Chapter 390
Leander’s expression remained indifferent as he casually took the invitation.
“A grand banquet, huh? Seems like the Riverstone family has a lot of confidence in themselves p>
He walked past Dorian with Daphne by his side, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
“Don’t worry. I’ll be there tonight. Whatever tricks you’ve got, go ahead and use them p>
As Leander left, Dorian’s gaze shifted slightly, his face hardening with cold resolve.
“Jeff, tonight at the banquet, I’ll make you understand the true power of the Riverstone family p>
Although it was still midday, beneath the calm, the currents of rivalry and ambition were already swirling.
By 7:30 p.m., after dinner with Daphne, Leander headed straight toward the Celestial Pavilion on the east side of the city.
The Celestial Pavilion was a historic restaurant with an elegant, understated decor. Compared to Saffron House in the university district, it exuded a more refined, classical charm-pure, yet sophisticated.
Outside the pavilion, two towering stone pillars bore inscriptions.
‘Astria’s legacy spans a thousand years, its ancient ways crossing nineteen provinces p>
These were words left by the pavilion’s founder and had been preserved ever since.
The parking lot outside was already a spectacle of luxury cars, gleaming like a rain of opulence. Many bore vanity plates, while a few green military-style jeeps added an air of authority.
Leander and Daphne arrived, and since Daphne needed to meet the Florian family group, she stepped inside ahead of him.
Without Daphne by his side, Leander immediately attracted far less attention. Presenting his invitation at the entrance, he walked into the main hall. Few noticed him; most of the attendees were strangers to this plainly dressed young man.
Although the Southern Shore battle had shocked the four major elite families, only those who had been there that day truly knew Leander. Genuine recognition was
rare.
Leander took a Long Island iced tea from a waiter and found a seat near the edge of the hall, directly facing the stage—giving him a perfect view of everything.
Leaning back in his chair, he sipped his drink. Then, the click of high heels approached, stopping just in front of him.
“Leander p>
He set his glass down and looked up. Standing before him was a graceful figure.
Her hair was elegantly pinned, crowned with crystals like a royal princess. Emerald heels added a splash of color, and her long, perfectly straight legs made her stunning—a true beauty.
“It’s you p>
Leander glanced at her briefly, then looked away, his face neutral.
She didn’t mind. Instead, her eyes sparkled with delight as she sat down beside
him. It was Ginny, someone he hadn’t seen in a long time.
“Leander, it really is you! I thought I was imagining things p>
Ginny’s eyes shone with excitement. Since their meeting in Ravenridge, they hadn’t crossed paths again.
After graduation, Yvette had gone to Highcliffe University, while Ginny-slightly lower-scoring but passionate about performance-enrolled in the Academy of Film and Television.
Recently, she had seen Yvette almost every day, often talking about Leander, unaware that he, too, was in Highcliffe.
Leander tilted his head to drink, offering no response. Ginny, undeterred, leaned in a little closer.
“You’re here for the Riverstone family banquet too p>
Leander popped a piece of watermelon into his mouth and hummed in acknowledgment.
Earlier, Ginny hadn’t come alone. By her side had been a young woman dressed extravagantly.
Seeing Leander treat Ginny with such casual familiarity, the woman furrowed her brows. She slid down into a seat beside Ginny.
“Ginny, who’s this? Why didn’t you introduce me p>
She was Ginny’s roommate. The two shared interests and quickly became inseparable friends.
She had known Ginny for just over a month. During that time, she had already cycled through three or four boyfriends, mingling with several of Highliffe’s wealthy young men, building her social network and connections-a common practice at the Academy of Film and Television.
Ginny, however, was far more beautiful. Admirers lined up for her even in classrooms, including sons of many prominent families from Highcliffe, yet she had always kept herself pure, never showing interest in anyone.
Now, seeing Ginny act so intimately with a stranger, she was genuinely surprised.
“Oh, sorry, Arden! I was so caught up talking to him, I completely forgot about you p>
Ginny apologized and pulled her friend closer.
“Leander, meet my roommate, Arden Skye p>
Then, she turned to Arden, smiling sweetly. “Arden, this is Leander-the one I’ve told you about p>
Arden was dressed in opulent attire. Hearing Ginny, she felt her brows twitch slightly, and her expression wavered.
“Leander? Is this the all-powerful, perfect gentleman you’ve been telling me about p>
Ginny blushed immediately and tapped Arden on the arm.
“What are you talking about? He used to be my classmate, nothing more p>
She spoke with a shy glance toward Leander, only to find him calm and unbothered,
which secretly tugged at her heart.
“Ah, right, right—just a former classmate p>
Arden smiled coquettishly, but her eyes never left Leander.
She was one of the Academy’s new socialites, accustomed to rubbing elbows with
wealthy heirs. In her eyes, money and status were all that mattered.
Since their arrival, she had been sizing up Leander. His outfit, from head to toe, wouldn’t even compare to a single bracelet on her wrist. In a
hall futhor the city’s elite Leander
cheap, ordinary clothes made him stand out-not in a good way.
She kept a polite smile, but inside, she couldn’t hide her disappointment.
Ginny really has terrible taste in friends, she thought.
Ginny had once raved about a friend who was supposedly capable of anything almost mythical in skill.
Arden had never openly question et
it, but she had always been skeptical. When she saw Leander in person, her disappointment was palpable.
Especially in a banquet hall where the most distinguished guests sat closest to the stage, Leander was at the far end with no companion—a detail that only deepened her sense of disdain.
Leander didn’t glance at her, and she had no intention of interacting with him. She was planning to sit for a while before leaving.
At that moment, a young man dressed in Versace approached, smiling warmly.
“Ginny, Arden! You’re over here!
“The boss of Silverpeak Entertainment is also here. Perfect timing-I’ll introduce you two. Come on, Ginny. You’re new to this circle and not quite familiar with it yet. I’ll take you over p>
He spoke as he reached out, ready to escort Ginny along.
Faced with the young man’s outstretched hand, Ginny instinctively scooted closer to Leander, slipping out of reach.
She offered a subtle smile and spoke softly. “Mr. Harmon, I’m sorry. I’ve just run into a friend. As for the boss of Silverpeak Entertainment, maybe next time you can introduce me, but I’ll stay here for now p>
Her refusal was clear. The young man’s expression faltered for a moment. Then, his gaze shifted to Leander beside her, darkening with a subtle edge.
Sensing the tension, Arden quickly tried to smooth things over. “Ginny, look around—so many influential people are here tonight. CEOs and directors of major entertainment companies. Meeting them could do wonders for your future in the film industry. Any one of them could become a valuable ally.
“Mr. Harmon is just trying to give you a proper introduction, help you get your name out there. Don’t waste his effort this could make everything easier later on, no
matter which company you end up with p>
The young man’s voice grew stern. “Ginny, in this world, you have to seize opportunities. Don’t let trivial matters or friends without status-stand in the way of connecting with the real power players p>
He waved a hand toward Leander, his tone casual but commanding.
“Step aside. I’m taking Ginny with me p>
Just as he moved to step past Leander, a cold, sharp voice cut through the air.
“Get lost p>