Rise of The Abandoned Husband (Liam Knight) novel Chapter 83

83 Chapter 83 – The Crimson Clue & A Rescuer’s Resolve

William Vance stood at the window of his mansion, watching the city lights flicker in the distance. The call about Isabelle Ashworth’s kidnapping had shaken him more than he cared to admit. Something was shifting in Havenwood City, something dark and dangerous.

“Sir?” His butler appeared at the door. “Your car is ready.”

William nodded, his expression solemn. “I’m leaving for my country estate. I need some distance from… whatever is about to happen here.”

“Wise choice, sir. Should I inform anyone of your departure?”

“No,” William said firmly. “Let them think I’m still in the city. It’s safer that way.”

As his car pulled away from his mansion, William couldn’t shake the image of Liam Knight’s face when he received that call–the transformation from composed businessman to something altogether more primal and dangerous.

Sebastian Hawthorne’s hand trembled as he pushed open the door to his study. The dinner with Knight had been stressful enough, but the news about Isabelle Ashworth’s kidnapping had sent a chill through his bones. Something felt wrong–terribly wrong.

“Father! You’re finally home.”

Sebastian froze at the sound of his son’s voice. Julian was lounging in his leather chair, feet propped on the mahogany desk, swirling brandy in one of Sebastian’s crystal glasses.

“Julian,” Sebastian said cautiously. “What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be at the hospital?”

Julian laughed, the sound unnervingly sharp in the quiet room. “I’m feeling much better today. Must be all the excitement.”

“Excitement?” Sebastian moved slowly into the room, something in his son’s demeanor putting him on edge.

Julian’s smile widened. “Haven’t you heard? The city’s absolutely buzzing with the

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83 Chapter 83- The Crimson Clue & A Rescuer’s Resolve

news. Isabelle Ashworth has been kidnapped. He took another sip of brandy, his eyes gleaming. “Quite shocking, isn’t it?”

Sebastian felt his blood run cold. “Julian… what have you done?”

“What you never had the courage to do,” Julian replied, standing up. “I’ve taken control

of our future.”

“Tell me you’re not involved in this,” Sebastian demanded, his voice barely above a

whisper.

Julian’s smile was triumphant. “It was perfect, Father. Flawless execution. By the time anyone figures it out, the Ashworths will be ruined, and we’ll have everything we want.

The slap echoed through the study. Julian staggered backward, his hand flying to his

reddened cheek as he stared at his father in shock.

“You fool!” Sebastian hissed. “Do you have any idea what you’ve done? Who you’ve provoked?”

“I’ve secured our position!” Julian shouted back. “The Ashworth girl was becoming too influential. Her connection with Knight threatened everything-”

“Knight?” Sebastian laughed bitterly. “I just watched that man receive the news about her kidnapping. The look in his eyes…” He shuddered. “He’s going to tear this city apart, and he won’t stop until he finds her.”

“Let him try,” Julian scoffed. “The trail leads directly to Gideon Blackwood. That pathetic excuse for a businessman will take the fall while we profit from the chaos.”

Sebastian grabbed his son by the shoulders. “We need to leave the city. Tonight. Pack only what you need.”

“Leave? Are you insane? This is our moment!”

“This is our downfall if we stay!” Sebastian shouted. “But first, we need to silence. Blackwood permanently. He can’t be allowed to talk when they find him.”

Julian’s eyes widened. “You want me to-”

“You started this. You’ll finish it,” Sebastian said coldly. “Make it look like suicide. A man overcome with guilt after his desperate plan went wrong

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As Julian left the room, Sebastian collapsed into his chair, wondering how it had all gone so terribly wrong.

I burst through the doors of the Ashworth estate, my heart hammering against my ribs. The normally immaculate entrance hall was in chaos–security personnel rushing back and forth, phones ringing constantly, voices raised in urgent conversation.

A middle–aged woman with tear–streaked checks rushed toward me. “Mr. Knight! Thank goodness you’re here.”

“Where’s Michael Ashworth?” I demanded, barely containing my rage.

“At the police station,” she replied. “I’m Miss Ashworth’s personal secretary. She–she spoke of you often.”

My chest tightened. “Tell me everything. Leave nothing out.”

She led me to a small office, away from the commotion. “It happened so quickly. Three vehicles, professional team. They intercepted her car just outside the gates.”

“Where were her bodyguards?” I asked, my voice dangerously quiet.

The secretary’s face crumpled. “That’s why I needed to speak with you privately. Miss Ashworth… she reassigned them all yesterday.”

I frowned. “Reassigned where?”

“To you, Mr. Knight.” Her voice hardened with accusation. “She was concerned about. threats against you after the incident at the auction. She diverted her entire security. detail to watch over you from a distance.”

The revelation hit me like a physical blow. Isabelle had left herself vulnerable–for me. The weight of it nearly brought me to my knees.

“I need to see her room,” I said, fighting to keep my voice steady.

“Her grandfather left strict instructions that no one-

“I don’t care what her grandfather said, I interrupted, my patience evaporating. “Isabelle has been taken because she tried to protect me. I will find her, but I need something of hers first.

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83 Chapter 83–The Crimson Clue & A Rescuer’s Resolve

The secretary studied my face, then nodded reluctantly. “Follow me.”

Isabelle’s bedroom was elegant yet practical, just like her. A faint trace of her perfume- lingered in the air, making my chest ache with longing and fear. What was she

enduring right now? Was she hurt? Terrified?

“Could you leave me alone for a moment?” I asked the secretary.

When the door closed behind her, I moved to Isabelle’s dresser and began searching through her things. I needed something deeply personal–something carrying her

essence.

My fingers found what I was looking for: her hairbrush. I carefully extracted a single strand of her dark hair and held it up to the light.

What I was about to do was dangerous. The technique was forbidden for good reason- it required blood sacrifice from the practitioner. But I had no choice. Every minute Isabelle remained missing was another minute she might be suffering.

I sat cross–legged on the floor, placed the strand of hair in my palm, and withdrew a small knife from my pocket. Without hesitation, I sliced open my left palm, letting the blood pool around Isabelle’s hair.

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