Rise of The Abandoned Husband (Liam Knight) novel Chapter 15
Chapter 15: Chapter 15 – The Target of Scorn: A Shocking Identity
Gideon Blackwood circled me like a predator, his eyes gleaming with contempt. Beside him, Seraphina Sterling smirked, her arms crossed over her chest.
“Look at him,” she sneered. “The great Liam Knight, eating scraps at our table.”
I kept my expression neutral, focusing on the plate of appetizers before me. The charity banquet bustled around us, glittering with Havenwood City’s elite. Music played softly in the background while waiters glided between guests with trays of champagne.
Gideon leaned in, his cologne overwhelming. “You should be grateful the Sterlings let you attend at all. Though I suppose someone needs to carry Seraphina’s purse.”
I met his gaze directly. “Enjoy your evening, Gideon. But remember my words when the night ends.”
“Is that a threat?” His eyebrows shot up, then he burst into laughter. “Did you hear that, Seraphina? Your pathetic husband thinks he can threaten me!”
Seraphina’s lips curled into a cruel smile. “Don’t waste your breath on him. He’s nothing.”
I returned to my food without responding. The shrimp cocktail was surprisingly good—fresh and perfectly seasoned. Small pleasures were worth savoring, especially when surrounded by people like these.
“Look at him,” Seraphina hissed. “More interested in stuffing his face than defending his honor. This is who I’m stuck with.”
“Not for much longer,” Gideon whispered, though loud enough for me to hear. “Once things change, you’ll be free of this burden.”
I wiped my mouth with a napkin. Their words couldn’t touch me anymore. Three years of constant belittlement had built calluses over those wounds.
As they continued their barbs, I surveyed the room. The Sterling family had connections, but they were minor players compared to some in attendance. The real power was concentrated at the head table, where the city’s true elite gathered.
“Gideon!” A voice called out, and Damian Prescott approached, his tailored suit announcing his wealth before he even spoke.
Damian was the son of Roland Prescott, arguably the richest man in Havenwood City. His family controlled much of the city’s real estate and had fingers in every profitable venture.
“Damian, excellent timing.” Gideon clapped him on the shoulder. “I was just explaining to our friend Liam here his place in the natural order.”
Damian barely glanced at me. “Sure, whatever. Listen, have you heard the news about the Ashworths?”
Gideon’s demeanor instantly changed, becoming more attentive. The Ashworth name had that effect on people.
“What about them?” he asked, leaning closer to Damian.
“They’ve been looking for young talent to sponsor. Word is that Isabelle Ashworth herself is in town, scouting prospects.” Damian’s voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. “Michael Ashworth’s granddaughter, can you believe it? The family hosted a private banquet last week.”
Seraphina’s eyes widened. “The Ashworths from Veridia City? Here in Havenwood?”
“The very same.” Damian nodded. “This could be huge for someone with the right connections.”
Gideon straightened his tie, a calculating look crossing his face. “Well, I’ve been expanding my business ventures lately. Perhaps it’s time the Ashworths and I were properly introduced.”
I continued eating quietly, watching their excitement build. The mention of the Ashworth family had transformed their postures, their voices, even their expressions. Power did strange things to people who craved it.
“I heard she’s looking for someone innovative,” Damian continued. “Someone with vision.”
“That’s me all over,” Gideon preened. “What do you know about her?”
“Beautiful, brilliant, and absolutely ruthless in business. Her grandfather is grooming her to take over the family empire.” Damian sipped his champagne. “Getting her endorsement would be like striking gold.”
Seraphina squeezed Gideon’s arm. “You’d be perfect! Your new development project is exactly what would impress someone like her.”
I couldn’t help but smile a little at their assumptions. They noticed.
Verify captcha to read the contentNew Chapters
Reading History
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Rise of The Abandoned Husband (Liam Knight)