Chapter 266 A True Hero"Destroy me?"Leander didn't show much of a reaction when he heard it—just lifted his gaze slightly, as if he found the whole thing mildly amusing."Do you think I'm joking with you?"Martha's tone sharpened, her eyes narrowing."Sawyer, the so-called 'Stock Genius' of Cranfordale? He is cocky as hell. He's gota big ego and a high opinion of himself-but no one can deny his skill.""He's used to being the smartest one in the room, totally arrogant, and he doesn't give a d*mn about anyone else-exceptMadeline. She's the one soft spot he's got.""If he catches wind of her being even a little flirty with you? Trust me, with the kind of ego he's packing, he'll go full psycho mode. He'll see you as a threat and won't stop until he crushes you."Martha kindly reminded, "The Locke family is just as powerful as the Shire family. Sawyer's dad, Bradley Locke, isn't just the richest man in Cranfordale-he runs half the city. Billions in assets, multiple private fleets, and total control over the Everflow River Valley."“Do you seriously think you can go toe-to-toe with Sawyer and the Locke family?" “So please, don't show up at the party tonight. In fact, it'd be best if Sawyer doesn't even know you exist. No need to paint a target on your back."Martha meant every word. She was being real-looking out for him. She genuinely cared about Leander and didn't want him at the birthday celebration-risking a clash with the petty and vindictive Sawyer.Even she, who could handle just about anyone, found dealing with Sawyer a massive headache.Standing nearby, Sylvia flicked her eyes over to Leander, curious to see how he'd take it.But Leander only smiled faintly, giving Martha a small nod."Appreciate the heads-up."Then, without another word, he turned and walked away.Watching his figure disappear, Martha let out a soft sigh."Sylvia, was I too cruel?"Sylvia's gaze was cold, unapologetic. "Martha, that wasn't cruel. That was the truth. Sugarcoating it would've been cruel.""If he had walked into that party blind, got targeted by Sawyer, and ended up wrecked? That would've been a whole different level of cruel."noveldrama"He and Madeline live in two completely different worlds. Forcing it will only end in heartbreak. I think even he knows that."Sylvia, the sharp-tongued prodigy from the Stonepeak Sect, spoke with the kind of blunt honesty that hit hard and left no room for argument. Martha couldn't help but admire her clarity.Still, seeing her friend a little too concerned about Leander, Sylvia rolled her eyes and teased with a smirk, "Speaking of love lives, you're 22 already, and your cousin Madeline's just 18 She's already got a marriage lined up, thanks to Old you?Mr. Shire. So, what allthese years, and still no one is goodenough for you?" Hearing Sylvia's teasing, Martha's cheeks turned slightly red. At twenty-two, she'd lost count of how many of Cranfordale's most eligible bachelors had come knocking at the Shire family's door, hoping to marry her and take her home.Among them were heirs to the city's wealthiest families, sons of high-ranking officials, and young men from powerful, prestigious lineages. But not a single one had caught her eye—and every proposal had been turned away by Clement at her request.Because of her business acumen and strong personality, Clement had always respected her wishes-so to this day, she still hadn't found a suitable candidate for marriage.Seeing Martha's expression, Sylvia grew serious. "In my opinion, the 'Stock Genius,' Sawyer, has business talent that rivals yours. You two are a perfect match!""Why hasn't Old Mr. Shire considered pairing you with Sawyer? If the two of you joined forces, what enterprise in all of Cranfordale could possibly compete with you?"Martha simply shook her head. Clement had indeed discussed this with her before, but in the end, she had rejected the idea.In her eyes, even the so-called "Stock Genius" Sawyer, hailed as the top young master in all of Kaldia, still fell far short of her ideal husband."Sylvia, the kind of man I'm looking for is a true hero among men-someone who stands abovethe rest!""Sawyer, Ronald, and the others may be dominant in Cranfordale, but in all of Astria, they're merely first-class at best. If not for their family backgrounds, their status wouldn't even be worth mentioning. With their capabilities, they're nowhere near the standard I have for a husband!"Faced with Martha's firm words, Sylvia could only shake her head helplessly."Yes, Ms. Stevens. You have high standards. Rich boys like Sawyer and Ronald lean entirely on their families. No wonder they're not good enough for you."Martha's bright eyes sparkled, and she suddenly smiled."What about you, Sylvia? Where's that hero Jeff Ashcroft you're always going on about? Have you met him yet?"At the mention of Jeff, the ever-composed Sylvia actually blushed slightly and shook her head."He's truly a man blessed by the universe, a hero in every sense of the word. He always seems out of reach. I've admired him for a long time, but I've yet to see him in person."She continued, "Not long ago, I metClaire from the Silvermoon Sect. She once had a brief encounter with Jeff. And with all of Claire's pride, she still described him as a peerless Fiero Unmatched in grace and strength. That alone says he's even greater than the rumors. If I ever got the chance to meet him, to witness his brilliance for myself, I'd consider thatmoment enough to make lifeworthwhile." Martha's eyes lit up as she listened to her close friend's soft musings, and her heartstirred as well.Sylvia was the most outstandingdisciple the Stonepeak Sect hadproduced in nearly 50 years- brilliant in talent and sharp in judgment. At only 21, she was already being viewed as a future successor of the sect. Many of the male disciples, despite their own talents, couldn't compare to her, and she had long been recognized as a leader among her generation. Martha had seen firsthand how even the likes of Ronald and Sawyer-figures who usually dominated every scene-would lower their pride and show deference to Sylvia. That was the weight Sylvia carried, along with the powerful Stonepeak Sect backing her.Someone like Sylvia, with a vision likely even broader than hers, never showed much interest when big-name heirs or so-called prodigies were mentioned-she'd usually just brush them off with a passing remark, barely reacting.But whenever Jeff's name came up, her eyes would light up, gleaming with excitement and admiration.Curious, Martha teased, "From everything you've said, now I really want to meet thisJeff!"“You'll have to introduce me to him someday. If he's really as incredible as yousay... maybe I'll fall for him too. Then I'd have to compete with you for him, wouldn't1?"