Chapter 258 ConvincedThe remainder of the power behind that name froze Josiah.He was the man who had created Jeff Enterprises and stood above every power in the region. The very man Frankie wanted to introduce him to. The one who was supposed to become his mentor. If Mr. Leander could teach him some moves, he could rise to the top and even show his inner strength for Wyvern Blade's selection.And that man had been sitting in front of him the whole time.At Leander's table, every face shifted.Frankie, Gumus, Tommy-each of them was a major player in Mornwick. But now, they stood before Leander with their heads bowed. The man everyone thought was just some dropout now had titans kneeling to him."Mr. Ashcroft?" someone whispered nearby.One after another, business tycoons and elites began murmuring. These weren't common folk. They had seen enough to recognize power when it stood in front of them.Who else could they be talking about? It must be the one who ruled Mornwick and controlled Jeff Enterprises from the shadows."Mornwick's Mr. Ashcroft?""God, it's really him. The rumors were true. He's young. I never believed it.""They say he's untouchable in martial arts. That must've been his power that crushed Elric and Adrian."The whispers turned to a storm. Every eye fixed on Leander. The men looked shaken. The women stared in awe. Some looked like they were seeing a legend walk among them.Across all of Mornwick, there was no name more feared or more respected than Mr. Ashcroft."That's Mr. Ashcroft?"Skyler's face twitched again. His lips parted, but no sound came out.Since making it into Wyvern Blade, he thought he was untouchable. He looked down on almost everyone. Josiah. Frankie. Anyone without his badge.He thought nobody in Mornwick could truly scare him.Except for a few names. And now, one of those names was standing in front of him. The man he mocked. The one he tried to belittle. The one he had called weak.He had dug into Leander's background. Found out he lived at Number One, Rivergate Haven. Knew he was close to Frankie. So, he figured Leander was just Frankie's runner. Some low-tier assistant. Nothing worth a second thought.But now that belief shattered like glass.Leander wasn't just some middleman. He was Mr. Ashcroft-the man who ruled over an entire province. The one whose name made even powerful men fall quiet. Skyler's vision narrowed. The pride he'd held so tightly slipped away without a fight. He was twenty-three, chosen for the Wyvern Blade program, and on track for greatness.But Leander was even younger. And he had already built a world–dominating empire, controlled assets in the billions, and stood at the head of a global powerhouse. In every category-wealth, reach, reputation-Leander was unmatched. Not just among their peers, but across the board. Even Skyler had to admit it now. Whatever he had done, it wasn't enough. Not by a long shot.His chest felt crushed under a weight he couldn't shake. He had thought Leander was some cocky kid. An easy mark. But now, that same man stood at the top like a dragon in flight. Skyler couldn't even see the peak from where he was standing.In the hall, Ravenridge's three strongest figures bowed low before Leander.He didn't even nod. He kept his hand in his pocket and turned to Josiah."You told me I didn't belong in the VIP section. You tried to throw me out. Say it again."Josiah's arms hung limp at his sides. The pain was sharp, but it was nothing compared to the chill crawling up his spine. When he met Leander's eyes, it felt like he had fallen into a frozen pit.He had never seen Leander before today, but he had heard the stories. Frankie spoke of Leander with a respect he reserved for no one else. That alone had told Josiah Leander was far beyond ordinary.And now he had seen what that meant. Leander had snuffed out two heirs like it was nothing. He didn't even break a sweat. Josiah's whole body started to shake."You stupid b*stard!"Frankie's voice cracked like thunder. His palm struck Josiah across the face, snapping his head sideways."You ran wild in Ravenridge, acted like nobody could touch you. I had to pull strings to sendyou to the military, hoping it would toughen you up!"I figured a few years would knock the arrogance out of you. But look at you now- still the same d*mn fool!"Why in God's name did you cross Mr. Leander? You tried to throw kimout of this room? Do you know whyI'm even allowed to host this I'm evenbanquet tonight? Why I still have a place in this city? "It's because of Mr. Leander!Everything I have-everything weethave, came from hint. And you still had the nerve to challenge him? What the hell were you thinking?" The veins on Frankie's forehead bulged. His rage flared. He kicked Josiah square in the ribs and sent him tumbling.He had wanted to take his son to Leander after the banquet. He had planned to ask Leander for guidance. Maybe even get him to help Josiah awaken inner strength.But now? Josiah had spat on that chance. He had done more than screw up. He had turned himself into a liability."Kneel!"Apologize to Mr. Leander!"Frankie's shout rang across the hall.Josiah's eyes went wide. He couldn't believe what he had just heard. His father, who had always shielded him, was ordering him to kneel. In front of everyone."Dad..."His arms were useless. His body throbbed from the blows. Surely this was enough. Surely he had paid. He didn't move."I said kneel!"Frankie didn't wait. He stepped forward and drove his foot into the back of Josiah's knees. Josiah crumpled to the ground."You're not getting up until Mr. Leander forgives you. You can stay here and rot if you have to."Frankie's voice wavered for a second, but he gritted his teeth and didn't back down.To him, Leander wasn't a man. He was a force of nature. Even if his son had crossed the line, there was no saving him now.Josiah clenched his jaw until his teeth felt like they'd crack. Rage and shame tangled in his gut. But when he looked up and saw Leander's cold, hollow stare, all of that heat bled away. noveldramaHis head dropped. "Mr. Leander... I am sorry."The words scraped out of him like broken stone. One of the so-called Three Princesof Ravenridge, kneeling here, begging for forgiveness.Leander didn't blink. His hand stayed buried in his pocket. His eyes didn't evenflicker."What you did tonight was enough for me to kill you. But you're Frankie's son. So, Ionly broke your arms. Do you accept your punishment?"Josiah's teeth ground together, but he gave a nod."I accept it."Leander looked away like Josiah wasn't even there."Next time this happens, you won't leave alive."Then he turned. His eyes landed on Skyler, who looked like the blood had drainedfrom his face.Skyler's heart dropped into his stomach.