Rise of The Abandoned Husband (Liam Knight) novel Chapter 49

Terrible

49 Chapter 49–Confrontation at the Mansion: Ambition and Scorm

49 Chapter 49 – Confrontation at the Mansion: Ambition

and Scorn

I stood at the window of my apartment, watching the morning light spread across Havenwood City. Today was the meeting at the No. 1 Grand Mansion–a gathering where Roman Volkov would officially select his partner for the herb company. Though everyone thought this meeting was about forming new business relationships, it was really about establishing who held true power in this city.

My phone buzzed with a message from Isabelle: “Remember what we discussed. You don’t need to prove anything to anyone but yourself.”

I smiled, recalling our conversation from the other night. Isabelle could have easily pulled strings to place me at the top of Havenwood’s social hierarchy. She had the connections and resources to turn me into a prominent figure overnight. But she understood something crucial about me–I needed to forge my own path.

Another message arrived: “They’ll underestimate you. Use it.”

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She was right. Being underestimated had become my greatest advantage.

The No. 1 Grand Mansion lived up to its name. The sprawling estate sat on the highest hill in Havenwood, its marble façade gleaming in the midday sun. A line of luxury vehicles snaked up the private drive–Bentleys, Rolls–Royces, and custom sports cars, each more ostentatious than the last.

Inside, the grand ballroom buzzed with Havenwood’s elite. Men in tailored suits and women dripping with jewelry clustered in tight groups, their laughter just a bit too loud, their smiles not quite reaching their eyes. The air was thick with expensive cologne, ambition, and desperation,

I spotted the Prescott brothers, Damian and Alec, standing awkwardly by the refreshment table. Their usual confidence had evaporated. When they noticed me, Damian’s face twisted with regret.

“Knight,” he acknowledged with a stiff nod. “Looks like you were right about the Soul Nourishment Pills.”

49 Chapter 49–Confrontation at the Mansion: Ambition and Scorn

Alec couldn’t meet my eyes. “We should have listened to you when you approached us. Our company has lost significant market share to Volkov’s distribution.”

“The market rewards those who take risks,” I replied, keeping my tone neutral. “There will be other opportunities.”

“Not like this one,” Damian muttered, glancing toward the entrance where a commotion had erupted.

Sebastian Hawthorne had arrived, flanked by his personal security. Tall and imposing with silver–streaked dark hair, Sebastian carried himself with the assurance of someone who had never heard the word “no.” The crowd parted like water around a boulder as he moved through the room.

“Hawthorne Pharmaceuticals will secure this partnership,” Alec whispered. “They’ve already invested millions in new production facilities.”

I watched as businessmen practically tripped over themselves to shake Sebastian’s hand. Their eagerness reminded me of how people once treated me–with dismissal and contempt. Now they offered the same deference to Sebastian that they denied me. “Look who else arrived,” Damian nodded toward the entrance.

Gideon Blackwood strode in with Seraphina Sterling on his arm. My ex–wife wore a crimson dress that hugged her curves, her golden hair swept into an elaborate updo. She looked polished, beautiful, and utterly cold.

Gideon spotted me immediately. A smug smile spread across his face as he whispered something to Seraphina. They changed course, heading directly toward me.

“Well, well,” Gideon’s voice dripped with mock surprise. “Look who managed to sneak past security.”

I took a sip of my drink. “Hello, Gideon. Seraphina.”

Seraphina’s gaze flicked over me, deliberately assessing. “I’m surprised the Ashworths let their pet wander off–leash.”

A few nearby conversations stopped as people turned to watch our interaction. “I wasn’t aware I needed permission to attend business meetings,” I replied calmly. Gideon laughed, too loudly. “Business meetings? Is that what you think this is?” He

40 Chapter 49–Confrontation at the Mansion: Ambition and Scom

gestured around the room. “This is where real power players decide the future of Havenwood. Not former live–in sons–in–law playing at being businessmen.”

I noticed the Prescott brothers slowly backing away, unwilling to be associated with whatever confrontation was brewing.

“I’m curious,” I said, deliberately changing the subject. “How did you secure an invitation? Last I checked, Blackwood Industries was struggling to maintain market

share.”

A muscle twitched in Gideon’s jaw. “Unlike you, I have legitimate business connections. The Hawthornes have personally guaranteed our involvement in this

venture.”

“Is that so?”

“Sebastian Hawthorne and I have come to an understanding,” he boasted, puffing out his chest. “Our families will be working very closely together.”

“How convenient for you.”

Seraphina stepped forward, her perfume suffocating in its intensity. “You know what your problem is, Liam? You never understood how things work. Success isn’t about what you know–it’s about who you know.”

“And who you sleep with?” I asked mildly.

Her eyes narrowed dangerously. “Watch yourself. You’re not among friends here.”

Gideon placed his hand possessively on Seraphina’s waist. “Once this partnership is finalized, Blackwood Industries will control distribution of the Soul Nourishment Pills

the throughout the eastern seaboard. The Hawthornes have already drawn up

contracts.”

“Interesting theory,” I replied. “Though I suspect Roman Volkov might have different plans.”

“Roman Volkov is a nobody who got lucky,” Gideon scoffed. “He doesn’t have the capacity to scale production without backing from established pharmaceutical companies. Sebastian Hawthorne will crush him if he doesn’t cooperate.”

I fought to keep my expression neutral. If only they knew who actually created the Soul Nourishment Pills. Their ignorance was almost amusing.

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49 Chapter 49 Confrontation at the Mansion: Ambition and Scorn

“I suppose we’ll see how things unfold,” I said.

Seraphina’s laugh was brittle. “Still clinging to delusions. Some things never change. She leaned closer, lowering her voice. “Tell me, Liam, does Isabelle Ashworth know how pathetic you really are? Or have you managed to fool her too?”

Before I could respond, a hush fell over the room. Roman Volkov had finally arrived, accompanied by a team of lawyers carrying briefcases. He looked nervous but determined as he made his way to the small stage at the front of the ballroom.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” Roman began, his voice trembling slightly. “Thank you for I know many of you are interested in forming partnerships with my coming tots company regarding the distribution of the Soul Nourishment Pills.”

Sebastian Hawthorne moved toward the front, positioning himself prominently. The message was clear–he expected to be called up first.

Gideon smirked at me. “Watch and learn how real business is conducted.”

“I’d like to clarify something before we proceed,” Roman continued, gaining confidence. “While I appreciate all the interest, I’ve already secured an exclusive production and distribution arrangement with my primary partner.”

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