From Ruin to Reign Leander's Unbreakable Will novel Chapter 379

"Yvette?"

Leander's eyes flickered with surprise.

It had been quite some time since he last saw her. After leaving Ravenridge, he'd accompanied Madeline to Cranfordale, then spent a full month serving as Chief Instructor at Southern Wyvern Blade. When he later came to Highcliffe, he knew Yvette was studying at Highcliffe University, but he'd never sought her out—and their paths had never crossed.

By now, it had been almost two months since their last meeting. He hadn't expected to run into her here, of all places.

He glanced at Yvette briefly, then looked away, with no intention of saying hello.

Things between them were no longer tense, but they were far from close. He had helped her plenty, and they had spent a fair amount of time together, yet there was still a quiet distance between them—neither friends nor lovers.

And seeing her surrounded by classmates she clearly knew well, he had even less reason to interrupt. So, he stayed where he was, quietly seated.

"Whoa, I think I just saw Yvette—the campus beauty!"

Nathan, fresh off a hole-in-one, exclaimed in surprise and smacked Evander's shoulder.

"For real? Where?"

The moment the words campus beauty left Nathan's mouth, both Evander and Luke perked up, their eyes darting eagerly around the room.

"Over there!"

Nathan pointed toward the Royal Table near the center. The two followed his gaze—and instantly spotted Yvette, dazzling as ever amid the crowd.

She wore a light blue dress, simple flat shoes on her feet, yet no amount of modest styling could hide her natural grace. Every gesture, every smile carried the quiet poise of an heiress. Her skin was like porcelain, her lips soft and red, her light makeup elegant and refined.

Beside Yvette stood another woman—striking in her own right. She wasn't quite on Yvette's level, but she was still the kind of beauty that could turn heads in any crowd. The two seemed close, chatting animatedly by the table.

Not far from them, a young man in a crisp white shirt held a cue stick with practiced ease. He was effortlessly handsome, his poise commanding attention.

With a few casual shots, he sank three balls in a row. Cheers erupted around him, especially from the girls. Their eyes gleamed with admiration, hoping he'd glance their way.

Even Yvette's friend couldn't hide the spark in her eyes, clearly intrigued. Yvette, however, remained calm—her expression serene, untouched by the commotion.

When the man straightened and his gaze swept toward Yvette, admiration flashed unmistakably in his eyes. He was clearly one of her many admirers.

Every other man in the room seemed to fade beside him. The entire billiards lounge revolved around his presence.

"Who's that guy? He's really putting on a show," Evander muttered, adjusting his glasses with a teasing grin.

Nathan paused before answering. "That's Corin Cole. Big name. He's the grandson of Old Mr. Riverstone from the western region—and the reigning champion of this pool hall. His skills are nearly on par with the pros."

Evander and Luke both looked startled. "Wait, that Riverstone family? The one with two generals from the western region?"

Nathan nodded. "That's the one. This place gets crowded with girls all the time—nine out of ten are here just for him. He's a sophomore at Highcliffe University too. Rumor has it, he's one of Yvette's more determined suitors."

At that, Evander and Luke immediately shrank back, their earlier courage evaporating.

The Riverstones from the western region weren't just any family—they rivaled the nation's most powerful houses. Even an offspring of that bloodline was far beyond their reach.

Both of them turned toward her, but Yvette didn't seem to hear a word. Suddenly, she stepped over the divider lined with plants and started walking quickly toward the other side of the room—her pace half a run, as if she couldn't wait another second.

Corin and the girl exchanged confused glances, clearly at a loss.

Nathan sighed. "Man, this is boring. Maybe I'll call Livia and the others to come hang out—"

Before he could finish, a whiff of perfume brushed past him.

All three—Nathan, Luke, and Evander—froze in disbelief as Yvette strode straight up to them, stopping right in front of Leander.

"When did you come to Highcliffe? Why didn't you tell me?"

Her voice was soft, her smile bright as spring sunlight. She leaned in, lowering herself slightly until her face was almost touching his. The closeness was intimate enough to draw stares from half the room.

"Don't get so close," Leander muttered, shooting her a look. He pressed his palm lightly to her forehead and pushed her back a little.

"Sit."

He gestured casually to the chair beside him. And just like that, the famously aloof campus beauty—usually cool and untouchable—pulled out a chair and sat obediently next to him, her shoulder nearly brushing his.

Nathan, Evander, and Luke were stunned into silence, their eyes wide with disbelief.

Across the room, Corin stood frozen, staring blankly at the scene.

It took him a long moment to process what he was seeing. Then, his hands slowly clenched into fists, his nails biting deep into his palms as anger flared in his eyes.