Rise of The Abandoned Husband (Liam Knight) novel Chapter 100

100 Chapter 100- South City Peril: The Knotweed

Confrontation

The weight of the Knotweed in my pocket felt heavier than its physical mass as we pulled away from the auction house. Ten billion. The number still made my head spin. I glanced at Isabelle beside me in the passenger seat, her profile serene as she gazed out the window at South City’s fading skyline.

“I still can’t believe your father transferred the funds so quickly,” I said, breaking the

comfortable silence between us.

Isabelle turned to me with a small smile. “When I told my father it was important for you, he didn’t hesitate. He respects what you’ve accomplished, Liam.”

I nodded, feeling a strange mix of gratitude and discomfort. Having access to the Ashworth family’s wealth was still something I was adjusting to. Just months ago, I’d been scraping by, and now ten billion changed hands for me without a second thought.

“I’ll pay it back,” I promised. “Once I reach Foundation Establishment with this Knotweed, my abilities will increase exponentially. The income from my alchemy alone

will-”

“Stop,” Isabelle placed her hand gently on mine. “This isn’t a loan. It’s a gift.”

I reluctantly accepted her generosity with a nod, turning my attention back to the winding road. We were leaving the city limits now, heading into the more remote areas that would lead us back to the main highway. South City’s outskirts were beautiful – rolling hills dotted with ancient trees and the occasional estate of wealthy families who preferred privacy.

“You know, despite everything, I’ve always liked South City,” I mused, trying to lighten the mood. “There’s something about it that feels… authentic.”

Isabelle laughed softly. “Authentic? Is that what we’re calling the barely concealed power struggles and centuries–old family feuds?”

I grinned. “Exactly. No pretenses. At least here, the dangers announce themselves.”

My words died in my throat as I rounded a bend and saw vehicles blocking the narrow road ahead. Three black SUVS formed a barrier, and several men stood waiting. I

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1100 Chapter 100–South City Peril. The Knotweed Confrontation

recognized the central figure immediately – Asher Lane, his face set in smug satisfaction.

“Shit, I muttered, sing the car.

Isabelle tensed beside me. “I knew he wouldn’t let this go.”

1 assessed our options quickly. The road was too narrow to turn around, and the embankments on either side were too steep to drive over. We were effectively cornered.

“Isabelle,” I said, my voice calm despite the adrenaline now coursing through my veins, “stay in the car no matter what happens. Lock the doors.”

Her eyes flashed defiantly. “I’m not letting you face them alone.”

“Please,” I insisted. “If this gets ugly, I need to know you’re safe.”

Something in my expression must have convinced her. She nodded reluctantly as I brought the car to a stop about twenty feet from the blockade.

I squeezed her hand once before stepping out, closing the door firmly behind me. I heard the satisfying click of the automatic locks engaging as I walked forward to meet Asher Lane and his entourage.

Asher stood with casual arrogance, flanked by six men including the elderly servant who’d been with him at the auction. The old man’s eyes watched me with calculating intensity that sent a chill down my spine.

“Knight,” Asher called out as I approached. “I’m impressed you had the courage to stop. Most would have tried something desperate.”

I stopped about ten feet from them, keeping my hands visible but ready to move at a moment’s notice. “What do you want, Lane?”

“What do I want?” Asher repeated with exaggerated incredulity. “I want what’s rightfully mine. The Knotweed you stole from me today.”

“I didn’t steal anything,” I replied evenly. “I won it fairly at auction.”

Asher’s face darkened. “Nothing is fair when it comes to the needs of the Lane family. That herb was promised to me by the auction house. They knew I’d be bidding. Your interference was… unexpected and unwelcome.”

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** 100 Chapter 100 South Cay Peril. The knotweed Confrontation

I noticed the elderly servant shift his weight slightly, his eyes never leaving me. There was something dangerous about him that set my nerves on edge far more than Asher’s blustering.

I’m sorry you feel unat way,” I said carefully. “But the transaction is complete. The Knotweed is minc.

“Here’s what’s going to happen,” Asher said, his tone suddenly businesslike. “You’re going to hand over the Knotweed. Then, you’re going to cut off your own hand as payment for wasting my time.”

I couldn’t help the short laugh that escaped me. “You can’t be serious.”

“Deadly serious,” Asher replied without a hint of humor. “The Lane family doesn’t tolerate disrespect. Consider yourself fortunate I’m not asking for your head.”

I felt my cultivation energy stirring within me, responding to the threat. “I’m afraid I’ll have to decline both offers.”

Asher sighed dramatically. “I expected as much. You cultivators from Havenwood City never understand how things work in the south.” He nodded to the elderly servant. “Elder Wei, please educate our friend.”

The old man – Elder Wei – stepped forward with surprising grace for someone his age. “Young master,” he addressed me, his voice surprisingly gentle, “why make this difficult? You’re clearly talented, but you’re facing forces beyond your comprehension.”

I settled into a subtle defensive stance, “I understand perfectly well what I’m facing.”

Elder Wei’s lips curved in a patronizing smile. “Do you? I’ve killed men three times your strength without breaking a sweat.” He flexed his fingers, and I felt a surge of power emanating from him – the unmistakable aura of a late–stage Energy Gathering

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