Rise of The Abandoned Husband (Liam Knight) novel Chapter 196

196 Old Rivals and a Now Flame

196 Old Rivals and a New Flame

Claire started to respond, but I touched her arm to stop her. I wouldn’t give Fiona the satisfaction of seeing me rattled.

“Thank you,” I said, genuinely touched by their warmth. “How have you all been?”

Claire’s eyes widened as she watched the sleek vehicle pull away. “Holy shit, was that your ride?”

“I’m looking forward to being your date today,” he murmured. “Every man here will envy me.”

“Your timing is impeccable, I murmured to him when the others were distracted. His fingers tightened slightly against my waist. “And why is that?”

Taking a deep breath, I slipped my arm through Sebastian’s and smiled up at him. “No,” I said firmly. “I want to enter together.”

I nodded, unable to suppress a smile.

Sebastian kept his hand firmly on my waist as we walked toward the hall, my former classmates falling into step beside us. I could feel Fiona’s eyes burning into my back. His words sent a shiver down my spine that had nothing to do with the temperature. “She always has been,” I admitted. “Though now she has even more reason to be.” “Yes, I’m divorced,” I confirmed calmly, refusing to let Fiona see how much her comment stung. “And no, that wasn’t Alistair in the car.”

His answering smile was worth whatever gossip might follow. As camera flashes illuminated our path into the hall, I realized I’d made my decision. Whatever was developing between Sebastian and me, I was ready to stop fighting it.

Sebastian’s lips curved into a slight smile. “I made arrangements.”

She grabbed my arm. “Just a car? That’s a limited edition Bentley!” She lowered her voice. “Is that Sebastian Sinclair? The Sebastian Sinclair your ex was freaking out about yesterday?”

196 Old Rivals and n Now Flame

As we approached the entrance to the grand hall, photographers clustered near the doors capturing images of arriving alumni. I felt a moment of hesitation, remembering Sebastian’s warning about publicity.

“We’re just “I stopped myself. After yesterday’s confrontation, I wasn’t sure what Sebastian and I were anymore.

Before I could respond, he straightened up with a knowing smile. I stood frozen, my cheeks burning.

“I always knew Hazel would end up with someone important, Mark added kindly.

Claire raised an eyebrow. “Just what? Friends? Because friends don’t look at each other the way that man was looking at you.”

Paulina lowered her voice. “Was that your husband who dropped you off? In that amazing car?”

My heart fluttered. “Thank you.”

“It’s been ages!” Jessica gushed, embracing me. “Your latest collection is absolutely stunning. I knew you’d make it big!”

Claire’s voice broke through my daze. “Hazel! Over here!”

As they updated me on their lives, I noticed Fiona hanging back, assessing me with

own designs–looking fo critical eyes. Her gaze lingered on my dress–one of my own designs–looking for flaws.

Claire squeezed my arm sympathetically. “Not all men are like your ex, Hazel.”

Jessica nearly choked on her surprise. Mark extended his hand, clearly starstruck. “It’s an honor to meet you, Mr. Sinclair. I’ve followed your company’s innovations for years.”

“Fiona?” I laughed softly. “More like my nemesis during college. She’s still bitter that I graduated top of our class.”

I nodded, still recovering from his flirtatious comment. As I walked toward Claire, Sebastian’s driver appeared seemingly from nowhere to take the car.

Fiona’s face tightened. “I doubt Alistair Everett could ever afford a car like that,” she said, her voice dripping with false sweetness. “Unless your new friend is just a wealthy client who felt sorry for you?”

196 Old Rivals and a New Flame

The campus

s came into view–transformed for the centennial celebration with elegant banners and floral arrangements. Security personnel directed most vehicles to distant. parking lots, but when we approached the main entrance, a guard simply waved us through.

My face heated again. “It’s complicated.”

1 stiffened, but Sebastian’s hand squeezed mine reassuringly as he guided me forward without breaking stride.

“I know,” I sighed. “Sebastian is different. He’s been nothing but respectful and supportive.”

Sebastian must have sensed my uncertainty. “We can still enter separately, he offered quietly.

The car rolled to a stop directly in front of the grand administration building, where other attendees walked from distant parking areas. Several people stopped to stare at the luxury vehicle.

Jessica shot Fiona a disapproving look before turning back to me with a bright smile. “Well, whoever he is, he has excellent taste in cars. That Bentley must have cost a fortune.

“Girl!” Claire squealed, drawing glances from nearby alumni. “Talk about a massive upgrade from Alistair.”

“We’re almost there,” Sebastian said, his deep voice drawing my attention away from the window.

“Of course you did,” I said, unable to hide my amusement. Sebastian’s effortless command of any situation still surprised me.

“Then what’s the problem?” Claire asked.

We walked toward the main event hall, joining the stream of well–dressed alumni flowing through the campus.

“I’ll meet you inside,” he said. “I need to make a quick call.”

“Was that woman a friend of yours?” he asked quietly.

“It’s just a car, Claire,” I said, trying to sound casual.

196 Old Rivals and a Now Flame

The group fell silent. Claire stiffened beside me.

Sebastian leaned closer, his lips brushing my car. “I told you I’d always be there when you need me, Hazel.”

I spotted my friend waving enthusiastically from the sidewalk. Sebastian’s hand brushed lightly against the small of my back.

“That’s strange,” I remarked, surprised. “I thought this area was blocked off for the

event.”

Fiona’s eyes widened as she recognized him. Her mouth opened slightly in shock. Sebastian exited the car and walked around to open my door. As I stepped out, he leaned closer, his breath warm against my ear.

Before I could answer, a familiar voice called out, “Hazel Shaw? Is that you?”

Fiona’s bitter voice carried from somewhere behind us: “She may have Sebastian Sinclair now, but wait until he discovers what happened with her father. The Sinclair family would never accept someone with her background.”

“Well, uncomplicate it,” Claire advised. “That man is gorgeous, wealthy, and clearly interested in you.”

“Ex–husband,” Fiona interjected before I could respond. She stepped forward with a razor–sharp smile. “Hazel got divorced recently. It was quite scandalous, actually.”

“Actually,” came a deep voice from behind me, “I’m neither a client nor feeling sorry for

anyone.”

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