Rise of The Abandoned Husband (Liam Knight) novel Chapter 71

71 Chapter 71 – Strategic Alliances and Unwelcome Advances

Leopold Shepherd swirled the amber liquid in his glass, the firelight reflecting off the crystal. “Actually, Knight, I’d like you to be there when Sebastian learns the news.”

I raised an eyebrow, surprised by the suggestion. “You want me present at the rejection meeting?”

“Indeed.” A slight smile played across Leopold’s face. “I have a meeting scheduled with Sebastian tomorrow morning at Eldoria Bank. He expects to finalize the loan details. Instead, he’ll learn his application has been denied.” He leaned forward. “Your presence would… emphasize the message.”

The idea was deliciously satisfying. To witness firsthand the moment Sebastian Hawthorne’s world began to crumble. “What time?”

“Ten o’clock. My private conference room.” Leopold’s eyes gleamed with understanding. “I take it you’ll join us?”

“I wouldn’t miss it for anything,” I replied, already imagining the look on Sebastian’s face when he saw me sitting beside the man who controlled his financial fate.

I returned home that evening with a sense of accomplishment. Tomorrow would mark the beginning of the Hawthorne family’s downfall. More importantly, I’d acquired the seventy–three–year–old wild ginseng–an incredibly rare herb that, combined with the other ingredients I’d collected, might finally allow me to break through to the Foundation Establishment stage of cultivation.

Just as I began laying out the herbs on my workbench, my phone vibrated with a text from Aurora Sinclair.

*Liam! Are you free tonight? I’d love to celebrate with dinner! Great news to share!* I stared at the message, my fingers hovering over the keyboard. Aurora had been persistent in her attempts to deepen our friendship. While I appreciated her help with gathering information about the Hawthorne family, I had no interest in anything beyond that professional arrangement. My heart belonged to Isabelle Ashworth, and

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nothing would change that

Sorry, I’m busy with important work tonight. Perhaps another time.*

I set the phone aside, focusing on the herbs before me. Within minutes, it buzzed again.

*No problem! Can I call you quickly? Just want to share my news!*

Sighing, I picked up the phone. It would be faster to take her call than to keep exchanging messages that interrupted my work. “Hello, Aurora.”

“Liam!” Her voice bubbled with excitement. “I got a job interview at Eldoria Bank! It’s for a junior investment analyst position–exactly what I’ve been hoping for!”

“Congratulations,” I replied, genuinely surprised. “Eldoria is difficult to get into. Their hiring standards are notoriously rigorous.”

She laughed. “Well, I had a bit of help. My cousin Jaxon Langley works in their commercial division. He put in a good word for me with HR.”

My interest piqued. Having another connection at Eldoria Bank could prove useful. “That was fortunate timing”

“I know! The interview is tomorrow morning at nine. I’m so nervous–this could be my big break!” Her enthusiasm was almost tangible through the phone. “Any advice?”

“Be confident, know your worth, and don’t let anyone intimidate you,” I said, thinking of the cutthroat banking environment she was entering. “Eldoria rewards competence and determination.”

“Thank you, Liam. That means a lot coming from you.” There was a brief pause. “Sure you don’t want to meet for a quick celebratory drink?”

“I’m in the middle of something that can’t wait,” I replied, glancing at the herbs on my workbench. “But I wish you luck tomorrow.”

After ending the call, I returned to my work, meticulously preparing the ingredients. Tomorrow would be significant–not just for my enemies‘ downfall, but potentially for my own advancement as well.

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71 Chapter 71 – Strategic Alliances and Unwelcome Advances

The next morning, I arrived at Eldoria Bank fifteen minutes before my scheduled meeting with Leopold and Sebastian. The massive glass and steel building gleamed in the morning sunlight, its imposing facade a fitting representation of the power housed within.

As I approached the main entrance, a familiar voice called out.

“Liam? What a coincidence!”

I turned to find Aurora hurrying toward me, dressed in a crisp navy suit, her cousin. Jaxon trailing behind her. The young man looked nervous, constantly adjusting his tie.

“Aurora,” I nodded in greeting. “Here for your interview?”

“Yes! I can’t believe we’re both here at the same time!” She beamed, then gestured to the anxious–looking man beside her. “This is my cousin, Jaxon Langley.”

Jaxon extended his hand, his grip surprisingly firm despite his nervous demeanor. “Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Knight. Aurora’s mentioned you often.”

I raised an eyebrow at Aurora, who blushed slightly. “All good things, I hope.”

“Of course!” she replied quickly. “What brings you to Eldoria?”

“A meeting with Leopold Shepherd,” I said simply, checking my watch. “I still have some time before it begins.”

Jaxon’s eyes widened. “Director Shepherd? You know him personally?”

“We have business together,” I replied, noting with interest how my casual mention of Leopold’s name had immediately elevated my status in the young banker’s

s eyes.

Aurora clutched my arm excitedly. “Would you mind coming with us to my interview? Having you there might calm my nerves.”

I considered declining, but realized that Leopold wouldn’t arrive until just before the meeting with Sebastian. I had time to spare. “I suppose I could accompany you briefly.”

Relief washed over both their faces as we entered the bank’s impressive lobby. Jaxon led us through security and up to the fourteenth floor, where the investment division was housed.

“Manager Ross will be conducting the initial interview,” Jaxon explained as we walked

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71 Chapter 71 – Strategic Alliances and Unwelcome Advances

down a corridor lined with glass–walled offices. “He’s tough but fair. Just be yourself, Aurora.

We arrived at a spacious waiting area where a secretary greeted us with practiced efficiency. “Miss Sinclair? Manager Ross is ready for you. You can go right in.”

Aurora hesitated, her earlier confidence faltering. “Will you come in with me, Liam? Just for moral support?”

Before I could respond, Jaxon nodded encouragingly. “It’s not unusual to have supporters present for the preliminary meeting. I’ll come too.”

Seeing no graceful way to refuse, I followed them into a corner office where a portly, middle–aged man sat behind an imposing desk. Manager Ross barely looked up as we entered, his attention fixed on the papers before him.

“Miss Sinclair,” he finally said, rising to his feet. “And Mr. Langley. I see you’ve brought… friends.” His gaze lingered on me with obvious curiosity.

“This is Liam Knight,” Aurora said quickly. “A close friend of mine.”

Ross extended his hand. “Any friend of our applicants is welcome here. Please, all of you, have a seat.”

As we settled into the chairs facing his desk, I observed Ross carefully. There was something calculating in the way his eyes moved between Aurora and me, something that set my instincts on edge.

“So, Miss Sinclair,” Ross began, folding his hands on his desk. “Your résumé is impressive for someone so… young.” His eyes drifted downward, lingering inappropriately on her figure. “Very impressive indeed.“.

Aurora shifted uncomfortably in her chair. “Thank you, sir. I’ve worked hard to build my qualifications.”

“I’m sure you have,” Ross replied, his tone suddenly taking on an oily quality. “The position you’re applying for requires… flexibility. Long hours. Late nights. Are you prepared for that kind of commitment?”

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