From Ruin to Reign Leander's Unbreakable Will novel Chapter 50

Chapter 50 Rivalry

Shirley’s eyes flickered slightly as she nodded at Leander. She quickly turned away as she felt a wave of disappointment wash over her.

Liam had invited her to a class gathering that night yesterday and mentioned that he would introduce her to a very impressive friend.

Shirley already had some feelings for Liam. Now, hearing about this important introduction made her hopeful. She wished that this friend of Liam’s was truly someone influential who could help her family out of their current troubles.

However, she found that although he was handsome and charming, he was dressed in cheap common brands upon meeting Leander. There wasn’t a single item on him that stood out. Even the watch he wore looked like it cost only a few dollars. What kind of background could a high school student like him possibly have?

As if sensing Shirley’s disappointment, Liam hurried to defend Leander. “Shirley, Leander is really impressive. You know our math teacher? The one who is such a pain? Leander can actually make that old man mince his words. The teacher can’t do anything about him sleeping in class!”

Liam continued, “And just the other day, the karate team from Crestgate High came to challenge our martial arts club. No one could match them, but Leander stepped up. He took on more than a dozen of them by himself and defeated them all!”

Shirley pretended to listen intently. She nodded occasionally, but her mind was elsewhere. What did it matter if Leander could solve problems or defeat a few karate players? Those feats that seemed trivial to her were like child’s play.

years.

Her grandfather had once been an official, and her father had been in business for Because of this, she had a more realistic view of the world and its values. The things Liam mentioned were hardly impressive in her eyes. If these were the accomplishments that counted as “greatness,” then there were countless impressive people in the world.

She couldn’t help but feel a sense of dread about her family’s situation.

Is this really all I can have with Liam? Should I choose someone else? She sighed internally.

She had liked Liam since her junior high days, but their feelings remained unspoken due to their youth. There was also another suitor at her school who was better off than Liam in many ways. Yet, she still leaned toward Liam.

However, recent family troubles caught her off guard. Therefore, she hoped that Liam’s impressive friend could help her family out. She might accept Liam’s confession if this friend turned out to be truly capable.

However, it seemed that all her hopes were in vain now. Leander was nothing more than an overly confident high school student.

Feeling a sense of resignation, she reluctantly considered her options. She might have to distance herself from Liam and accept the advances of her other suitor after tonight.

The other suitor seemed far more likely to resolve her family’s issues.

Liam felt a wave of anxiety wash over him as he sensed the chill in Shirley’s demeanor. He had no idea why and could only sit quietly beside her. In contrast, Leander remained unfazed and focused entirely on his meal.

As the meal progressed, a knock sounded at the door. Jade got up to answer it and revealed a young man in an Armani suit standing outside who was holding a glass of wine.

“Owen! Is that you?”

Jade stepped aside to welcome the newcomer.

Owen nodded at her, then walked into the room and raised his glass toward Victor.

“Victor, why didn’t you tell me you were coming? I only found out because the manager mentioned it. Come on, let me toast you!”

Owen was the son of the owner of the restaurant and had some connections with Victor, so he felt compelled to greet him.

“Owen, it’s just a class gathering. We didn’t want to bother you. Let’s share a drink!” Victor stood up and clinked glasses with Owen before downing his drink.

The classmates looked on in envy, with admiration filling their eyes. In Ravenridge, it seemed that Victor had connections everywhere. Even the son of the restaurant owner came to pay his respects. This was a clear sign of status and influence.

Shirley, who had been preoccupied with her thoughts, felt a slight shift in her expression upon seeing Owen. He exchanged a few words with Victor before turning his attention to Shirley. His face lit up with a smile.

“Shirley, why are you here?”

He hadn’t expected to find the class beauty dining at his family’s restaurant.

“I came with some friends,” she replied with a bit of force, Owen was her most notable admirer from school.

“Friends?” Owen’s sharp gaze darted to Leander and Liam and lingered for a moment. He felt a

twinge of annoyance but quickly masked it with a smile. “I’d like to know who Shirley’s friends are. I should get to know you better since we’re classmates. Let me toast to you!”

Liam frowned as his instincts told him there was something off about Owen and Shirley’s relationship. He couldn’t help but feel inferior when faced with someone like Owen despite his own feelings for Shirley.

Owen was tall and handsome. He was the son of the restaurant owner and clearly had a better background than Liam.

Liam finally mustered the courage to stand after hesitating for a moment. “Mr. Harmon, nice to meet you. I’m Liam, Shirley’s friend!”

Owen’s expression briefly turned dismissive before he responded. “Oh, Liam. Nice to meet you. Let’s drink that!”

Owen pretended to be friendly. He quickly finished his drink and then ignored Liam as he turned back to Shirley.

“Shirley, I’ve invited you to my family’s restaurant several times, but you always made excuses. Now that you’re here for the first time, I should take good care of you as the host!”

He snapped his fingers without waiting for anyone’s reaction. A signaling waiter added another chair to the table. He took a seat between Shirley and Leander.

The classmates felt some dissatisfaction but held their tongues. After all, Owen’s family owned the restaurant, and he was friends with Victor, so no one dared to speak up.

Liam’s face darkened. Tonight was supposed to be his chance with Shirley. Now, it felt like he had set the table for someone else to take advantage of his efforts.

Leander glanced at Owen and shook his head slightly. Liam’s dreams of winning over Shirley seemed to be slipping away with Owen’s appearance.