Rise of The Abandoned Husband (Liam Knight) novel Chapter 82

82 Chapter 82–A Calculated Surrender. A Devastating Call

82 Chapter 82 – A Calculated Surrender, A Devastating

Call

I stared at Sebastian Hawthorne, struggling to hide my shock. This man–the same arrogant patriarch who had once looked at me like I was dirt beneath his polished shoes–was now offering an apology? Every instinct told me this was a trap.

“An apology,” I repeated slowly, keeping my expression neutral. “That’s quite the change in attitude, Sebastian.”

William Vance cleared his throat. “Perhaps we should all sit down and discuss this over dinner. The chef has prepared something special tonight.”

I took my seat but kept my guard up. Sebastian’s face looked haggard, with dark circles under his eyes that hadn’t been there before. Whatever had brought him to this point had clearly taken a toll.

“Let’s not waste time on pleasantries,” I said, folding my hands on the table. “What exactly are you apologizing for, Sebastian? The attempts to sabotage my business? The hired thugs? Or perhaps the multiple attempts to destroy my reputation?”

Sebastian winced. “All of it. I was… shortsighted.”

“Shortsighted,” I echoed with a humorless laugh. “That’s one way to put it.”

William intervened. “Liam, I know there’s bad blood between you two, but we’re here to find common ground. Both of you are influential figures in Havenwood City. This constant conflict benefits neither of you.”

I leaned back in my chair. “And what exactly is this common ground you envision?”

Sebastian straightened his posture. “A partnership. The Hawthorne Group’s resources combined with your… unique abilities. Together, we could dominate the market.”

So there it was. Not a genuine apology but a business proposal dressed up as contrition. I felt a flash of anger but kept it contained. Instead, I let a slow smile spread across my face.

“You know, Sebastian, a month ago I might have considered it. But things have changed. I now have the exclusive rights to produce and distribute the Soul

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82 Chapter 82 A Calculated Surrender, A Devastating Call

Nourishment Pill. My position with the Celestial Apothecary Guild grows stronger every day. I paused, watching his expression carefully. “Tell me, why should I share my success with someone who once called me–what was it again?–‘a nobody with delusions of grandeur“?”

Sebastian’s Jaw tightened, but to his credit, he didn’t rise to the bait. “The market is large enough for multiple players. Our companies could complement each other rather than compete.”

William nodded. “Think about it logically, Liam. With the Hawthorne Group’s distribution network and your medical innovations, you could reach markets you haven’t even considered yet. International expansion becomes much more feasible.”

I

I took a sip of water, considering my next words carefully. “And what happens when our interests inevitably diverge again? When Sebastian here decides I’ve outlived my usefulness?”

“That won’t happen, Sebastian insisted, but the slight tremor in his voice told me there was something more at stake here.

I finally understood. “This isn’t about a partnership at all, is it? This is about your son.”

Sebastian’s face went pale. William looked surprised at my directness.

“How did you-”

“Your son’s condition has been worsening,” I continued, the pieces falling into place. “The treatments aren’t working anymore. The Soul Nourishment Pill is probably his last hope.”

Sebastian’s composed facade cracked. “Yes,” he admitted quietly. “The doctors say he has months, maybe weeks. Nothing they’re doing is helping.”

I leaned forward. “And now you’re desperate enough to come to me–the ‘nobody‘ you once dismissed–because I might be the only one who can save him.”

“I’ll give you shares in the company,” Sebastian said, his voice taking on an edge of desperation. “Twenty percent.”

“Thirty,” I countered immediately.

“Twenty–five,” he shot back.

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82 Chapter 82: A Calculated Surrender, A Devastating Call

William watched our negotiation with wide eyes. This wasn’t the civilized discussion he had planned.

I shook my head. “You misunderstand me, Sebastian. I’m not negotiating. I’m simply pointing out that I don’t need your company. I don’t need your resources. I could have. helped your son out of compassion, but your past behavior has exhausted my

goodwill.”

Sebastian’s face drained of color. “Please,” he whispered, and the

raw emotion in his voice surprised me. “He’s my son. He’s just a child. He shouldn’t suffer for my

mistakes.

For a moment, I saw not the powerful business mogul but simply a father terrified of losing his child. Despite everything, that struck a chord within me.

“Liam,” William interjected softly. “I understand your position, but surely there’s some arrangement that could work for both of you.”

I studied Sebastian’s face for a long moment. “Here’s my offer. I’ll treat your son=”

Hope flashed in Sebastian’s eyes.

but you won’t be my partner. You’ll work for me.”

The silence that followed was deafening.

“What exactly do you mean?” Sebastian finally asked, his voice tight,

“It means I don’t trust you as a partner. It means you’ll follow my directives regarding the distribution and pricing of my medical products. It means you answer to me.” I held his gaze steadily. “Your resources become my resources. Your connections become my connections.”

William stared at me with newfound respect and perhaps a hint of fear. This was not the negotiation he expected when he arranged this meeting.

Sebastian’s hands clenched into fists on the table. I could see him wrestling with his pride, his jaw working as he contemplated my terms.

“And if I refuse?” he asked, though we both knew he wouldn’t.

“Then seek treatment elsewhere,” I replied simply. “I wish you luck.”

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82 Chapter 82–A Calculated Surrender, A Devastating Call

The seconds ticked by. Then, to my shock, Sebastian Hawthorne–the proud, powerful head of the Hawthorne Group–slowly rose from his chair and sank to his knees beside

the table.

“Please,” he said, his voice breaking. “Save my son. I’ll do whatever you ask.”

William looked away, giving Sebastian privacy in his moment of complete surrender.

I stood up and walked around the table. “Get up,” I told him quietly. “We have a deal.”

As Sebastian rose, his eyes glistening with unshed tears, I felt no triumph–only a strange mix of pity and resolve. This was business, nothing more. And in business, leverage was everything.

“I’ll come to see your son tomorrow,” I said as Sebastian composed himself. “Bring all

his medical records.”

Sebastian nodded, relief washing over his features. “Thank you. I-”

My phone rang, cutting him off. I glanced at the screen–an unknown number. Usually, I’d ignore such calls, but something made me answer.

“Liam Knight,” I said.

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