From Outcast to Overlord The Unyielding Heir (Leander Ashcroft) novel Chapter 563

Leander told the driver to pull over. Both Ophelia in the back seat and the driver found it strange, unsure what he was about to do.

They both looked at him.

Leander sat in the front, silent for a moment, as if weighing something in his mind. Then, he raised a hand and pointed decisively in one direction. "Go that way."

The direction he indicated was nothing but endless yellow sand. Ahead, sand and dust churned violently, far harsher than the other routes, with visibility that could disappear at any moment.

"Mr. Ashcroft, are you sure you want to go that way?" The driver was familiar with most of the desert routes. When he saw where Leander was pointing, his expression shifted, a flicker of fear crossing his face.

"That area is known by the locals as the Kiss of Death. There are hidden currents of quicksand everywhere. One wrong move and it will swallow you whole. Sand tornadoes often form there as well. Even locals who know this desert well avoid it. Mr. Ashcroft, could you be mistaken?"

Even though the people above had instructed him to follow Leander's orders without question on this desert expedition, doubt still crept in.

Money mattered, but his life mattered more.

In the desert, one wrong move can get everyone in the car killed. If we lose our lives, what is there left to enjoy?

"No mistake. Trust me. This way." Leander looked indifferent. His expression was flat and final, as if changing his mind was never an option.

The driver hesitated, his expression full of uncertainty, until Ophelia finally spoke up from the back seat. "Leander, are you sure you are not mistaken?"

Her eyes flickered with tension as she lowered her voice. "I remember this desert area. My team and I passed through here before. Even the guide we hired warned us that this region was strictly off-limits. Anyone who goes in risks death.

"And now you want us to drive straight through it. Are you seriously treating our lives like a joke?"

Leander did not even glance at her. He kept his eyes on the driver. "You were assigned to bring me here, and your orders were to follow everything I say. If I tell you to take that route, you take it. Do not worry. If anything happens, I will take full responsibility."

After that, he finally turned to Ophelia. "We are going this way. If you are uncomfortable or have concerns, you are welcome to leave. I will give you a portion of water and food."

The coldness in his words made Ophelia freeze for a moment. This guy…

She felt a surge of grievance well up inside her.

I am the precious daughter of the Snowbrooks from Bladewick. I am also a fashion jewelry designer. Not just any designer, but someone who leads the entire industry.

Additionally, I work part-time as a print model and have appeared on the covers of numerous weekly magazines. Wherever I go, I am polished, glamorous, and constantly in the spotlight.

Even if I strip away every title and bit of shine, I am still a breathtaking beauty. Men fall for me everywhere. And yet when Leander looks at me, it is like he is staring at a stranger—someone who has no connection to him.

Getting even a few extra words out of him feels like pulling teeth. I seriously start to wonder if the desert sun has been roasting me for too long. Perhaps my looks have actually taken a hit, and that is why he treats me this way.

"So, have you made up your mind?" Leander asked calmly. His gaze was deep, unreadable, and stripped of any evident emotion.

Ophelia glanced around at the endless stretch of yellow sand. Her heart jolted. She clenched her jaw, then made her decision. "Fine. I will go with you."

…

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