Rise of The Abandoned Husband (Liam Knight) novel Chapter 98

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98 Chapter 98–The Billion–Dollar Weed and a Silent Rival

98 Chapter 98 – The Billion–Dollar Weed and a Silent

Rival

I couldn’t sleep that night. My mind kept running through the techniques needed to transform Isabelle’s jade pendant into a Protective Dharma Amulet. By the time dawn broke, I’d already mapped out the entire alchemical process in my head.

But that would have to wait. This morning, we had another auction to attend–one that promised rare cultivation resources I desperately needed.

“You look tired,” Isabelle remarked as we entered the grand hall. She adjusted the jade pendant at her neck, the emerald stone catching the light.

“Just focused,” I replied with a small smile. “There’s a specific jade I need to acquire today.”

The auction hall was even more crowded than yesterday’s event. Wealthy cultivators from various factions had gathered, their auras subtly probing the room–sizing up competition. I kept my own energy carefully contained, not wanting to draw unnecessary attention.

As we took our seats, I noticed a young man enter with an elderly attendant. The younger man carried himself with the unmistakable bearing of someone born into power–cold eyes, refined features, and an expression of perpetual disdain. What caught my attention, however, was the old man beside him. His energy was carefully concealed, but I could sense tremendous power lurking beneath his humble

appearance.

“Who’s that?” I whispered to Isabelle.

She followed my gaze. “That’s Younger Lord Lane from the northern provinces. His family controls several major mines and rare herb gardens. The old man is his personal advisor and protector.”

The auction began with the usual pomp and circumstance. I sat through the initial offerings with growing impatience until the auctioneer finally announced the item I’d been waiting for.

“Next, we have a rare Imperial Green Jade of exceptional purity. Notice the perfect

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98 Chapter 98 The Billion–Dollar Weed and a Silent Rival

translucency and the depth of color. This grade of jade is increasingly difficult to find. We’ll start the ling at eight million.”

I immediately raised my paddle. “Eight million.”

Several other paddles went up, quickly driving the price to twelve million. One by one, bidders dropped out until only two remained–myself and Younger Lord Lane.

“Fifteen million,” I called out, pushing myself to the limit of what I could afford.

Younger Lord Lane’s cold gaze flickered toward me momentarily before he raised his paddle. “Sixteen million.”

The elderly man beside him leaned in to whisper something. Whatever he said caused the young lord to straighten slightly.

“Seventeen million,” I countered, feeling sweat form on my brow. This was beyond what I’d planned to spend, but this jade was essential for my next breakthrough in

cultivation.

“Twenty million,” Younger Lord Lane responded without hesitation.

My heart sank. I couldn’t go higher without bankrupting myself. Just as I was about to concede defeat, Isabelle calmly raised her paddle.

“Thirty million,” she announced clearly, her voice carrying throughout the hall.

A murmur rippled through the crowd. Younger Lord Lane’s eyes narrowed as he looked directly at Isabelle, then at me. After a moment of tension, he lowered his paddle with a barely perceptible nod.

“Thirty million going once… twice… sold to Miss Ashworth!” the auctioneer declared, unable to hide his excitement at the unexpectedly high price.

I turned to Isabelle, stunned. “You didn’t have to do that.”

“I wanted to,” she replied simply. “Consider it an investment in our partnership.”

Before I could respond, the auctioneer presented the next item. “Ladies and gentlemen, we now have a true treasure–a Hundred–Year Ginseng King. Observe the humanoid shape and the rich amber coloration, signs of its exceptional age and

potency.”

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98 Chapter 98–The Billion–Dollar Weed and a Silent Rival

The audience gasped appreciatively. Even from a distance, I could see something was off about the ginseng. Its energy signature was weak, depleted.

“A hundred million rting bid for this exceptional specimen,” the auctioneer

announced.

Several paddles shot up immediately. I remained still, studying the ginseng more carefully. Despite its impressive appearance, I could tell it had been partially processed already–someone had extracted most of its medicinal properties while preserving its outward appearance. It was worth perhaps a tenth of the starting bid.

From across the room, I noticed Younger Lord Lane was also not bidding. His eyes held the same assessment I’d made. Our gazes met briefly, and I realized he’d recognized the same flaw. He was more knowledgeable than I’d given him credit for.

The ginseng eventually sold for one hundred and twenty million to a jubilant collector who had no idea he’d just been swindled. I almost felt sorry for him.

“You didn’t bid,” Isabelle observed.

“It was depleted,” I explained quietly. “Someone already extracted its essence. The buyer paid for an empty shell.”

The auction continued with various items changing hands for astronomical sums. I . was beginning to think we wouldn’t see anything else of value when the auctioneer

called for attention.

“Now, ladies and gentlemen, we present our star item of the day.”

An assistant carried out what appeared to be a small pot containing a withered, unremarkable plant with knotted stems and dull leaves, Confused murmurs spread through the audience.

“This unassuming specimen,” the auctioneer continued, “is a wild knotweed harvested from the depths of the ancient Blackmist Valley.”

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