Rise of The Abandoned Husband (Liam Knight) novel Chapter 198

198 A Rival’s Public Humiliation

198 A Rival’s Public Humiliation

“Ladies and gentlemen, we now come to our recognition of exceptional alumni contributions. This year, we are honored to announce an unprecedented donation that will transform our institution for generations to come.”

My breath caught. Alistair stood from his scat several rows ahead, making his way to the stage with his characteristic confident stride.

I looked up to find Fiona Xu standing over me, her designer dress hugging her curves perfectly, her smile sharp as a blade.

Heads turned our way. Alistair’s face flushed with embarrassment.

Vera checked her phone and typed back:

Alistair’s smile faltered momentarily. “Happy to support my alma mater,” he replied, but the wind had clearly been taken from his sails.

She smirked. “And he’s yours.”

Alistair hesitated, but Fiona had already created a scene. Other guests were watching curiously.

My ex–husband was about to receive recognition from the man I was now involved

with.

Was it my imagination, or had he slightly emphasized the amount, making it sound small compared to his own contribution?

“Mr. Everett, we thank you for your contribution,” Sebastian said, his voice professional. “One hundred million will certainly make a difference to our medical facilities.”

Fiona’s face had gone pale beside me. I couldn’t help but feel a small thrill of satisfaction.

Fiona, still gloating at the tension she’d created, hadn’t noticed him approaching. Alistair, however, had. The blood drained from his face as Sebastian Sinclair- billionaire, philanthropist, and clearly something significant to me–closed in on our table like a storm gathering force.

198 A Rival’s Public Humiliation

My stomach dropped, but I refused to let it show. “How nice for you.”

“Still hiding behind your phone, Hazel? Some things never change.”

The ceremony concluded, transitioning into an evening gala with performances and dinner. We moved to assigned tables in the transformed gymnasium. Sebastian had been seated at the president’s table, while I was with other design alumni.

Fiona’s smile tightened. “At least my father didn’t lose everything in a scandal, Vera.”

I smiled at her unwavering confidence in me. Before I could respond, a shadow fell

across my screen.

As the confrontation mounted, I caught sight of Sebastian across the room. He was watching us intently, his expression

Parkening as he took in the situation.

I placed a hand on Vera’s arm, stopping her retort. “Thank you for the information, Fiona. If you’ll excuse us, the ceremony’s continuing.”

“Mr. Sebastian Sinclair has committed 1.5 billion dollars to establish the Sinclair Innovation Complex, which will include cutting–edge laboratories, startup incubators, and scholarship programs for underprivileged students.”

He flinched. “Hazel, please.”

As Sebastian returned to his seat, the president continued, “We have another generous contribution to recognize today. Mr. Alistair Everett has donated 100 million dollars toward our new medical research center.”

*“Everyone’s watching him. He’s in another league entirely.“*

“Education changed my life. I’m simply ensuring it continues to change others.”

“Nonsense! Alumni should mingle.” She turned to Vera and Cora with false brightness. “You don’t mind, do you? I’ll just borrow the other empty chair for myself.”

## Hazel’s POV

I pulled out my phone, texting Vera despite her sitting right next to me:

“Hazel Shaw?”

Without waiting for permission, she pulled out the chair on my other side and sat down, effectively trapping me between her and Alistair.

198 A Rival’s Public Humiliation

Alistair looked as uncomfortable as I felt, his eyes darting around as if searching for

escape.

“Look who I found wandering around,” she said with mock sweetness. “Mr. Everett was just telling me how he knows you.”

“At least we don’t have to worry about Alistair bothering us,” Vera said as we settled in. “He’s probably at some VIP table.”

Our eyes met briefly. In that moment, I saw something shift in his gaze–a cold determination that sent a shiver down my spine.

“Fiona, this isn’t appropriate,” Alistair muttered.

The crowd hushed in anticipation.

“One hundred million,” I whispered. The same man who had told me six months ago that he couldn’t spare even ten million to save my struggling company. The man who had claimed financial constraints while abandoning me for my sister.

The tension at the table was suffocating. Vera looked ready to stab Fiona with her dessert fork, while Cora’s eyes had widened in alarm.

*“So what? You’re Hazel Shaw. You belong in any league you choose.“*

Vera squeezed my hand. “Did you see his face? Priceless.”

“He’s incredible,” I whispered to Vera beside me.

He stood from the president’s table, excusing himself with a polite smile. Then he began making his way toward us, his movements unhurried but purposeful.

Sebastian remained on stage, I now realized. As chairman of the alumni association, he would be presenting these awards.

“I’m not hiding, Fiona. Just having a private conversation.”

Sebastian owned the stage with a natural charisma that left me breathless. His voice resonated through the auditorium, commanding attention without effort. I couldn’t tear my eyes away.

Before I could respond, she pushed Alistair toward the empty chair beside me. “Why don’t you sit here? I’m sure you two have so much to catch up on.”

198 A Rival’s Public Humiliation

“Unimaginable,” I finished for her.

“I’m just asking after my dear stepsister. The one you left me for on our wedding day, remember?”

Alistair reached the stage, extending his hand to Sebastian with a practiced smile. Sebastian shook it firmly, his face revealing nothing as he handed over the plaque.

“About Sebastian Sinclair, no doubt.” She slid into the empty seat beside me, uninvited. “I saw you arrive with him. Clever move.”

“Your Sinclair certainly knows how to put someone in their place without saying a word,” Cora observed quietly.

Fiona leaned forward, clearly delighting in the drama. “Oh my! I knew there was a scandal, but I didn’t realize it was quite so… soap opera.”

I couldn’t deny the satisfaction I felt watching Alistair’s moment of glory completely overshadowed by Sebastian’s presence. For six years, Alistair had made me feel small, inadequate. Now he stood diminished beside Sebastian’s greatness.

I nearly choked on my wine as I looked up to find Fiona standing beside our table, her arm linked through Alistair’s.

“Yes, we’re acquainted,” I replied coldly.

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