From Ruin to Reign Leander's Unbreakable Will novel Chapter 309

16:08 Thu, Oct 16

From Outcast to Overlord The Unyielding Heir

Chapter 309 Why Does He Remind Me of That Rascal?

“It’s you!”

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Daphne stood tall and aloof, her proud gaze carrying a flicker of surprise as she looked at Leander.

They had only met once at Silvermoon Sect and exchanged a few words.

Normally, she’d forget someone so insignificant, yet Leander remained vivid in her mind.

There was something about him–an indescribable familiarity, as if they had known each other for years.

“You two know each other?” Nigel asked curiously.

Daphne was widely known throughout Highcliffe.

Not only was she the Florian family’s young heiress, but she was also brilliant in her own right. and was already admitted into Highcliffe University during her final year of high school.

Though technically a freshman, she had been at the university for over half a year, serving as Nigel’s academic assistant and contributing to numerous research projects.

She was destined to become one of the university’s brightest alumni.

Leander was outstanding as well, but he had only just arrived at Highcliffe University, and he wasn’t even a native of the capital.

How could they possibly know each other?

“We’ve met by chance before, Mr. Moss,” explained Leander, suppressing the ripple in his chest before turning to Daphne with a faint smile. “What a coincidence, Ms. Daphne.”

She studied him briefly, then returned to her habitual indifference, offering only a curt nod.

To those she considered unworthy of her attention, she remained distant.

And with men, she became even more reserved.

“Since you’ve met before, that’s even better,” Nigel said delightfully as he stood up.

“From now on, you’ll be classmates. Both of you are the pride of the horticulture department. Work together and bring us honor, alright?”

He handed Leander a form.

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Chapter 309 Why Does He Remind Me of That Rascal?

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“Leander, let Daphne take you to the president’s office. This has your dorm and bed number on it. Tomorrow, get your photo taken, collect your student ID card, and pick up your uniform.”

Leander had just accepted the form when Daphne’s expression suddenly changed.

Completely disregarding Nigel, she stepped forward and grabbed Leander’s arm. She’d never done that before.

Daphne trembled as she clutched his sleeve. “You’re Leander Ashcroft? How do you spell your first name?” she asked urgently.

Nigel was stunned.

She was usually proud and cold, rarely engaging in conversation with others. With men, she stayed distant and unreadable, never letting anyone get too close.

But right now, she was visibly confused and in distress.

Leander remained calm, his expression unchanged. “It’s L–E–A–N–D–E–R. Why?”

He met her gaze, clear and steady.

“Leander?” Daphne whispered his name softly. “Leander…”

It was the name of the man she loved.

What was more, he seemed hauntingly familiar.

Could it actually be him? Her eyes flickered as these thoughts raced through her mind.

No! If that were the case, he’d surely recognize me! Why wouldn’t he

say so?

At that thought, she calmed down.

“I’m sorry.” She released his arm and stepped back, her expression tinged with apology. “You share the name of someone I haven’t seen in years. And you remind me of him very much…”

“So, you thought you’d run into an old friend.” Leander gave a faint smile and waved it off. He added casually, “That person must have been very close to you. Is he someone important?”

“Yes, he’s very important to me.” Daphne lowered her gaze, the sorrow in her eyes evident.

At her words, Leander’s hand trembled slightly in his pocket.

He was about to pull out the soda can tab and reveal his identity, but after a long pause, he stopped himself.

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Chapter 309 Why Does He Remind Me of That Rascal?

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He was already in the capital now, and there’d be plenty of time ahead.

There was no need for him to rush into things.

When they were children, Daphne had cared deeply for him, placing him at the center of her world.

However, nine years had passed, and he no longer wished for her feelings toward him to be bound to an old childhood promise.

What he sought was real love, not a vow made in the innocence of youth.

After a while, Daphne pulled herself together and looked up again. “Sorry, I was lost in thought carlier. Come, I’ll take you to the president’s office.”

Leander nodded, bid farewell to Nigel, and fell in step beside her.

They walked side by side, the air between them slightly tense.

Daphne couldn’t help but glance at him, puzzled.

Boys who found themselves alone with her would usually attempt to impress her with their talents or skills.

Even shy ones would at least try to make small talk.

But Leander showed no interest in her at all, his gaze fixed straight ahead.

She had her fair share of boys who seemed aloof but were really vying for her attention.

Still, she could usually see right through them.

However, Leander was different.

He was calm and free of pretense.

“You’re different.”

Daphne’s lips parted slightly.

It was the first time she had ever spoken to a boy first.

“Different?” Leander turned to her, waving a hand.

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Chapter 309 Why Does He Remind Me of That Rascal?

“You flatter me, Ms. Daphne. I haven’t spoken to you because I’m intimidated.”

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He continued, “We’re worlds apart. You’re from the Florian family and a prodigy in Astrian martial arts, whereas I’m just a regular guy. I know I don’t stand a chance.”

Leander was usually indifferent to women, but with Daphne, it was entirely different.

Since childhood, he enjoyed teasing her.

Nine years later, that playful spirit had returned, and he deliberately spoke playfully.

“Is that so?”

Daphne thought he truly meant it and offered a slight explanation. “You’re overthinking things. All things aside, we will soon be classmates and equals.”

“Oh?” Leander was intrigued, his brows lifting in deliberate expectation.

“Does this mean we can be friends?”

Daphne froze at his words. What’s with this guy? she thought, annoyed.

She was just being humble, hoping he’d stop feeling inferior and distant around her.

Yet, Leander took this opportunity to shoot his shot, making it hard for her to refuse.

She could only nod in response.

Fortunately, after she agreed, he did not push things further.

They spent a few minutes talking about academics before finally arriving at the president’s office.

“The president should be inside. I’ll be off now,” Daphne said curtly.

“Thank you. We should have a proper chat some other time!” Leander replied.

Daphne furrowed her brows and stayed silent, turning around to leave. And why would I want that? She snorted, chastising herself for being so careless.

She had thought Leander was a distant, aloof gentleman, but now, he seemed more like a teasing, talkative fellow.

She stopped at the stairwell and glanced back, catching sight of Leander entering the president’s office.

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Chapter 300 Why Does He Remind Me of That Rascal

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“That’s strange…”

Her brows furrowed even more, a growing sense of oddity in her chest.

Why did Leander’s words carry the same, playful tone as that rascal who used to love teasing her?

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