Rise of The Abandoned Husband (Liam Knight) novel Chapter 168

168 Chapter 168 – A Debt of Gratitude, A Looming Threat

“It’s really over?” Clara asked, staring at the two beetle–like parasites in her small palm. Her voice quivered with a mixture of relief and lingering fear.

I nodded, taking the dead creatures from her hand. “They won’t bother you a

you anymore.”

William Vance hovered anxiously behind us, his face etched with concern. “Those things were inside my daughter all this time? Causing her nightmares?”

“Yes. They feed on negative emotions, particularly fear and grief.” I closed my fist. around the parasites, summoning a flicker of spiritual fire to my palm. The creatures crumbled to ash, which I brushed away. “They’re completely destroyed now.”

Clara’s eyes widened as she watched the display of power. “That was so cool! How did you do that?”

“Clara,” her father admonished gently, “remember what we discussed about asking too many questions.”

I smiled reassuringly at them both. “It’s just a technique I learned. Nothing to worry

about.”

But internally, I was far from calm. The dark energy I’d absorbed from the parasites churned inside me, foreign yet somehow familiar. My Chaotic Body had readily accepted it, incorporating this new dark power alongside my golden qi. It felt like opening a door I wasn’t sure I should have unlocked.

“Will the nightmares come back?” Clara’s question pulled me from my thoughts.

I placed a hand on her shoulder. “No. Your sleep should be peaceful from now on.”

Relief washed over William’s face. “Mr. Knight, I can’t thank you enough.”

“There’s no need for thanks,” I said, rising to my feet. “But I am curious–have you. had any unusual visitors lately? Anyone who might have had access to Clara?”

William frowned, thinking. “No one comes to mind. We keep to ourselves mostly.”

Clara tugged at her nightgown. “What about Mrs. Peterson from next door? She brought those weird cookies last month.”

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168 Chapter 168 A Debt of Gratitude, A Looming Threat

The elderly woman who walks with a cane?” William shook his head. “I doubt she’s planting parasitic creatures, sweetheart.”

I made a mental note to look into their neighbors anyway. These parasites were rare and difficult to obtain. Someone had deliberately targeted this family, and I needed to find out why.

“I should go,” I said, checking my watch. “But call me immediately if anything unusual happens.”

William walked me to the door, his voice low. “What do I owe you for this?”

“Nothing” I replied firmly. “Consider it a professional courtesy.”

Outside, I took a deep breath of the cool night air. The dark energy inside me seemed to pulse in response, eager to be used. It was powerful–dangerously so–and represented a cultivation path I’d never seriously considered. The potential was undeniable, but so were the risks.

As I drove home, my phone rang. Alistair Northwood’s name flashed on the screen.

“Liam,” his voice came through crisp and business–like. “I’ve got information on those. herbs you asked about. There’s a promising location outside the city. We should go tonight if you’re available.”

“Tonight?” I glanced at the clock on my dashboard. “It’s already past nine.”

“These particular specimens are best harvested under moonlight,” Alistair explained. “I can pick you up in an hour.”

I thought about the dark energy still settling inside me, the need to understand what I’d done. “Let’s make it tomorrow night. I have something to take care of first.”

After disconnecting, my phone immediately rang again. Clara’s name appeared on the

screen.

I answered, puzzled. “Clara? Is everything alright?”

“I’m fine!” Her voice bubbled, with excitement. “No nightmares! I tried taking a nap after you left, and nothing bad happened. No shadow, no whispers, nothing!”

I smiled despite myself. “That’s good to hear.

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168 Chapter 168 A Debt of Gratitude, A Looming Throat

“Dad says I need to thank you properly,” she continued. “Can I treat you to dinner tomorrow? Please? I know the best barbecue place!”

I hesitated. The last thing I needed was social obligations, especially with everything else happening. “That’s really not necessary-”

“Please?” she begged. “Dad never lets me go anywhere fun, and he said this would be okay since it’s to thank you.”

I sighed, thinking of Isabelle and how I’d rather spend my limited free time with her. But I heard the genuine gratitude in Clara’s voice.

“Alright,” I relented. “Just a quick dinner.”

“Yes!” she exclaimed. “I’ll text you the address. Pick me up at six!”

The call ended before I could respond. I shook my head, wondering what I’d gotten myself into.

The next evening, I arrived at the Vance residence precisely at six. William answered the door, looking significantly more relaxed than he had yesterday.

“She’s almost ready,” he said, ushering me inside. “I can’t tell you how much better she seems already. It’s like having my daughter back.”

“I’m glad to hear it, I replied sincerely.

William lowered his voice. “She’s been through so much since her mother passed. These nightmares were the last thing she needed.”

Before I could respond, Clara bounded down the stairs. I blinked in surprise. The sullen girl in a nightgown had transformed into a teenager trying desperately to look older. She wore a tight–fitting top, short skirt, and what appeared to be a touch of makeup.

William frowned. “Clara, I thought you were wearing the blue dress we picked out.” She rolled her eyes. “Dad, that’s a little girl’s dress. I’m thirteen.”

I shifted uncomfortably, caught between their father–daughter dynamic. Clara grabbed her purse and headed for the door.

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168 Chapter 168 A Debt of Gratitude; A Looming Threat

“We won’t be late, Mr. Knight knows I have a curfew,” she called over her shoulder.

William gave me an apologetic look. “She’s at a difficult age. Thank you for humoring

her

“Of course,” I replied, following Clara out the door.

In the car, she immediately took control of the radio, switching to a pop station and turning up the volume. I turned it back down.

“So where exactly is this barbecue place?” I asked.

She grinned. “It’s this little stand by the river. Not fancy, but the food is amazing. Turn left at the next light.”

As we drove, I couldn’t help but notice how different she was from Isabelle. Where Isabelle was graceful and composed, Clara was all nervous energy and impulsiveness. The stark contrast only made me miss Isabelle more.

Clara’s directions led us to an increasingly remote area along the riverbank. Eventually, we pulled up to a small clearing where several wooden tables surrounded a smoking grill station. A handful of patrons sat eating, most of them rough–looking men.

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