Rise of The Abandoned Husband (Liam Knight) novel Chapter 140

140 Chapter 140 – Defiance in Grief, A Commander’s Summons

“Greet? What are you that requires me to greet you?” I asked, staring directly into Daxon Johnson’s eyes.

His face flushed crimson. “I’m Lieutenant Daxon Johnson of the Eldoria Battle Zone, Special Operations Division. You should show proper respect.

I noticed the Sterling family members watching with bated breath, hungry for drama even

as their patriarch lay dead upstairs. The contrast between their behavior and the solemnity the occasion deserved only deepened my disgust.

“Respect is earned, not demanded,” I replied calmly. “And it’s certainly not determined by fancy titles.”

Daxon stepped closer, using his height to try to intimidate me. “Do you have any idea who you’re talking to? My commander could destroy your pathetic existence with a single word.”

Seraphina moved between us. “Cousin, I wouldn’t if I were you. Liam isn’t who he used to be.”

Daxon scoffed, pushing her aside. “Stay out of this, Sera. I’ve heard all about this worthless live–in son–in–law.” He turned back to me. “In the Battle Zone, we don’t tolerate disrespect. We’re the elite–the noble warriors who protect everyone, including ungrateful vermin like you.”,

“Noble?” I couldn’t help but laugh. “There’s nothing noble about throwing your weight around at a funeral gathering. The man who just died showed more nobility in his silence than you do with all your boasting”

The muscles in Daxon’s jaw tightened. “You dare lecture me?” He reached out to grab my collar.

I moved before his hand could make contact, shifting subtly to redirect his

momentum. Daxon stumbled forward, caught off balance. To the onlookers, it might have appeared that he simply tripped, but both of us knew better.

“Don’t,” I warned quietly.

140 Chapter 140- Defiance in Grief, A Commander’s Summons

Daxon regained his footing, eyes widening with surprise before narrowing with rage. “You’ll regret that. When I return to the Battle Zone, I’ll make sure your name is blacklisted everywhere that matters.”

“Is that what they teach you at the Battle Zone? To threaten civilians?” I shook my head. “I expected better from an organization with such a reputation.”

“You know nothing about the Battle Zone, he spat. “We’re currently in Havenwood City for something big. My commander is personally here to recruit someone with connections to Chief Vance. Someone important.”

“And clearly that someone isn’t you,” I replied. “Otherwise, you wouldn’t need to announce it to feel significant.”

Simon stepped forward, his face a mask of false civility. “Liam was just leaving. Weren’t you, Liam?”

I nodded. “I came to say goodbye to William. That’s done.” I turned toward the door, then paused. “By the way, I overheard your funeral plans. William once told me he wanted a simple service at the old chapel where he married your mother. Not St. Matthew’s. But I suppose what he wanted doesn’t matter much to any of you.”

Simon’s expression hardened, but before he could respond, Beatrice Sterling, Simon’s sister, rushed forward.

“Daxon, darling, we must celebrate your promotion! I’ve already called the caterers-

tomorrow evening. we’ll have a small

“But what about Great–Uncle William’s funeral?” Seraphina asked, looking palled.

Beatrice waved dismissively. “That can wait a day or two. It’s not like he’s going anywhere.”

I felt my hands clench into fists. “Your father just died, and you’re planning a celebration?”

“Mind your own business,” Simon snapped. “You’re no longer part of this family.”

“Thank God for that,” I muttered, turning away.

As I reached for the door, Daxon called out, “This isn’t over, Knight. People like you need to learn your place.”

140 Chapter 140 Deliance in Grief, A Commander’s Summans

I didn’t bother responding. Some people weren’t worth the breath.

Three days later, I stood alone beneath a sprawling oak tree, watching as William’s coffin was lowered into the ground. The official funeral at St. Matthew’s had been a spectacle of wealth and false sentiment, attended by business associates and social climbers. Not one tear had been shed.

This, however, was different. I’d arranged a private burial at the small chapel William had loved, paying for it myself. The only others present were the chaplain and the cemetery workers.

“Goodbye, old man,” I said softly. “At least here, you’ll have peace.”

The chaplain gave me a sympathetic smile as he concluded the brief service. “You must have cared deeply for him.”

“He showed kindness when no one else would,” I replied simply.

After the workers had filled in the grave, I placed a single white rose on the fresh earth and turned to leave. I had done what I could for William. Now I had other matters to

+ attend to.

My phone buzzed with a message from Eamon: “Commander Keller from Eldoria is at the Dragon Rising Community asking for you. Says it’s urgent.”

I frowned. This was unexpected. The Eldoria Battle Zone rarely concerned themselves with individuals outside their ranks, especially in Havenwood City. What could they possibly want with me?

As I drove toward Dragon Rising, my mind raced through possibilities. Had Daxon made good on his threats already? Or was this about something else entirely?

The Dragon Rising Community gate was flanked by two soldiers in Battle Zone uniforms when I arrived an unusual sight that immediately put me on alert. I parked and approached cautiously.

“Liam Knight?” one of the guards asked.

I nodded.

“Commander Keller is waiting for you in the main hall.”

140 Chapter 140 Deliance in Grief, A Commander’s Summons

Inside, I found a tall, weathered man in his fifties with iron–gray hair and the bearing of someone accustomed to authority. Beside him stood a younger officer with a

perpetually suspicious expression.

“Mr. Knight,” the older man said, extending his hand. “Commander Ethan Keller, Eldoria Battle Zone. Thank you for coming”

“I wasn’t aware I had a choice,” I replied, shaking his hand firmly.

A faint smile crossed Keller’s face. “Direct. I appreciate that.” He gestured to the younger man. “This is Captain Ari Steele, my aide.”

Steele gave a curt nod, his eyes scanning me with obvious skepticism.

scanning me

“What can I do for the Eldoria Battle Zone?” I asked.

Keller motioned for me to sit. “I’ll be straightforward. Chief Vance has taken a personal interest in your abilities. He’s instructed me to extend an invitation for you to join our medical division.”

This caught me by surprise. “Chief Vance? I’ve never even met him.”

“Nevertheless, he seems to know quite a bit about you. Your medical knowledge, your… unique skills.”

The way he emphasized “unique” made it clear he was referring to more than just my healing abilities. I kept my expression neutral.

“I’m flattered, but I have responsibilities here.”

Keller leaned forward. “Mr. Knight, this isn’t a standard recruitment. Chief Vance specifically requested you by name. That doesn’t happen often.”

“Ever,” Steele corrected, speaking for the first time. His tone carried clear disapproval.

I studied them both. “Why me? There must be hundreds of qualified medical practitioners already in the Battle Zone.”

“That’s a question only the Chief can answer,” Keller replied. “He’ll be arriving in three days and wishes to meet with you personally.”

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