Chapter 252 Josiah WainwrightThe student council crowd streamed out of the restaurant, still buzzing from dinner. Laughter echoed as they split into groups, all headed toward Maplebrook Manor.For most of them, Maplebrook was the stuff of legends-a place dressed in luxury, spoken of but never seen. Tonight, thanks to Skyler, they finally had a chance to walk through those fabled doors. Nobody wanted to miss it.Many came from rich families, and almost all had their own cars. They slid into plush leather seats, windows rolled down, engines purring to life. One by one, they drove off in pairs or trios. Leander stood alone at the curb.Yvette and Ginny stayed with him, hands raised under the glow of the streetlight, trying to hail a cab. But it was rush hour. Cabs passed without slowing, every seat already full.From inside their warm cars, the others watched. Some wore smug smiles. Others shook their heads. Scorn sat heavy in their eyes for Leander. And pity followed-for Yvette.In Victor's car, Eleanor sat in the back beside Jade. She watched the scene unfold, then sighed and shook her head."I don't get Yvette. Colin or Skyler-either one of them is a hundred times better than that guy."Leander has no skills, no charm. He's rude, and now he's making Yvette stand there in the cold with him. Even Ginny's stuck waiting because of him. It's pathetic."She let out another long sigh and turned toward the window. Eleanor shook her head. She and Yvette were friends, and she thought it was a shame Yvette picked a broke kid over someone better.Jade and Victor traded quiet looks. Neither spoke, but the tension between them hung in the air.They knew better.Leander wasn't just some broke kid. He was the chairman of Jeff Enterprises. He didn't lack money. He just didn't care to flash it around."Eleanor," Jade said softly, "you really shouldn't speak so soon. Leander's not what he seems."Eleanor's laugh was low and bitter."No kidding. A broke guy chasing a Sitwell, and she's standing there like some side character, trying to catch a ride. That's not simple. That's just sad.”Jade didn't respond.She turned away and stared through the glass.Her eyes found Leander again, still standing there like he didn't have a care in the world. Calm. Silent. Still. He never looked out of place, no matter the moment. Something twisted inside her. If he hadn't kept everything hidden so well, maybe she would've seen him clearly. Maybe she wouldn't have let her chance slip away. And the regret only deepened.Across the street, a black Jeep rolled up beside the curb.The window slid down with a low mechanical hum. Skyler leaned out, smiling just enough to pretend it was friendly."Yvette, still waiting on a cab? Leander didn't bring a car?"His voice was casual, but his tone was full of mockery.A silver Ford stopped behind him. Dean stuck his head out the driver's window, hisgrin wide and obnoxious. “D*mn, this is how people flirt now?"Back in school, if you wanted to chase after the prettiest girl, you showed up in something nice. Benz, Porsche, roses-something. These kids today? Man, they've changed."He raised his voice on purpose. Yvette and Ginny could hear every word. From the back seat, someone let out a laugh that cut through the street like broken glass.Leander slid one hand into his pocket. His eyes scanned the cars without a word. The light in them changed, just for a second. The indifference faded, and something sharper took its place.He had let them talk because he didn't care. But even ants got crushed when they bit too hard.Yvette's eyes turned cold. Her face hardened, and the air around her seemed to still. Dean saw her through the windshield, his smirk fading. He slammed the gas, and the Ford sped off without another word.Skyler stayed at the window, leaning on the edge like nothing had happened. "Yvette, cabs are tough to get right now. Why don't you ride with us? We're all going the same way."Her gaze didn't flinch. Her voice stayed even. "No thanks, Skyler. You guys go ahead. We'll takecare of ourselves."Yvette's firm tone made Skyler nod."Alright. We'll wait outside Maplebrook Manor. If you can't find a cab, just give me a call. I'll come back for you."He gave Leander a final glance, then drove offOnce the car turned the corner and Yvette was out of sight, Skyler's smile disappeared. His eyes went hard, and his hands clenched the wheel. The plastic strained under his grip.He didn't get it. Yvette chose a guy who didn't even own a car. She'd rather freeze at the curb than sit beside him.His chest burned. His hands clenched his steering wheel so hard, it nearly got bent out of shape."Leander... when we get to Maplebrook, I'll show you what real power looks like."noveldramaBy now, the others had already left. Only Leander, Yvette, and Ginny stood by the road. Yvette turned toward Leander. Her voice dropped, full of guilt. "Leander, I'm sorry."I brought you here tonight because I wanted Skyler to face the truth. I wanted him to let go of whatever he's still hoping for. I thought he might corner me at the party and say something weird, and I didn't want to handle that alone."I didn't expect it to go like this."Earlier, she had taken Leander's hand just to stop him from reacting. Years ago, Skyler had saved her once. That memory still lingered, and she didn't want things to turn ugly between the two.But now, seeing how Skyler behaved, she felt sick about it.Leander shook his head. His voice was calm."You really think that kind of nonsense could get to me?"A cab pulled up. Leander stepped forward first.“Come on. Let's see what Skyler has planned."Yvette glanced at Ginny. Ginny gave a quiet sigh and followed.The three got into the cab. Twenty minutes later, they arrived at Maplebrook Manor,Out front, luxury cars lined the lot. Bright paint and polished chrome reflected the glow from overhead lights. License plates from every part of the region showed just how far guests had come. Skyler, Victor, and the rest stood waiting near the curb. When Skyler spotted Yvette, he stepped forward with a bright grin. You made it. I was about to come back for you."Yvette only gave a short nod. Her expression stayed cold.Skyler didn't seem to mind. He motioned to the group, and they all headed towardthe main entrance.The front of Maplebrook was alivesedans andwith movement. Men in tailored suits and women in sleek gowns stepped from sleek sedans and exotic cars. Every guest carried the weight of money and power. Theywalked with confidence andwatched everything like hawks.By the door, a young man stood tall in a sharp black suit. A white flower sat on his lapel. He stood like a soldier, rigid and still, with his chin high and his shoulders set. When he spotted Skyler's group, his mouth lifted in a quick grin. He strode over and gave Skyler a hard punch to the shoulder."Took you long enough."Skyler laughed and slapped his chest. "Come on. I could never forget Ravenridge'stop party spot."He turned to the others."Everyone, this is the guy I mentioned. We served in the military together."His name's Josiah Wainwright. Five years ago, he was one of the most famousguys in Ravenridge. They used to call him one of the 'Three Princes of Ravenridge. I'm sure you've heard of him."The group stiffened in surprise. A young man in glasses adjusted his frames and spoke in a low voice."Wait... Josiah? Frankie Wainwright's son?"