From Ruin to Reign Leander's Unbreakable Will novel Chapter 313

From Cinteast in Overlord The Unyielding Heir

Chapter 313 I Saw Leander

“Take her away!

The young man’s voice cut through the room–cold, commanding, like an order that brooked no opposition.

A burly man in black stepped forward, reaching for the girl.

Nathan reacted instinctively, stepping in front of her.

“What do you think you’re doing?”

He scowled. Having navigated Seagate’s elite circles, he’d seen plenty of arrogant brats like this. He was direct, principled, and had no tolerance for bullying.

“Brat, back off. Mind your own business!”

The man in the suit shot him a steely glare, clearly unconcerned. The others in the room— Leander, slouched and indifferent; Luke, honest and straightforward; and Evander, with his quiet, bookish demeanor–might as well have been invisible to him.

“Do you seriously think you can pull this stunt at Saffron House?”

Nathan didn’t flinch. He positioned himself to shield the girl.

“Bianca, don’t worry. I won’t let them touch you.”

The girl nodded, partially reassured, but fear still clouded her wide eyes. She dared not look directly at the men in suits.

“I’m not joking.”

The young man’s eyes hardened, icy and merciless. He gestured sharply.

“Throw that brat aside. Bring her here!”

Two bodyguards advanced. Luke immediately rose to Nathan’s side. Towering at six–foot–three, he forced the men to hesitate.

Evander adjusted his glasses and also stood, exuding quiet defiance. He, too, was siding with

Nathan.

Only Leander remained slouched, pretending none of this concerned him.

The standoff held until Rubyanne’s soft voice floated in from behind.

“Well, Mr. Marlowe, what’s all this fuss? What are you doing here?”

She entered with waiters balancing trays of food, her tone gentle yet commanding.

“Rubyanne?”

Theron Marlowe’s composure faltered; a flicker of caution shadowed his eyes.

He forced a smile and softened his tone. “Rubyanne, I’m just looking for someone. Nothing

serious.”

Rubyanne directed the waiters to set the dishes down, her smile sharpening like a blade.

“Mr. Marlowe, you’re supposed to be dining on the third floor. And now you’re on the second floor looking for someone? Are you trying to play games with me?”

Her eyes darkened, her voice dropping.

“Theron, here’s a friendly reminder. Last week, you caused trouble on the third floor, and Mr. Voss warned you once already. Are you planning to repeat it? Shall I call him and let him deal with you directly?”

Theron’s expression tightened; a flash of unease crossed his face.

Orion Voss owned Saffron House. Though Theron seldom bowed to anyone, Orion’s influence demanded respect. Backed by a powerful family, he was leagues above Theron.

Swallowing his pride, Theron stepped back and forced a placating smile. “Rubyanne, it’s a misunderstanding. I mistook someone, that’s all. No need to trouble Mr. Voss.

“Since the one I’m looking for isn’t here, I’ll return upstairs for dinner. Join me for a drink later.”

Once he finished, he gave a wave, and his six bodyguards followed him out of the private room, taking the elevator up to the third floor.

“I won’t keep you long. Here’s my number–call me when you’re back. Next time, dinner’s on me to properly thank you all.”

Bianca retrieved a pen and jotted her number on a napkin, ready to leave, but Nathan quickly stopped her.

“Bianca, what if you run into him again outside?

“How about this–you stay and eat with us. When we’re finished, we’ll leave together. We drove here, and we’re heading back to Highcliffe University, so it’s on the way. You’ll be safer that way.”

Fear flickered in Bianca’s eyes, but she reluctantly agreed, not wanting another encounter with Theron. She sat down.

“Alright, Evander, Luke, dig in!

“Leander, help yourself!”

Once the food was served, Nathan signaled Evander and Luke to begin. But his tone toward Leander was colder, and he addressed him formally by surname.

Leander understood. Earlier, when a confrontation nearly turned physical, Evander and Luke had stood with Nathan, while Leander had remained seated, motionless. Nathan clearly deemed him cowardly and disloyal; he no longer regarded him as a friend.

Leander merely smiled, unaffected, offering no explanation. He ate scarcely anything.

Pouring himself a drink, he leaned back in his chair, gazing out the second–floor window at the street below.

Four broad Hummers were stationed at the corners of Saffron House, each packed with men in black, their expressions hostile and vigilant.

Leander cast a glance at Nathan and the others, who were engrossed in cheerful conversation with Bianca, oblivious to the looming threat. He shook his head.

Tonight’s turmoil was far from over.

Unbeknownst to him, within a courtyard at the center of Highcliffe, Ethan stood before a man, his eyes flickering with intensity.

“Dad, I think… I saw Leander today!”

Before him, Gareth, who had been resting with his eyes closed, suddenly snapped them open.

“What did you just say?”