Rise of The Abandoned Husband (Liam Knight) novel Chapter 132

132 Chapter 132 – A Treacherous Gift and a Newfound

Power

Ellis Mitchell’s smile was a portrait of humility as I opened the door to my hotel room. Gone was the arrogant sneer I’d come to associate with him. In its place was an expression of contrition so perfect it would have fooled anyone who hadn’t spent years reading people’s intentions. D

Anyone but me.

“Liam,” he said, his voice soft and respectful. “I know this is unexpected. May I come in? I’d like to apologize properly.*

I studied him carefully. Ellis was Caesar Nolan’s right–hand man–or had been until recently, according to my sources. His sudden appearance at my door, especially after yesterday’s incident at Midnight KTV, couldn’t be coincidental.

“An apology?” I repeated, letting skepticism color my tone. “That’s certainly a surprise.”

Ellis held up his hands in a gesture of surrender. “I know, I know. I’ve been an ass. But recent events have made me reevaluate some things.

In his palm was a small box, and he opened it to reveal a glowing green pill that pulsed with an inner light.

“I brought a peace offering,” he continued. “It’s called the Verdant Heart Pill- incredibly rare. It can boost your spiritual energy by at least thirty percent in one g

go.”

I raised an eyebrow. The pill did look extraordinary, its surface shifting with patterns like living jade. If genuine, it would be worth millions, and the timing–right before the Traditional Medicine Conference–was suspiciously perfect.

My instincts screamed danger, but curiosity won out. I stepped aside. “Come in, then. Let’s hear this apology.”

Ellis’s smile widened slightly as he crossed the threshold into my room. I closed the door behind him, keeping my senses alert.

“I appreciate you seeing me,” he said, setting the pill box on the coffee table. “I know our interactions haven’t been… friendly.”

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132 Chapter 132 A Treacherous Gift and a Newfound Power

–

“That’s putting it mildly,” I replied, remaining standing while Ellis took a seat. “Last I “That’s putting it mildly,” I replied, remaining recall, you were threatening to crush me on Caesar’s behalf.”

He had the good grace to look embarrassed. “Yes, well… things change. Caesar and I had a falling out, actually. Over you, if you can believe it.”

“Oh?”

“He thinks you’re the second coming. I disagreed with his assessment.” Ellis shrugged. “But after seeing what you did to the Sterling family, how you’ve risen so quickly… I realized I was

on the wrong side.”

The lie was smooth, almost flawless. If I hadn’t already received information about his meeting with Blaze Lane, I might have been inclined to entertain the possibility that he was being genuine.

“And now you’re here with an expensive gift, I said, gesturing toward the pill. “Very generous for someone who just lost his job.”

Ellis’s expression didn’t falter. “I saved it from a job we did last year. Figured it would be more useful as a peace offering than sitting in my drawer.”

I picked up the pill box, examining the glowing medicine inside. Despite the obvious trap, I had to admit it was a genuine Verdant Heart Pill–I’d read about them in the ancient texts unlocked by my jade pendant. They were indeed rare and valuable, capable of significant spiritual energy enhancement. The catch? They were also perfect vessels for hiding poison, as the pill’s energy would mask any harmful

additions.

“It’s quite a token,” I said, closing the box and placing it back on the table. “Almost too

generous.”

Ellis leaned forward. “Consider it an investment in our future relationship. I have connections that could be useful to you, Liam.”

“I’m sure you do.” I walked to the window, looking out at the city skyline. “Tell me, Ellis, does Blaze Lane know you’re here?”

The microsecond of tension that flashed across his face confirmed everything!

needed to know.

“Blaze Lane? Why would he-

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132 Chapter 132 – A Treacherous Gift and a Newfound Power

“You met with him last night, I interrupted calmly. “Offered to deliver my head in exchange for ten percent of Lane Family shares. Quite ambitious.”

Ellis’s facade cracked momentarily before he recovered with a laugh. “That’s absurd. Who told you such nonsense?”

“Does it matter? What matters is the pill.” I turned to face him fully. “It’s poisoned, isn’t

it?”

“Poisoned?” Ellis widened his eyes in mock outrage. “Why would I poison a peace offering? Test it if you don’t believe me.”

“Oh, I will. But not in the way you expect.”

Before Ellis could respond, I moved with the speed my cultivation provided, crossing the room in a blur. My hand closed around his throat, lifting him from his seat.

“What-“he choked, clawing at my grip.

“Let’s be clear,” I said quietly. “You came here to kill me. The pill contains the essence of Black Lotus, a toxin that attacks spiritual channels when activated by cultivation energy. It would make my death look like a cultivation accident.”

Fear bloomed in Ellis’s eyes. “How did

you-

“I know because I can smell it, I replied, my enhanced senses detecting the faint, bitter undercurrent beneath the pill’s medicinal aroma. “Did you really think I’d be that easy

to kill?”

Ellis struggled in my grip. “Liam, listen-”

“No, you listen.” I tightened my hold slightly. “You have two choices: take the pill yourself, or tell me everything about your arrangement with the Lanes.”

“You’re bluffing,” he gasped. “You won’t kill me. You’re not that kind of man.”

I smiled coldly. “I wasn’t, once. But people change, Ellis. Just like you said.”

To emphasize my point, I channeled a hint of spiritual fire into my fingertips, ju enough for Ellis to feel the heat against his throat. His eyes widened in genuine terror.

“Wait!” he pleaded. “I’ll talk!”

I loosened my grip slightly, allowing him to breathe. “Start with why the Lanes want

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132 Chapter 132–A Treacherous Gift and a Newfound Power

me dead.”

“It’s because of what happened at Golden Crane Tower,” Ellis said quickly. “Blaze Lane lost face when you rejected his son. The Lanes never forgive insults.”

“And they hired you as their assassin? Caesar’s cast–off?”

Ellis winced. “I approached them. Offered my services. They’re paying me well–ten percent of their family shares if I succeed.”

“How did you plan to escape after I died? The pill would leave evidence.

“I have an alibi prepared. And pills like that leave no trace after forty–eight hours.” He swallowed hard. “Please, Liam. I was desperate after Caesar kicked me out. I didn’t have a choice.”

I released him abruptly, and he collapsed back into the chair, gasping.

“Everyone has choices,” I said coldly. “You made yours.”

Ellis rubbed his throat, eyeing t

me?”

warily. “What happens now? Are you going to kill

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