Rise of The Abandoned Husband (Liam Knight) novel Chapter 63

63 Chapter 63 – Isabelle’s Intervention: Defending Honor, Building Bridges

63 Chapter 63 – Isabelle’s Intervention: Defending

Honor, Building Bridges

The slap echoed across the marble floor, silencing every conversation in the vicinity Nora Donovan’s head snapped sideways, her red hair flying as she staggered backward. The imprint of Isabelle’s hand bloomed crimson on her cheek.

I stood frozen, hardly believing what I was witnessing. Isabelle Ashworth–the epitome of poise and social grace–had just struck someone in public.

“I warned you,” Isabelle said, her voice dangerously soft. “Insult Liam one more time, and there would be consequences.”

Nora’s hand flew to her face, her eyes wide with shock before narrowing with renewed

have

my father-‘ hatred. “You struck me! Do you

any idea who

“Your father is currently nursing several broken bones,” Isabelle cut in, “courtesy of the very man you just called ‘trash.‘ Perhaps you’d like a more personal demonstration of why that was unwise?”

The crowd around us had expanded into a perfect circle, everyone maintaining a careful distance while ensuring they didn’t miss a moment of the spectacle.

“How dare you defend him?” Nora hissed, regaining some composure. “He’s nothing but a pathetic leech who-”

The second slap was even harder than the first. This time, Nora stumbled back into Lucas Rhodes, who caught her awkwardly.

“That’s two,” Isabelle said calmly, lowering her hand. “Would you like to try for three?”

I stepped forward, placing a hand gently on Isabelle’s arm. “Isabelle, it’s fine. She’s not worth it.”

Isabelle didn’t look at me, her gaze still fixed on Nora. “No, it’s not fine. I won’t have anyone speaking about you that way. Not in my presence.”

Lucas finally seemed to recover from his shock. “Miss Ashworth, I must protest this treatment. Do you know who I am? My uncle is on the city council, and-”

“Ah yes, Councilman Rhodes,” Isabelle interrupted, turning her cool gaze tim. “The

63 Chapter 63 – Isabelle’s Intervention: Defending Honor, Building Bridges

same uncle currently under investigation for accepting bribes from the Hansen Development Group? I’m sure he’d be thrilled to have his name brought into another public scandal.”

Lucas paled visibly. I watched the calculation in his eyes as he reassessed the situation.

“Miss Ashworth,” he began again, his tone significantly more subdued. “I apologize for the disruption. Nora is… upset about her father’s recent injuries. She spoke without thinking.”

“Is that right?” Isabelle raised an eyebrow. “Because it sounded quite deliberate to me?

Nora tried to shake off Lucas’s restraining hand, but his grip tightened. “Lucas, let me go! I’m not finished with—”

“Yes, you are,” he said firmly, then turned back to Isabelle. “We’ll be leaving now. Please accept my sincere apologies for the disturbance.

He began steering a still–protesting Nora toward the exit. Just before they reached the door, he glanced back at me, something like grudging respect in his expression.

“Mr. Knight,” he said with a slight nod, “it seems I underestimated your… connections.”

As they disappeared through the doorway, the crowd began to disperse, conversations resuming with renewed energy. I turned to Isabelle, who was straightening the sleeve of her emerald dress as if nothing unusual had occurred.

“That was… unexpected,” I said quietly.

Her eyes met mine, still bright with indignation. “She deserved worse. I’ve never particularly liked Nora Donovan, but her behavior tonight was inexcusable.”

I couldn’t help but smile. “I think you made that abundantly clear.”

“Did I embarrass you?” she asked suddenly, a flicker of vulnerability crossing her face.

“No,” I said honestly. “I’m just not used to having someone defend me like that.”

“Well, get used to it.” She looped her arm through mine. “Now, there’s someone I want you to meet.”

