Chapter 264
Chapter 264 Two Paths.
“I hope you’ll cut ties with Madeline from now on. Leave her life completely”
A check lay on the table. Clement stared at Leander, a trace of sternness in his gaze.
Leander sat motionless, his expression unchanged. He picked up the cup and took a slow sip before replying calmly, “Old Mr. Shire, I’m afraid I don’t follow p>
Clement’s eyes turned cold. His tone left no room for courtesy.
“I think I made myself clear. Don’t pretend you didn’t understand p>
He added, “I want you to end all contact with Madeline. No calls. No messages. No encounters. I want you gone from her life-permanently. Do you understand p>
As he spoke, he watched Leander closely. Most people would have flinched at such words. But all he saw was calm indifference.
“Old Mr. Shire, I understand what you’re saying. What I don’t understand is why?” Leander raised his cup again, meeting the gaze of the aging war hero across from him.
“Why p>
Clement gave a cold snort.
“Because I’m her grandpa. Years ago, Hazel ignored my advice and stubbornly followed that b*stard. It tore the family apart and left her with a hard life. And now, Madeline’s just stepping into society-I won’t let history repeat itself p>
Though seated, Clement’s military bearing showed in the straightness of his posture and the authority he projected.
“According to Madeline, Hazel always treated you like her own. She even mentioned you in a letter she sent me. I once saw you as family, Leander-as a child of the Shire family. But after seeing the way Madeline looks at you, I can’t keep lying to myself. I won’t let you hold her back p>
Leander gently set his cup down, his tone steady.
“I’ve always treated Madeline like a younger sister. Why would I want to hold her back p>
Clement narrowed his eyes.
“That might be true from your side-but you don’t speak for Madeline.” He continued, “I won’t
claim to be a master judge of character, but I’ve lived long enough to know what I’m seeing. The way she looks at you is not sibling affection. It’s something else. It’s romantic. Hazel made one wrong step and paid for it with her life. I won’t let Madeline walk that same path p>
Clement’s gaze sharpened as he added, “Leander, I’ve been watching you since you walked in. And I’ll be honest-I’m impressed. You’re poised, respectful, and confident. Even sitting across from me, you don’t lose your composure.
“In today’s generation, that’s rare. You’re just as capable as any of the top military youth in Cranfordale. But you come from a low background p>
He shook his head slowly. “You look to be around twenty. Many of Cranfordale’s rising stars- your age or just a bit older-are already managing public companies, founding businesses, sitting as presidents or chairmen. And you? Tell me honestly- what have you achieved p>
Clement looked him up and down, comparing him to the elite young talents he’d seen: Sawyer, the Stock Genius; Luther Martin, son of the new nobility; Ronald Quigley, the trade prince of Stormcairn River; and the gifted disciples of the Stonepeak Sect.
Each of them shook the region with their brilliance.
These people-whether they had made a name for themselves in the martial world or were making waves in business-held significant status.
Whenever Clement met them, he could see their brilliance. They radiated drive and dominance with every word and gesture, their ambition as vast as the horizon. But when he looked at Leander, all he saw was a flat plain-calm, dull, lacking highs or lows.
Leander reminded him of those ancient scholars-aloof and reserved, yet lacking in real ability. One glance, and Clement could tell that Leander didn’t possess any remarkable talents.
Even if he did have some hidden strengths, Leander was still just a nameless boy saved by Hazel-no parents, no background.
In a world like this, lacking guidance or protection, even the most talented will struggle to succeed.
Clement had once relied on his martial skills and a recommendation from his father-in-law to join the Thundercliff Army, eventually rising to become its commander Sawy had the immense wealth of the Locke family behind him-a billion handed over for him to train with -earning him the title of “Stock Genius p>
Even Martha, the Shire family’s treasured granddaughter, only became known as the Business Queen of Cranfordale because her dad married into the Shire family, and they entrusted her with half their fortune.
Indeed, talent mattered–but what mattered more was having support, someone to rely on, a
platform to rise from, and opportunities to prove one’s worth. Without that foundation, ambition remained nothing more than empty talk.
In Clement’s eyes, Leander was no more than unpolished jade-unfit for the main stage.
“Achievements?” Leander’s eyes flickered, but he only offered a faint smile.
To him, titles like Chairman of Jeff Enterprises, the Mornwick’s Legend, or ranking first on the Astria Power Index weren’t things worth boasting about. They were simply part of his life, not badges of honor. So, he said nothing.
Clement misread his silence as tacit agreement. His tone turned heavier.
“Leander, since Hazel treats you like a son, technically, you should see me as your grandpa.
“I was a soldier-I don’t sugarcoat
things. Madeline is now a rising star
in Astria, the future queen of the
music industry, with Jeff Enterprises backing her. She has an unlimited future. But you? you’re still act
nobody. Hardly anyone even knows your name. It’s cruel, but it’s the truth.
“It’s clear Madeline likes you, but with her fame and reach, there are countless suitors vying for her attention-each with incredible power and background.
“To be frank, just three days ago, the Locke family proposed a marriage alliance. Sawyer has feelings for Madeline. The Locke family is wealthy and influential. A marriage between our families would only bring benefits, no downsides.
“I haven’t accepted yet-but after my birthday, I plan to give them an answer.
“I don’t care how you feel about Madeline. If you stay by her side, you’ll only hold
her back and stop her from reaching greater heights. That’s why I want you to leave.
I believe you understand p>
Clement pushed the check toward Leander.
“Take this. If it’s not enough, I’ll give you ten times more. All I ask is that you walk away from Madeline forever p>
“Of course, your also have another option. Join one of the companies under my name. Prove your value within three years, and
have
Martha promote you direct
president. If that day comes won’t
interfere in your relationship with
Madeline-no matter what it looks
like p>
The iron-blooded former commander of the Thundercliff Army laid two paths before
Leander.