Rise of The Abandoned Husband (Liam Knight) novel Chapter 138

138 Chapter 138 Victories, Warnings, and an Unwanted Summons

138 Chapter 138 – Victories, Warnings, and an Unwanted

Summons

I sat across from my grandfather in his private study, my heart racing as I waited for his response. The massive oak desk between us seemed to stretch for miles. Outside, rain pattered against the windows of the Ashworth family estate, matching my anxious

mood.

“Grandfather, you must understand how important this is, I pressed, leaning forward slightly. “What have you decided about Liam?”

Michael Ashworth’s weathered face remained impassive as he studied me. At eighty–three, he still commanded the room with his presence alone. His silver hair caught the light from the crystal chandelier overhead, and his eyes–the same shade as mine–revealed nothing of his thoughts.

“The family will not support him,” he said finally.

My heart plummeted. “But-”

“Isabelle,” he interrupted, raising a hand. “The Ashworth name carries weight. We cannot throw our support behind someone without careful consideration.”

I fought to keep my composure, though disappointment threatened to overwhelm me. “You don’t understand what he’s capable of. If you’d just meet him-”

To my surprise, a thin smile appeared on my grandfather’s face. “I said the family won’t support him. I didn’t say I haven’t been watching him.”

My breath caught. “What do you mean?”

He leaned back in his leather chair, steepling his fingers. “News travels fast in certain circles. Your Liam Knight has been quite busy in South City.”

“What happened?” I asked, suddenly alert.

“He defeated the Lane family,” Grandfather said, his tone carrying a note of grudging respect. “Made both Blaze and Asher Lane kneel before him, from what I hear

I couldn’t hide my shock. “Both of them?”

138 Chapter 138 Victories, Warnings, and an Unwanted Summons

“And an overseas grandmaster named Aldan Ortega. The Colossus, they call him: He raised an eyebrow. “Interesting company your young man keeps.”

Relief and pride washed over me. “I told you he was exceptional.”

“Exceptional, yes. But also dangerous. Grandfather’s expression grew serious. “He’s making powerful enemies, Isabelle. Enemies even the Ashworth name might not be able to protect him from.”

I straightened my back. “He doesn’t need protection.”

“Everyone needs protection in this world.” He sighed heavily, suddenly looking every bit his age. “The Lane family is small fry compared to what awaits him here in Eldoria.

“What do you mean?”

“The Thornton family has taken notice of him.” His words fell like stones in a still pond. “Their patriarch contacted me yesterday.”

I felt the blood drain from my face. Even I knew the Thornton name–a family rumored to have connections to the shadowy Veridia City Martial Guild. If they had taken notice

of Liam….

“What did they want?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

“Information.” Grandfather’s expression darkened. “About his background, his allegiances. They were particularly interested in how I know him.”

“And what did you tell them?”

“Nothing of consequence.” He waved a dismissive hand. “I merely acknowledged that he had rendered a service to our family in the past.”

I studied my grandfather’s face, sensing there was more. “But?”

“But they’ll be watching him closely now.” He leaned forward. “Isabelle, you m understand the danger. The Thorntons don’t simply observe–they eliminate threats.”

“Liam isn’t a threat to them,” l’insisted.

“Any rising power is a potential threat in their eyes.” Grandfather stood and walked to the window, gazing out at the rain–soaked gardens. “And your Liam Knight is rising very quickly indeed.”

138 Chapter 138 Victories, Warnings, and an Unwanted Summons.

I joined him at the window, my reflection pale against the glass. “Then help him, Grandfather. Use your influence.”

“To what end? To draw the Thorntons‘ attention to our family as well?”

“Because I believe in him,” I said simply. “Because he’s important to me.”

For a long moment, Grandfather said nothing. Then, softly: “You care for him that much?”

“I do.”

He turned to me, his expression softening. “In all my years, I’ve never seen you champion anyone like this.”

“He’s different, I whispered.

Grandfather studied me thoughtfully, then nodded once. “Very well. I can’t commit the family resources, but I’ll extend my personal protection.”

Relief flooded through me. “Thank you, Grandfather.”

“Don’t thank me yet.” His voice grew grave. “The path he’s on–the path you’re choosing to walk with him–is fraught with dangers you can’t imagine.”

“I’m stronger than you think,” I countered, squaring my shoulders.

A rare smile crossed his face. “Of that, my dear, I have no doubt.” He patted my hand gently. “You’re an Ashworth, after all.”

ess. Now Across the country, I stepped out of the sleek black car and surveyed Havenwood City through new eyes. Three months ago, I’d left this place humiliated and pow I returned transformed–a cultivator with abilities that most here couldn’t even comprehend.

“The security presence has increased significantly,” Eamon noted beside me, glancing at the military checkpoints that dotted the main thoroughfare.

I nodded, taking in the armed soldiers and armored vehicles. “The Sterling Group has friends in high places. They must have called in favors after the incident at their

offices.

138 Chapter 138 Victories, Warnings, and an Unwanted Summons

Eamon adjusted his glasses. “What’s our next move? I assume we’re not here for

sightseeing

“No,” I replied. “We’re here to complete what we started. The Johnson family needs to answer for their crimes.”

We checked into a modest hotel on the outskirts of the city–far from the luxury accommodations Eamon was accustomed to, but perfect for keeping a low profile. I’d just finished unpacking when my phone vibrated with an incoming call.

The number was familiar, though I hadn’t seen it in months. Seraphina Sterling.

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