"Get lost."Leander's voice was calm, almost casual, and he still held a glass of wine in his hand. But there was no mistaking the absolute authority behind his words. The young man in front of him froze mid-step, unable to move forward for a moment.Arden's eyes widened in surprise. Leander looked refined and gentle, the kind of man who seemed uninterested in talking to anyone. Yet when he spoke, it was sharp, decisive, and unyielding.She glanced at Owen Harmon beside her and suddenly realized just who she was dealing with. Standing here was one of Highcliffe's most prominent heirs—the only son of the Harmon family.And Leander actually dared to tell him to get lost?Arden shook her head, a cold sense of foreboding creeping in.Sure enough, after a few tense seconds, Owen's expression snapped into focus. A flicker of ice passed through his eyes."You told me to get lost?"He stepped closer to Leander, a faint, unsettling smile playing at his lips.He was the heir of the Harmon family. Few in Highcliffe's younger generation could dare speak to him like this. And the rest? At most, they could stand on equal footing, but who would ever be so audacious as to challenge him openly?"Maybe I wasn't clear enough," Leander said, glancing at him sideways, his eyes cold and detached.Owen laughed, a short, sharp sound."Ha, kid... I have to admit, you're bold.""I was only planning to leave with Ginny and not bother with someone like you," he continued, voice rising with controlled arrogance, "and yet here you are, stepping up to make yourself known."He tapped his chest, his expression radiating pride."In Highcliffe's social circle, few people don't know me-Owen Harmon. And you dare tell me to get lost? Even if I agreed, do you think my friends would?"He deliberately raised his voice, and immediately, several people nearby turned to look. Their expressions were calculating, their eyes sharp.These were Owen's friends, almost all of them scions of Highcliffe's major families. Normally, they moved as a single unit with Owen at the center.Any conflict Owen had, they witnessed firsthand. One word from him, and they would all rise.Many of them sneered silently. Leander was a stranger here, clearly not from Highcliffe's circles. Owen's family was prestigious—the Harmon name, while not at the very top like the Ashcrofts or Florians, still ranked among the strongest second- tier families.Owen was the only male heir, highly favored by his grandfather and groomed to take over the family. His wealth, connections, and influence far surpassed those of an ordinary young heir.For Leander to challenge Owen here was nothing short of foolish. It was like deliberately picking a fight he couldn't win.noveldrama"Owen Harmon?"Leander didn't even glance at the people gathering around. He let out a mocking smile."You can't even compare to Highcliffe's top heirs, and yet you dare announce your name to me?"He set down his glass, picked up a piece of fruit, and didn't spare Owen a second thought.Even someone like Tycen or Rodrick, a top-tier heir, would lower his head in silence before him. A mere Owen? Hardly worth noticing.Owen's eyes went icy."Are you trying to get yourself killed?"His gaze narrowed, radiating danger. If this weren't the Riverstone family's banquet tonight, he wouldn't hesitate to act—but just from Leander's words alone, he could have easily crushed him.Owen's killing intent simmered beneath the surface, and several of his companions tensed, eager to spring into action.At this, Arden's eyes narrowed sharply. Without thinking, she stepped forward, placing herself between Owen and Leander."Mr. Harmon, please, don't get angry!"This is Ginny's good friend, visiting from out of town-he doesn't know your name. Don't take it personally."She lifted her glass and bowed slightly."Mr. Harmon, let this cup stand as his apology. Please, overlook it and don't mind him."She then shot Ginny a quick look."Ginny, aren't you going to raise a glass to Mr. Harmon?"Although Arden disapproved of Leander's behavior, she and Ginny were roommates, sharingeverything. Seeing how much Ginny seemed to care for Leander, Ardencouldn't just stand by.If she did nothing and Leander actually clashed with Owen, she feared the localheirs would destroy him without mercy.Owen sneered as his gaze shifted to Ginny. Leander barely registered in his mind, his real target was Ginny. If she understood the rules and was willing to apologize witera drink he might spare Leander. But Ginny didn't react as expected. Instead, she grabbed Arden's arm."Arden, you don't need to apologize for Leander. He has always been like this." Her eyes cooled as she looked at Owen."Mr. Harmon, we're acquaintances, so I'll give you a fair warning: if you know what's good for you, walk away. If he decides to take you seriously, things won't be so simple."Owen might have influence and power, but Ginny had seen Leander's invincible might firsthand—a force above all. A second-tier heir from Highcliffe was no match.Arden froze at Ginny's words, and Owen's expression also shifted in shock. After a long moment, he laughed harsh, cruel."Good, good, Ginny, you've got guts."You think being crowned the Academy of Film and Television's campus queen makes you special? To us, you're nothing more than someone anyone could buy and crush."I looked at you with respect, and this is how you repay me? Defending this kid?" His lips curved into a cold, cruel smile."Let me make it simple for you. After this banquet, I'll make this kid kneel before me and beg for mercy. As for you. if you want that supporting fentale role you can strip and serve me in bed tonight." Ginny's expression instantly darkened, while Arden stood frozen, utterly speechless.She had intended to save the situation, but Ginny's words had instead lit the fuse.The scene had spun beyond her control.As she frantically considered how to salvage it, Leander stood up.He shook his head lazily, his tone calm but edged with disdain."I didn't come here tonight to waste time on a clown like you, but apparently, you justcan't stop talking."With that, Leander reached out with one hand, grabbed Owen by the collar, and gave a light toss.Whoosh!Owen, over a hundred pounds, flew through the air in a humiliating arc, smashinginto the corner and crashing through four or five wooden tables in a row."Ugh!"Blood streamed from Owen's head as several teeth flew from his mouth. For a long moment, he couldn't get back on his feet.The sight made everyone present stiffen, their shock barely contained.Leander actually struck him?This was the Riverstone family's banquet, attended by the top eighty percent ofHighcliffe's elite. Every person here carried influence, wealth, or both.To cause a scene at such an event was not just disrespectful to the Riverstones—itwas a public insult to all the prominent guests in attendance.And yet Leander, just a reckless kid, dared to do it?