Rise of The Abandoned Husband (Liam Knight) novel Chapter 34

34 Chapter 34 – A Rival’s Welcome: Whispers of a Trap

I entered Julian Hawthorne’s mansion, immediately scanning the crowded room while appearing casual. The villa was a showcase of excess–crystal chandeliers, marble floors, priceless art–but I was far more interested in what couldn’t be seen. The spiritual energy here was astonishing, almost pulsing through the air, invisible to most but practically tangible to me.

While guests mingled in their designer clothes clutching champagne flutes, I discreetly moved toward a less populated corner of the grand ballroom. The richest qi seemed to flow from beneath the house, like an underground spring of spiritual energy. This was no accident; someone had deliberately built here.

“This location was chosen for a reason,” I murmured to myself, leaning against a pillar. I closed my eyes briefly, drawing in the energy through controlled breaths. Even just standing here, I could feel my cultivation strengthening.

Across the room, two familiar figures huddled in conspiratorial conversation. Seraphina Sterling, my ex–wife, looking stunning in a fitted red dress that matched her venomous personality, stood beside Gideon Blackwood. Their eyes kept darting in my direction.

“I still can’t believe Hawthorne invited that nobody,” Seraphina said, loud enough for nearby guests to hear.

Gideon smirked. “He didn’t. Your ex–husband is crashing the party.”

“Julian will be furious,” Seraphina replied, not bothering to hide her delight. “Tell me about the Hawthornes again. They’re from Eldoria, right?”

“One of the oldest families there,” Gideon confirmed, swirling amber liquid in his glass. “Julian’s grandfather built the Hawthorne Trade Conglomerate from nothing. Now they control half the shipping routes between continents. Julian himself is a rising star in the cultivation world–already at the tenth level of Energy Gathering at only twenty–eight.”

Seraphina’s eyes widened. “That’s impressive.”

“More than impressive. It’s almost unheard of without a profound bloodline inheritance.” Gideon leaned closer to her. “And he’s had his eye on Isabelle Ashworth

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34 Chapter 34–A Rival’s Welcome: Whispers of a Trap

for years.”

“So Knight isn’t just a party crasher–he’s a rival.” Seraphina’s laugh was brittle and sharp. “Julian will destroy him.”

“I suspect that’s exactly what tonight is about,” Gideon replied. “Julian isn’t one to confront problems directly when he can orchestrate their demise instead. When he heard Liam was representing Isabelle tonight, he was… pleased. Too pleased.”

“You think he has something planned?”

Gideon nodded. “I know he brought in an expert from Eldoria specifically for tonight. He mentioned an ‘impromptu show‘ that would entertain his guests.”

I kept my expression neutral, though I’d heard every word thanks to my enhanced senses. So this was a trap. Julian had somehow learned I’d be here and prepared a public humiliation. I should have expected as much after our last encounter.

I continued my subtle cultivation, drawing in the mansion’s rich spiritual energy while looking like just another bored guest. If Julian wanted to make a spectacle of me, I’d need every advantage.

“Mr. Knight?”

I turned to find a young man approaching me. He was perhaps my age but dressed in clothes that probably cost more than everything I owned. His expression, however, lacked the usual contempt I received from Havenwood’s elite.

“I’m Damian Prescott,” he introduced himself, extending his hand.

I shook it, recognizing the name immediately. “Of the Prescott Enterprises?”

“The same, though I try not to lead with that.” He offered a small, self–deprecating smile. “My father would have my head if he knew I was warning you.”

My guard went up instantly. “Warning me about what?”

Damian glanced around before speaking in a lowered voice. “Julian Hawthorne. He knows you weren’t invited, and he’s… not pleased about your relationship with Isabelle Ashworth.”

“I wouldn’t call it a relationship,” I replied carefully.

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34 Chapter 34- A Rival’s Welcome: Whispers of a Trap

“Julian would. He’s had designs on her for years.” Damian’s expression grew serious. “Look, we’ve never met, but I thought you should know–Julian brought someone with him from Eldoria. Some kind of expert in spiritual analysis and public ‘revelation‘ ceremonies. He’s planning something for you, and it won’t be pleasant.”

I studied Damian’s face, trying to detect any deception. “Why tell me this? We’re strangers.”

“Let’s just say Julian and I have history.” Something dark flickered across Damian’s features. “Last year, he publicly humiliated my younger sister at a similar gathering— called her cultivation ‘common‘ and her technique ‘flawed beyond repair. She hasn’t practiced since.”

I nodded slowly, understanding. “I appreciate the warning.”

“If I were you, I’d leave now.” Damian glanced toward the entrance where Julian stood greeting late arrivals. “Whatever he’s planned, it’s meant to destroy your reputation in front of everyone who matters in this city.”

“Is that what everyone’s expecting? For me to run?”

Damian shrugged. “It’s what most would do when faced with Julian Hawthorne’s resources and connections.”

I considered my options. Running would avoid whatever spectacle Julian had planned, but it would also confirm what everyone already believed–that I was a coward unworthy of standing among them. More importantly, it would disappoint Isabelle, who had specifically called this a test.

“Thank you, Mr. Prescott, for the warning,” I said with quiet determination, “but I’m not afraid of him.”

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