From Ruin to Reign Leander's Unbreakable Will novel Chapter 329

rom Oulcast to Overlord The Unyielding Hem

Chapter 329 Returning to the Ashcroft Residence

“She’s bringing someone home?”

Gareth froze.

Since leaving the Ashcroft family nine years ago to devote herself to spiritual life at Durham Abbey, Lydia had never once returned to the Ashcroft Residence.

But today, she acted completely differently–she had voluntarily requested to return, and on top of that, she said she would bring someone with her. That statement alone demanded attention.

If she was bringing someone home, it meant she considered the Ashcroft Residence that person’s home too. Yet, with both the main and extended family attending the gathering today, why would she need to bring anyone at all?

“Could it… really be Leander?”

Gareth’s expression shifted again, and he ended the call.

He glanced toward the abbey atop the hill, tempted to go ask in person, but ultimately, he stopped.

There was no need to rush. In just a few hours, the truth would become clear.

In the classroom, the teacher had already arrived. Daphne, as a teaching assistant for the Department of Horticulture and Landscaping, had to stay by the teacher’s side to help with preparations.

Leander leaned back in his chair, while Nathan and the others couldn’t help but give him thumbs–up gestures.

“Leander, I guess you’ll be our leader from now on. This… you really outdid yourself with this one.”

Even now, the three of them hadn’t recovered from their shock. They couldn’t fathom how Daphne–a high–society heiress–could throw herself into Leander’s arms, blushing and shyly delighted.

“I’ve known her since we were kids. You guys don’t need to make it sound so dramatic,” Leander said with a faint smile, his gaze steady.

After nine years, Daphne was still Daphne–unchanged, untouchable, and completely herself.

The class meeting was brief. After the teacher went over the upcoming orientation activities, students were asked to introduce themselves one by one.

The Department of Horticulture and Landscaping had no shortage of attractive students. While none quite matched Daphne’s almost otherworldly presence, there were still a few standouts who turned heads wherever they went.

Most of the male students eagerly rattled off their introductions, practically spilling their life stories. Even Luke and Evander found themselves adding extra details. Leander, on the other hand, offered nothing more than his name. could

His introduction was short, almost perfunctory–but that only drew more attention. Everyone in the class was curious about him, wondering who this guy was and what kind of stir such a strong reaction from the school’s top beauty. person

Leander, however, didn’t care about their curiosity. His mind was entirely on the Ashcroft family.

After lunch, he would go to Durham Abbey to accompany Lydia back to the Ashcroft Residence -the place he had once been proud of, but now regarded with indifference.

“The Ashcroft family…” he murmured, his fingers curling slightly. His eyes were distant, detached. What had once seemed like a towering, unshakable tree in his world was now nothing more than a roadside shrub.

When the meeting ended, Leander didn’t head out with Nathan and the others. Instead, he strolled across campus with Daphne.

Several students noticed them walking side by side, whispering and pointing in astonishment.

Although Daphne was a freshman, she was already well–known at Highcliffe University. Everyone knew she was usually accompanied by Ethan–but today, she had a different, strikingly handsome companion. Speculation about Leander’s identity spread quickly.

“Do you want me to accompany you back to the Ashcroft Residence later?”

Daphne hesitated for a moment before speaking.

“No need,” Leander said with a faint smile. “Don’t worry about me. No matter how powerful the Ashcroft family is, I’ve never taken them seriously.”

“Besides,” he added, “my mom’s there too–they can’t stir up any trouble.”

Daphne fell silent. She understood that Leander carried a deep pride within him. Even after he lost everything, his inner dignity had never faded. For a woman to try to protect him would only challenge that pride–and he wasn’t the kind of man who would easily accept it.

insched

“Mrs. Ashcroft, welcome back! Mr. Ashcroft and Old Mr. Ashcroft have been waiting for you. The rest of the family is almost all here as well,” a middle–aged man said, approaching. He looked to be around fifty, dressed in a sharp gray outfit that spoke of efficiency and authority.

Asher, understood. Lead us in,” Lydia replied, nodding.

This man was Gareth’s longtime butler, hired years ago and loyal to the Ashcroft family for over two decades.

“As you wish.” Asher said, bowing slightly in a gesture of courtesy to Lydia. His eyes then caught sight of Leander trailing behind her.

“Mrs. Ashcroft, may I ask how to address this young man?”

Asher’s brow furrowed slightly. He knew every member of the Ashcroft family, both main and extended branches–but this Leander was completely unfamiliar.

Before Lydia could respond, Leander grinned suddenly.

“Asher, hasn’t it been nine years? Don’t you recognize me?”

At once. Asher’s eyes widened, a flicker of disbelief crossing his face.

Moments later, he stared into Leander’s eyes as if witnessing something impossible, then gasped aloud.

“You… You’re Mr. Leander?”

Just then, a figure strode forward. His body froze in place when he heard Asher’s words.

Leander looked up and saw Ethan standing there, rooted to the spot, his gaze heavy and inscrutable, emotions swirling across his face.

“Leander… is it really you?”