Rise of The Abandoned Husband (Liam Knight) novel Chapter 55

55 Chapter 55 – Ginseng, a Plea, and a Contemptuous Farewell

The midnight oil burned low as I opened my eyes, feeling the familiar rush of power circulating through my body. A subtle shift had occurred during my cultivation session -my energy had become denser, more concentrated. The realization dawned on me with quiet satisfaction: I’d advanced to the Fifth–Layer Qi Refining Stage.

Flexing my fingers, I could feel the difference. Every movement carried a new sense of authority, as if my body had finally begun to acknowledge its true potential. This was just another step on a much longer journey, but a significant one nonetheless.

A knock at my door interrupted my thoughts.

“Mr. Knight?” Alaric’s voice carried through the wood. “May I have a word?”

I opened the door to find Declan Donovan’s subordinate standing stiffly in the hallway, his expression carefully neutral.

“Master Donovan extends his deepest apologies for his daughter’s behavior yesterday,” Alaric said, bowing slightly. “He wishes to make amends and invites you to dine with him this evening.”

My eyebrow raised involuntarily. “Does he now?”

“As a token of his sincerity, he’s asked me to present you with this.” Alaric extended a small ornate box toward me.

Inside lay a ten–year–old ginseng root, its value immediately obvious to my trained

eye.

The twisted root had developed the vague shape of a human figure–a sign of its potency. Such specimens were increasingly rare and correspondingly expensive.

“That’s quite a peace offering,” I remarked, studying Alaric’s face for any hint of deception.

“Master Donovan values harmony above all else,” Alaric replied smoothly. “Will you accept his invitation?”

I considered my options. The ginseng alone made the visit worthwhile, and I was curious about what the influential Donovan patriarch truly wanted.

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55 Chapter 55- Ginseng, a Plea, and a Contemptuous Farewell

“Tell him I’ll be there,” I said, taking the box.

Alaric nodded. “Seven o’clock. I’ll send a carriage.”

After he left, I carefully examined the ginseng root. Its quality was exceptional–it would make an excellent addition to several advanced formulas I’d been planning Whatever Donovan’s real motives, his gift was genuine.

Across the city, in the Ashworth family compound, Isabelle paced her private study, a frown creasing her elegant features.

“Are you certain about the Hawthorne family’s movements?” she asked the mant standing before her.

Maxwell Reed, head of her personal security detail, nodded gravely. “Yes, Miss Ashworth. Our sources confirm they’ve hired additional muscle, specifically inquiring about a man matching Mr. Knight’s description.”

Isabelle’s frown deepened. The pill Liam had given her several days ago had completely eliminated her chronic pains, something that countless expensive specialists had failed to accomplish for years. His value was becoming increasingly apparent–and it seemed others were taking notice too.

“Triple the surveillance around his residence,” she decided. “And assign a security team to shadow him discreetly. Under no circumstances is he to know they’re there.”

“Understood. And if there’s a direct confrontation?”

“Intervene only if his life is in danger,” Isabelle replied. “Otherwise, observe and report. She turned to gaze out her window, toward the direction of the city where Liam was staying. “He’s more capable than most realize, but even the strongest need allies in this

-city.”

As Maxwell departed to arrange the protection detail, Isabelle found herself wondering when exactly Liam Knight had become someone she couldn’t afford to lose. The

thought was both unsettling and oddly comforting.

The Donovan mansion sprawled across several acres at the edge of Havenwood’s wealthiest district. Marble columns flanked the entrance, where servants in crisp

55 Chapter 55–Ginseng, a Plea, and a Contemptuous Farewell

uniforms stood ready to attend to guests. The sheer opulence was clearly designed to impress–or intimidate.

I was escorted through grand hallways adorned with expensive artwork to a dining room large enough to host fifty people, though the table was set for just three.

Declan Donovan rose as I entered. Taller than I’d expected, with broad shoulders and calculating eyes, he carried himself with the confidence of a man accustomed to

power.

“Mr. Knight,” he greeted, extending his hand. “Welcome to my home. I hope my humble gift conveyed the sincerity of my apology.”

“It was generous, I acknowledged, shaking his hand firmly.

“Please, sit.” He gestured to the seat across from him. “My daughter will be joining us shortly.”

As if on cue, Nora Donovan swept into the room. Recognition flashed in her eyes, followed immediately by outrage.

“Him?” she hissed at her father. “You invited him to our home?”

“Nora,” Declan warned, his voice carrying a steel edge beneath the polite veneer. “Mr. Knight is our guest.”

She glared at me as she reluctantly took her seat, practically vibrating with restrained fury.

“Mr. Knight,” Declan continued smoothly as servants began bringing in elaborate dishes, “I understand you possess considerable martial skill.”

“I’ve had some training,” I replied, deliberately understating my abilities.

“Your modesty is admirable,” Declan said with a thin smile. “But unnecessary. Ronan is one of the finest fighters in Havenwood, and you handled him effortlessly.”

I took a sip of wine, saying nothing.

“To be direct, Mr. Knight, I find myself in need of someone with your talents,” Declan continued. “The Donovan family has a longstanding rivalry with the Valerius family. Each year, our martial arts schools compete in a public tournament.”

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55 Chapter 55–Ginseng, a Plea, and a Contemptuous Farewell

“And you want me to participate, I finished for him.

Declan nodded. “My champion suffered an unfortunate injury during training. Your timely appearance seems almost… providential.”

I could see the calculation behind his friendly demeanor. This explained the expensive ginseng and dinner invitation–he was investing in what he hoped would be a useful. tool.

“What would I gain from this arrangement?” I asked frankly.

“Besides the considerable purse for the winner? The connections, Mr. Knight. In Havenwood, who you know often matters more than what you know. With the Donovan family’s support, many doors would open for you.”

It was a tempting offer. The Valerius family was powerful, and gaining insight into their operations could prove valuable. Before I could respond, a servant entered and whispered something in Declan’s ear.

“Ah!” Declan’s face brightened. “Perfect timing. It seems another guest has arrived.”

The doors swung open to reveal a young man about my age, dressed in expensive but practical clothing. He carried himself with the unmistakable confidence of a practiced martial artist.

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