As she guided me through the crowd, I felt the weight of numerous stares. The whispers followed us: Who exactly was Liam Knight to command such fie loyalty

<

63 Chapter 63–Isabelle’s Intervention: Defending Honor, Building Bridges

from Isabelle Ashworth?

I was wondering the same thing myself.

“There he is,” Isabelle murmured, nodding toward a distinguished older gentleman standing near the bar. “Leopold Shepherd, manager of Eldoria Bank.”

“The largest financial institution in three counties,” I recalled. “Why do you want me to meet him?”

“Because connections are currency, Liam,” she said, her voice low. “And it’s time you started building your own portfolio.”

Before I could ask what she meant, we’d reached Mr. Shepherd. He turned at our approach, his face lighting up with recognition.

“Miss Ashworth! A pleasure as always.” He clasped Isabelle’s hand warmly before turning his attention to me. “And you must be Liam Knight. I’ve heard some interesting

rumors about you, young man.”

I’shook his hand firmly. “Only believe half of what you hear, Mr. Shepherd.”

“The half where you humbled Robert Donovan in combat, or the half where you’ve become Miss Ashworth’s most trusted advisor in a matter of weeks?” His eyes twinkled with intelligence and curiosity.

“Both are true,” Isabelle interjected smoothly. “Liam has proven himself exceptional in multiple arenas.”

“High praise indeed, coming from you.” Mr. Shepherd studied me with renewed interest. “What’s your background, Mr. Knight?”

“Medicine, primarily,” I answered. “Though I’ve developed other interests recently.”

“Liam is being modest,” Isabelle said. “He’s an extraordinary doctor. His diagnostic skills are unmatched in Havenwood.”

Mr. Shepherd’s expression shifted subtly. “A doctor, you say? Any particular specialty?”

“I focus on integrative approaches,” I replied carefully. “Combining traditional techniques with more… innovative methods.”

“Interesting.” He swirled the amber liquid in his glass, seemingly lost in ought for a

63 Chapter 63 – Isabelle’s Intervention: Defending Honor, Building Bridges

moment. “My wife, Eleanor, has been unwell for some time. The specialists at Havenwood General have been less than helpful.”

Isabelle gave me a meaningful glance. “Perhaps Liam could offer a consultation? His approach is quite different from conventional medicine.

I understood immediately what she was doing, and played along. “I’d be happy to see Mrs. Shepherd, if she’s willing”

“Would you?” Relief flashed across the banker’s face. “Eleanor has been suffering for months. I’ve tried everything–brought in specialists from as far as Capital City, but nothing has helped.”

“What are her symptoms?” I asked, professional interest genuinely piqued.

“Chronic fatigue, joint pain, recurring fevers that come and go without explanation. The doctors keep suggesting it’s psychosomatic, but I know my wife.” His frustration was evident.

I considered for a moment. “Those symptoms could indicate several possibilities that conventional testing might miss. When did they first appear?”

“About three months ago, after we returned from our anniversary trip to the Southern

Isles.”

“Interesting,” I said, already mentally cataloging potential diagnoses. “I’d need to examine her and review her medical history, but there are several tropical conditions that might present that way.”

Hope sparked in the man’s eyes. “Could you come to our home tomorrow? I’ll pay whatever fee you ask.”

“Let’s not worry about payment yet,” I said, surprising myself with my confidence. “Let me see if I can help Mrs. Shepherd first.”

“You’re a godsend, Mr. Knight.” He pulled out a business card and handed it to me. “Our address is on the back. Would two in the afternoon work?”

“Perfectly.”

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Mr. Shepherd excused himse‘ o speak with another guest. As soon as he was out of earshot, I turned to Isabelle.

63 Chapter 63 – Isabelle’s Intervention: Defending Honor, Building Bridges

“That was your plan all along, wasn’t it?”

She smiled enigmatically. “I may have heard through my network that Leopold Shepherd was desperate to find help for his wife.”

“And you just happened to position me as the solution.”

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