From Outcast to Overlord: The Unyielding Heir Novel

Chapter 50 Rivalry Shirley's eyes flickered slightly as she nodded at Leander . She quickly turned away as she felt a wave of disappointment wash over her . Liam had invited her to a class gathering that night yesterday and mentioned that he would introduce her to a very impressive friend . Shirley already had some feelings for Liam . Now , hearing about this important introduction made her hopeful . She wished that this friend of Liam's was truly someone influential who could help her family out of their current troubles .

However , she found that although he was handsome and charming , he was dressed in cheap common brands upon meeting Leander . There wasn't a single item on him that stood out . Even the watch he wore looked like it cost only a few dollars . What kind of background could a high school student like him possibly have ? As if sensing Shirley's disappointment , Liam hurried to defend Leander . " Shirley , Leander is really impressive . You know our math teacher ? The one who is such a pain ? Leander can actually make that old man mince his words .

The teacher can't do anything about him sleeping in class ! " Liam continued , " And just the other day , the karate team from Crestgate High came to challenge our martial arts club . No one could match them , but Leander stepped up . He took on more than a dozen of them by himself and defeated them all ! " Shirley pretended to listen intently . She nodded occasionally , but her mind was elsewhere . What did it matter if Leander could solve problems or defeat a few karate players ? Those feats that seemed trivial to her were like child's play . years .

Her grandfather had once been an official , and her father had been in business for Because of this , she had a more realistic view of the world and its values . The things Liam mentioned were hardly impressive in her eyes . If these were the accomplishments that counted as " greatness ," then there were countless impressive people in the world . She couldn't help but feel a sense of dread about her family's situation . Is this really all I can have with Liam ? Should I choose someone else ? She sighed internally .

She had liked Liam since her junior high days , but their feelings remained unspoken due to their youth . There was also another suitor at her school who was better off than Liam in many ways . Yet , she still leaned toward Liam . However , recent family troubles caught her off guard . Therefore , she hoped that Liam's impressive friend could help her family out . She might accept Liam's confession if this friend turned out to be truly capable . However , it seemed that all her hopes were in vain now . Leander was nothing more than an overly confident high school student .

Feeling a sense of resignation , she reluctantly considered her options . She might have to distance herself from Liam and accept the advances of her other suitor after tonight . The other suitor seemed far more likely to resolve her family's issues . Liam felt a wave of anxiety wash over him as he sensed the chill in Shirley's demeanor . He had no idea why and could only sit quietly beside her . In contrast , Leander remained unfazed and focused entirely on his meal . As the meal progressed , a knock sounded at the door .

Jade got up to answer it and revealed a young man in an Armani suit standing outside who was holding a glass of wine . " Owen ! Is that you ? " Jade stepped aside to welcome the newcomer . Owen nodded at her , then walked into the room and raised his glass toward Victor . " Victor , why didn't you tell me you were coming ? I only found out because the manager mentioned it . Come on , let me toast you ! " Owen was the son of the owner of the restaurant and had some connections with Victor , so he felt compelled to greet him . " Owen , it's just a class gathering .

We didn't want to bother you . Let's share a drink ! " Victor stood up and clinked glasses with Owen before downing his drink . The classmates looked on in envy , with admiration filling their eyes . In Ravenridge , it seemed that Victor had connections everywhere . Even the son of the restaurant owner came to pay his respects . This was a clear sign of status and influence . Shirley , who had been preoccupied with her thoughts , felt a slight shift in her expression upon seeing Owen . He exchanged a few words with Victor before turning his attention to Shirley .

His face lit up with a smile . " Shirley , why are you here ? " He hadn't expected to find the class beauty dining at his family's restaurant . " I came with some friends , " she replied with a bit of force , Owen was her most notable admirer from school . " Friends? " Owen's sharp gaze darted to Leander and Liam and lingered for a moment . He felt a twinge of annoyance but quickly masked it with a smile . " I'd like to know who Shirley's friends are . I should get to know you better since we're classmates . Let me toast to you !

" Liam frowned as his instincts told him there was something off about Owen and Shirley's relationship . He couldn't help but feel inferior when faced with someone like Owen despite his own feelings for Shirley . Owen was tall and handsome . He was the son of the restaurant owner and clearly had a better background than Liam . Liam finally mustered the courage to stand after hesitating for a moment . " Mr. Harmon , nice to meet you . I'm Liam , Shirley's friend ! " Owen's expression briefly turned dismissive before he responded . " Oh , Liam . Nice to meet you . Let's drink that !

" Owen pretended to be friendly . He quickly finished his drink and then ignored Liam as he turned back to Shirley . " Shirley , I've invited you to my family's restaurant several times , but you always made excuses . Now that you're here for the first time , I should take good care of you as the host ! " He snapped his fingers without waiting for anyone's reaction . A signaling waiter added another chair to the table . He took a seat between Shirley and Leander . The classmates felt some dissatisfaction but held their tongues .

After all , Owen's family owned the restaurant , and he was friends with Victor , so no one dared to speak up . Liam's face darkened . Tonight was supposed to be his chance with Shirley . Now , it felt like he had set the table for someone else to take advantage of his efforts . Leander glanced at Owen and shook his head slightly . Liam's dreams of winning over Shirley seemed to be slipping away with Owen's appearance .