Chapter 189
The Arbitration Office had quietly placed Leander on their list. After a brief preparation, the seven arbitrators split up and infiltrated Astria in secret, unbeknownst to Leander himself.
Back in Ravenridge, after settling matters with Monica and her family, the Walsh family from Listin personally paid a visit the very next day. Not only did they return all of the Linsky Group’s shares, but they also shared most of their resources in Mornwick.
The corporate giants who had once taken part in suppressing the Linsky Group came one after another to apologize to the Sitwell family. Linden was caught between anxiety and joy, not knowing how to handle the sudden goodwill.
Yvette watched several high-powered tycoons behaving like juniors in her home. It all clicked- this was all because of Leander.
She let out a quiet breath, her eyes shining as emotion welled up inside her. You’ve rewritten my fate too many times. Is there even room left in my heart for someone else? The self-pity and despair she
once clung to had long faded. No matter how Leander felt about her, she knew there would never be another man for her.
On the top floor of Ninecrest Group, Leander reclined on a leather couch, flipping through documents Frankie had brought him.
“Mr. Leander, our group’s value has now entered the world’s top fifty and continues to rise. Previously, to establish the Phoenix Essence Pill’s credibility, we used specialists for endorsement.
“But now that it’s well-established and influential both at home and abroad, the marketing team recommends finding a major celebrity to endorse the next campaign,” Frankie reported respectfully. “I’ve shortlisted a few names. Once you decide, I’ll start negotiations p>
Leander closed the folder and set it aside. “A celebrity, huh? If it’s for Phoenix Essence Pill, pick someone young and popular—either a pop star or actor with solid domestic influence. Narrow it down from that list p>
Frankie nodded, already confident in his choice.
After chatting a bit more, Leander left the group building.
Half a month to go before heading to Highcliffe University. As he walked under the sunlit sky, Leander’s thoughts were already in Highcliffe-where promises still waited, where someone
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Chapter 189 You Are Actually Leander
was still waiting for him, and where the Ashcroft family owed him an explanation.
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At Rivergate Haven, Villa No.1, just as he was about to relax on the couch, the doorbell rang. He opened the door. “It’s you?” he said calmly.
Yvette stood there, bright-eyed.
“Something wrong?” Leander asked. “Did the Walsh family go back on their word p>
She quickly shook her head. “No. They returned everything and helped my dad establish partnerships with several major companies. I came just to see you.” She tilted her head and smiled. “Not going to invite me in p>
Though Yvette had always had a certain allure, she typically carried herself like an aloof goddess-unapproachable and cold. Now, every smile was gentle. But Leander seemed unmoved. “Suit yourself,” he said, waving her in.
Seated in the living room, Yvette took the juice he offered and finally got to the point. “Leander, would you come with us to Listin again p>
He looked puzzled. “Didn’t we just settle things with the Walsh family p>
“There’s an elite auction being held in West Listin these days. Madeline will be a special guest- she’ll be performing. It’s her first real concert since stepping into the entertainment industry. She invited me and Ginny to go p>
She hesitated, then continued gently, “In the nine months you were gone, she kept trying to find news about you, but never could. She’s still upset about what happened at Water Paradise- hasn’t forgiven herself. She’s been wanting to say sorry, but never got the chance. I was thinking that if you went, it would mean the world to her. If she saw you there, I know she’d be happy and feel more confident p>
Her gaze held his, nervous yet hopeful. Her reason was genuine, but part of her wanted him there, too.
“Her first concert?” Leander rubbed his nose. Since his last parting with Madeline, his feelings for her had cooled. At the thought of the late Hazel and the little girl who once followed him everywhere, he softened. “Alright. Let’s go have a look p>
Yvette’s face lit up in joy.
That afternoon, Leander, Yvette, and Ginny boarded a flight to West Listin. Leander leaned back by the window, watching the clouds pass while the girls chatted about Madeline’s recent growth.
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“She’s turned down so many commercial gigs,” Ginny commented. “Been studying music seriously, composing her songs. That one she sang for us-she wrote it herself! She’s going to be one of the top pop stars in all of Astria p>
Yvette nodded. “She’s got real talent. Glorious Entertainment is putting everything into shaping her image. If things keep going this way, she could be as big as Maeve p>
She glanced at Leander. She knew well that Madeline’s rise was thanks to the man sitting beside her. One word from him had carved out a smooth path for Madeline’s future.
Just then, a sweet voice came from across the aisle. “Hi there p>
They turned to see a curvy young woman smiling warmly. “Were you talking about Madeline from Glorious Entertainment p>
Yvette and Ginny exchanged surprised glances. “Yes, we were. She’s a close friend of ours. You know her, too p>
The girl nodded. “Then, you must be Yvette and Ginny-Madeline mentioned you. I know her too! We haven’t known each other long, but we’re good friends. What a coincidence, meeting you here! Nice to meet you. I’m Grace Barret p>
Delighted by the unexpected connection, the three quickly warmed to each other and chatted easily, their shared social circles giving them plenty in common.
At one point, Yvette turned to Leander. “Leander, this is Ms. Barret. She lives in West Listin and is one of Madeline’s good friends p>
As soon as Yvette said his name, Grace’s eyes sharpened, her smile vanishing. She studied him for a long moment, her expression shifting.
“So, you’re Leander? The one Madeline can’t stop talking about?” Her tone was sharp, full of mockery and disdain-nothing like the friendliness she’d shown the girls.
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