her eyes would light up, gleaming with excitement and admiration.

Curious, Martha teased, “From everything you’ve said, now I really want to meet this Jeff!”

“You’ll have to introduce me to him someday. If he’s really as incredible as you say… maybe I’ll fall for him too. Then I’d have to compete with you for him, wouldn’t I?”