From Ruin to Reign Leander's Unbreakable Will novel Chapter 481

"Mr. Dunphy, don't you think you're out of line?" Liam's hands curled tight at his sides, and his fingers twitched with barely restrained anger.

Fire roared under his ribs, although he forced himself to stay composed. He couldn't afford to provoke the man confronting him.

Shirley watched with stiff shoulders and tense eyes. Disgust flashed across her face, although fear kept her quiet.

The Stanton Academy students clustered behind Linton and strutted around like they owned the place. Their looks toward Liam dripped with mockery. In their eyes, Liam wasn't a rival—he was background noise trying to stand center stage.

"You think I'm crossing a line?" Linton lifted a brow and released a low, dismissive laugh. His chin tilted up as if Liam wasn't worth a full glance.

Liam's voice caught in his throat, leaving him frozen.

Leander leaned back comfortably, one arm stretched over the couch. He looked ready to speak until something outside the window caught his attention.

"Huh?" His gaze sharpened on a narrow alley far down the street. A small grin tugged at his mouth.

Linton kept pressing his advantage. "Liam, I brought you into the Highcliffe scene because you were new and respectful. You spend a few months here and suddenly think you're somebody? Don't tell me you forgot how you begged to follow me around just to get your foot in the door."

A sting shot across Liam's face. Every word was a reminder of how powerless he felt. He couldn't even sit and share drinks with Leander without someone stepping on him.

He glanced toward Leander and noticed him still staring out the balcony window, completely unfazed. That silence hit harder than Linton's insults.

He thought back on everything since they reunited. Whenever chaos erupted, Leander handled it. Whenever Leander stayed seated, Liam discovered he was powerless.

More footsteps echoed from the stairs. A woman in a long velvet dress walked toward them, hips swaying in a practiced rhythm.

"Mr. Dunphy, everyone's on their feet. Doesn't that kill the party?"

Her voice melted into the room like warm caramel. Half the men within earshot leaned forward. Her smile alone felt dangerous.

She was the kind of beauty that derailed common sense.

"Rubyanne!" Linton's eyes lit with hunger before he forced the reaction down and flashed an easy grin.

Rubyanne approached with steps that looked choreographed. One look at the tension in the room told her everything she needed to know.

She smiled at Linton, warm enough to soften steel. "Mr. Dunphy, every guest here is welcome. This table belongs to Mr. Preston and his friends. Please take the second-floor lounge for me, alright? All drinks for your group are on the house tonight."

Her voice, posture, and curves worked together like a trained weapon. Several guys around the floor stared openly. Even Liam sneaked a quick look.

Linton's expression shifted.

"Since Rubyanne asked, fine. I'll give her that respect."

He shot Liam a cold glance.

"You got lucky. Don't forget who stands above you."

Then he wrapped an arm around Rubyanne's waist.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify