Rise of The Abandoned Husband (Liam Knight) novel Chapter 50

50 Chapter 50 The Unseen Player: A Chorus of Scorn

50 Chapter 50 – The Unseen Player: A Chorus of Scorn

I stepped through the entrance of the business venue, with Eamon Greene trailing slightly behind me. The moment I crossed the threshold, I felt the weight of dozens of eyes turn in my direction. The conversation in the room dimmed momentarily before resuming with renewed intensity–now peppered with hushed whispers and

not–so–subtle glances my way.

Seraphina Sterling stood near the center of the room, her crimson dress a stark contrast to her pale skin. When our eyes met, her lips curled into a contemptuous smirk. Beside her, Gideon Blackwood whispered something in her ear, causing her to laugh–a sound that carried across the room like breaking glass.

“Ignore them,” Eamon murmured beside me. “Remember why we’re here.”

I nodded slightly. “I’m not worried about Seraphina or Gideon.”

The truth was, I wasn’t. They were minor players in today’s gathering, though they clearly didn’t realize it. The real power broker stood at the far end of the room- Sebastian Hawthorne, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit that probably cost more than most people’s monthly salary. He was surrounded by a circle of fawning businessmen, all desperate for his attention.

I watched as Gideon broke away from Seraphina and made his way toward Sebastian. Even from across the room, I could read their body language. Gideon was playing

messenger.

“Look at that,” I said quietly to Eamon. “Gideon’s about to earn his treat like a good

dog.

Eamon snorted. “Some things never change.”

Sure enough, Sebastian’s head snapped in my direction, his expression darkening as Gideon pointed toward me. Sebastian whispered something to the businessmen surrounding him, and several of them turned to stare openly at me.

“It looks like you’ve been announced,” Eamon observed dryly.

I shrugged. “Let them talk. Words are cheap.”

A server approached with a tray of champagne flutes. I declined with a small shake of

50 Chapter 50 The Unseen Player A Chorus of Son

my head. I needed a clear mind today. The server moved on to Famon, who also refused.

Across the room, the circle around Sebastian had grown. I recognized many faces- major players in Havenwood City’s business scene. All of them competing for Sebastian’s favor, hoping for a piece of the Soul Nourishment Pill business. If only they

knew.

“Mr. Knight,” a familiar voice called out. “What an unexpected surprise

I turned to find Jasper Monroe approaching, a false smile plastered across his face. He was a mid–tier businessman from Havenwood City who had crossed paths with me before–and made his disdain abundantly clear.

“Mr. Monroe,” I acknowledged coolly. “I didn’t realize you’d be attending

“Oh, I wouldn’t miss this opportunity,” he replied, his voice carrying just loud enough to draw attention. “Though I’m curious–what exactly brings you here? Surely not business?”

Several nearby conversations paused as people turned to listen.

“The same as everyone else, I replied evenly. “Interest in the Soul Nourishment Pills.”

Monroe laughed too loudly. “Interest? Come now, Mr. Knight. Everyone knows you’re just riding the Ashworths‘ coattails. What could you possibly contribute to this discussion?”

I felt Eamon stiffen beside me, ready to intervene, but I subtly gestured for him to stay

quiet.

“Perhaps I’m the old Chinese medicine doctor everyone’s been asking about,” I suggested with a slight smile.

Monroe’s laughter died in his throat, uncertainty flickering across his face before he doubled down. “You? Don’t be absurd. That doctor is supposed to be a master of ancient techniques, not a failed live–in son–in–law.”

His words drew chuckles from those listening in. I simply watched, mentally noting each face that smiled at my expense.

“The pills work miraculously,” another businessman chimed in. “My father’s arthritis improved after just one dose. No offense, Knight, but that kind of formulation is

50 Chapter 50 The Unseon Player: A Chorus of Scor

beyond someone of your… background.”

“No offense taken,” I replied mildly. “I’m glad your father found relief”

“See? Even he admits it, Monroe pressed, growing bolder with his audience. “Knight’s just here hoping to pick up scraps from Hawthorne’s table like the rest of us small fish.

The group around us had grown. I noticed Sebastian watching from across the room, a satisfied smirk on his face as he observed my public humiliation.

“I believe Mr. Knight has misunderstood the nature of today’s gathering another voice added. This time it was Marcus Pierce, owner of a chain of luxury hotels. This is for serious investors and potential partners, not curiosity seekers.”

I remained silent, watching the performance unfold around me. Every man trying to one–up the others with increasingly pointed jabs at my expense. All to impress Sebastian Hawthorne, who continued watching from a distance.

Finally, Sebastian himself approached, silencing the group with his presence alone.

“Mr. Knight,” he said, his voice carrying a practiced smoothness. “I must say, you have a remarkable talent for inserting yourself where you don’t belong.”

I met his gaze steadily. “Mr. Hawthorne. I was just thinking the same about you.”

A ripple of shocked murmurs passed through our audience. No one spoke to Sebastian Hawthorne that way.

Sebastian’s eyes narrowed slightly, but his smile remained fixed. “Bold words from a man who lost everything and now survives on charity”

“Is that what you think?” I asked,

“It’s what everyone knows, Sebastian replied, gesturing around the room. “Look around you, Knight. Every person here has earned their place through years of business acumen and strategic relationships. What have you done except fail spectacularly at maintaining a marriage?”

The barb stung less than he hoped. That life seemed so distant now, almost like it had happened to someone else.

“I’ve learned to recognize true value,” I replied simply. “Something you seem to struggle with.”

50 Chapter 50- The Unseen Player: A Chorus of Scom

Sebastian’s jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. “You speak of value? Your entire worth could be written on a postage stamp.”

Before I could respond, a hush fell over the room. Roman Volkov had arrived, commanding attention without saying a word. Tall and confident, he moved through the gathering with the case of a man who knew exactly what he was doing.

Sebastian immediately pivoted away from me, his attention shifting to the new arrival. The crowd followed suit, abandoning our confrontation to swarm around Roman.

“Mr. Volkov!” Sebastian called out, his voice warm with false camaraderie. “We’ve been eagerly awaiting your arrival.”

Roman nodded politely but made no move to engage with Sebastian directly. This subtle snub wasn’t lost on anyone in the room.

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