From Ruin to Reign Leander's Unbreakable Will novel Chapter 330

Chapter 330 Do You Remember What I Said?

power

Ethan’s gaze darkened. The moment he saw Leander, something felt off, and his martial stirred unnaturally. By now, he was almost certain–the unfamiliar young man standing there was Leander.

And now, seeing Leander appear at the Ashcroft Residence alongside Lydia, with Asher even calling him Mr. Leander, Ethan had no doubts left.

“Leander… is it really you?” His eyes flickered, and his voice shook slightly.

As a child, no matter the time or situation, Leander had always been there, shielding him from

every storm.

When he got hurt, Leander would carry him home on his small shoulders without hesitation.

When conflicts arose with other heirs from Highcliffe’s prominent families, Leander always stepped in, defending him and leaving the opponents scrambling.

When Gareth punished him, it was Leander who secretly brought snacks from the kitchen, and the two brothers would huddle under the candlelight, savoring them together.

Even after Leander was exiled from the Ashcroft family, his fate unknown for nine years, Ethan never stopped thinking about him–the Leander who had cared for him with tireless devotion. He would never forget him.

“Leander!”

After a brief pause, Ethan called out, then hurried forward and grabbed Leander by the shoulders, his face brimming with emotion.

The brothers stood barely a foot apart, gazing at each other, their eyes full of the bond only blood could forge. Even Leander’s eyes flickered with subtle emotion and quiet nostalgia.

He reached out and lightly patted Ethan on the shoulder. “Kid… you’ve grown up.”

Those words struck deep in Ethan’s heart. That single “kid” transported him back nine years.

Since he could remember, Leander had never called him “Ethan.” It had always been “kid.”

That teasing, affectionate nickname warmed his heart, filling him with longing and memories he could never forget.

“Leander… it really is you. After all these years… I’ve missed you so much!” Ethan’s eyes glistened

mished

with unshed tears. For all his towering presence and manly pride, he couldn’t fully hold back the emotion welling inside him.

“I told you before,” Leander said, patting him lightly, his gaze clear and steady, “real men shed blood, not tears. What are you crying for?”

Seeing the brothers‘ bond still so strong after all these years, Lydia felt a surge of comfort. She wrapped her arms around both of them, her voice slightly choked. “Alright, you two rowdy boys, if you keep going. I’ll end up crying too.

“Today’s a day for our family to be happy. Let’s go inside.”

Ethan swallowed hard, forcing his emotions down.

“Yes! Come on, Leander, Mom, I’ll take you in!”

He led the way, with Lydia and Leander following closely behind.

Family reunion? Leander scoffed, not letting it affect him. But to spare Lydia’s feelings, he smiled lightly and said nothing.

Behind them, the butler Asher finally recovered from his shock.

“Is that really… Mr. Leander?” He shook his head in disbelief. “Nine years… and he’s truly back?”

Seeing Leander’s tall, commanding figure, Asher drew in a sharp breath. He clearly remembered how mercilessly Gareth had stripped Leander of his martial power and exiled him into the mountains. Back then, he had tried desperately to stop it, but even his efforts couldn’t break Gareth’s iron resolve.

He had carried that guilt ever since, hating himself for being unable to change Gareth’s mind. He had assumed Leander was long dead. And yet, here he was, back at the Ashcroft Residence.

But it was the young man beside her who left everyone puzzled.

“Who is that young man walking next to Lydia?” one of Gareth’s cousins asked, curiosity breaking the polite silence.

Nearby, a stunningly beautiful woman’s eyes flickered with recognition, as if a thought had just struck her.

Her name was Mira Ashcroft, a cousin of Leander and Ethan. She had spent her childhood playing alongside them many times. Seeing Leander appear with Ethan and Lydia, her eyes widened, and shock overtook her expression.

“Could it be… Leander?” she whispered.

Though her voice was soft, the hush in the hall amplified it, and everyone nearby heard her clearly.

For a moment, the entire room fell silent.

Nearly everyone present knew who Leander was–the once–celebrated prodigy of the Ashcroft family, the future head, the object of admiration for countless third–generation Ashcrofts.

Then, for reasons no one fully understood, he had vanished. Rumors had spread–some claimed he had fallen ill, others whispered that he had died in childhood.

Nine years passed without a sign of him. Nearly everyone believed Leander was gone.

And now… here he was, standing before them.

Many shook their heads in disbelief, thinking it impossible.

Only Gareth and Reginald’s hands trembled slightly. Even after nine years, how could they not recognize those deep, unshakable eyes?

Lydia stepped into the hall and swept her gaze over the room, about to speak, when Leander suddenly stepped forward.

His voice rang out, clear and commanding, shaking the hall.

“Gareth, do you remember what I said nine years ago?”