Rise of The Abandoned Husband (Liam Knight) novel Chapter 97

97 Chapter 97 – A Bid for Protection and Affection

Castro’s face continued to redden as he struggled to regain his can’t speak to me like that! Do you know who I am?”

composure. “You…

“You’ve already told us,” I replied calmly. “And we still don’t care.”

you

The security guard cleared his throat awkwardly. “Sir, ma’am, about the verification of

assets…”

Isabelle smiled faintly and pulled out her phone. “One moment,” she said, stepping away to make a call.

Castro seized the opportunity, leaning toward the guard. “Don’t waste your time. These two are clearly frauds trying to crash the auction.”

I stood silently, watching Isabelle speak quietly into her phone. Her posture remained elegant and assured, not a hint of worry in her demeanor. Within thirty seconds, she ended the call and walked back to us.

“That should take care of it,” she said simply.

Almost immediately, the guard’s earpiece buzzed. His eyes widened slightly as he listened to whatever message came through. His attitude shifted visibly as he nodded

toward us.

“Miss Ashworth, Mr. Knight, you’re cleared for entry. Please, right this way.” He stepped aside with a respectful nod.

Castro’s mouth fell open. “What? There must be some mistake!”

The guard turned to him with a newly professional coldness. “Sir, I’m afraid your behavior has been reported as disruptive. I must ask you to leave the premises.”

“Do you know who I represent? This is outrageous!” Castro sputtered, looking around desperately for support.

“Security will escort you out if necessary,” the guard replied flatly.

I couldn’t suppress my smile as I offered my arm to Isabelle. “Shall we?”

Her fingers wrapped delicately around my forearm as we walked past Castro, whose

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97 Chapter 97 A Bid for Protection and Affection

face had now turned an alarming shade of purple. The sound of his continued protests faded as we entered the grand auction hall.

The interior was even more impressive than the exterior–crystal chandeliers hung from vaulted ceilings, illuminating display cases containing treasures from around the world. Well–dressed attendees mingled around high tables, sipping champagne and examining auction catalogs.

“One phone call,” I murmured to Isabelle as a staff member handed us flutes of champagne. “Remind me never to get on your bad side.”

She laughed softly. “I barely did anything. Just reminded a few people who I am.”

I studied her profile as she gazed around the room. Despite her modesty, I understood now why people whispered about her. Her power wasn’t just in her family name but in how effortlessly she wielded her influence.

“There are at least seven Inner Strength experts here,” I noted quietly, having scanned the room with my senses. “Three by the eastern wall, two near the refreshments, and two more circling the perimeter.”

Isabelle raised an eyebrow. “Looking for trouble?”

“Always preparing for it,” I replied, taking a sip of champagne. “Old habits.”

A chime sounded, signaling the start of the auction. We found seats near the middle of the hall, close enough to see clearly but not so close as to draw attention.

The first several items were predictably extravagant–a diamond necklace once worn by European royalty, a collection of ancient coins, a painting from a famous artist I’d never heard of. Each sold for millions, with barely a flicker of emotion from the

bidders.

“These people live in a different world,” I whispered to Isabelle.

She leaned closer, her scent enveloping me. “And what world do you live in, Liam Knight?”

Before I could answer, the auctioneer announced the next item–a limited edition sports car, one of only five ever produced. The bidding was fierce, eventually settling

at twelve million dollars.

I watched the proceedings with detached interest until a particular item caught my

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07 Chapter 97. A Bid for Protection and Affection

attention.

“Next, we have lot number twenty–three,” the auctioneer announced. “An emerald green Jade penda of exceptional quality, dating back approximately three centuries. Note the intricate carving and the unusual clarity of the stone. Starting bid is six

million.”

My heart quickened as an assistant held up the pendant. The jade glowed under the lights, its deep green color reminiscent of the jade pendant my father had left me–the one that had changed my life.

“Six million five hundred thousand,” I called out before I could second–guess myself.

Isabelle turned to me in surprise. “Liam?”

The auctioneer pointed in my direction. “Six million five hundred thousand from the gentleman in the center. Do I hear seven million?”

The room remained silent. After a few moments, the auctioneer struck his gavel. “Sold to bidder number forty–two for six million five hundred thousand dollars.”

Isabelle studied my face. “I didn’t know you were interested in jade.”

I met her gaze. “It’s for you.”

Her eyes widened, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. “For me? But why…”

“It reminded me of something important to me,” I explained. “And I wanted you to have

it.”

She hesitated. “That’s… a very expensive gift, Liam.”

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