Rise of The Abandoned Husband

I stepped through the entrance of the business venue, with Eamon Greene trailing slightly behind me. The moment I crossed the threshold, I felt the weight of dozens of eyes turn in my direction. The conversation in the room dimmed momentarily before resuming with renewed intensity—now peppered with hushed whispers and not-so-subtle glances my way.

Seraphina Sterling stood near the center of the room, her crimson dress a stark contrast to her pale skin. When our eyes met, her lips curled into a contemptuous smirk. Beside her, Gideon Blackwood whispered something in her ear, causing her to laugh—a sound that carried across the room like breaking glass.

"Ignore them," Eamon murmured beside me. "Remember why we're here."

I nodded slightly. "I'm not worried about Seraphina or Gideon."

The truth was, I wasn't. They were minor players in today's gathering, though they clearly didn't realize it. The real power broker stood at the far end of the room—Sebastian Hawthorne, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit that probably cost more than most people's monthly salary. He was surrounded by a circle of fawning businessmen, all desperate for his attention.

I watched as Gideon broke away from Seraphina and made his way toward Sebastian. Even from across the room, I could read their body language. Gideon was playing messenger.

"Look at that," I said quietly to Eamon. "Gideon's about to earn his treat like a good dog."

Eamon snorted. "Some things never change."

Sure enough, Sebastian's head snapped in my direction, his expression darkening as Gideon pointed toward me. Sebastian whispered something to the businessmen surrounding him, and several of them turned to stare openly at me.

"It looks like you've been announced," Eamon observed dryly.

I shrugged. "Let them talk. Words are cheap."

A server approached with a tray of champagne flutes. I declined with a small shake of my head. I needed a clear mind today. The server moved on to Eamon, who also refused.

Across the room, the circle around Sebastian had grown. I recognized many faces—major players in Havenwood City's business scene. All of them competing for Sebastian's favor, hoping for a piece of the Soul Nourishment Pill business. If only they knew.

"Mr. Knight," a familiar voice called out. "What an unexpected surprise."

I turned to find Jasper Monroe approaching, a false smile plastered across his face. He was a mid-tier businessman from Havenwood City who had crossed paths with me before—and made his disdain abundantly clear.

"Mr. Monroe," I acknowledged coolly. "I didn't realize you'd be attending."

"Oh, I wouldn't miss this opportunity," he replied, his voice carrying just loud enough to draw attention. "Though I'm curious—what exactly brings you here? Surely not business?"

Several nearby conversations paused as people turned to listen.

"The same as everyone else," I replied evenly. "Interest in the Soul Nourishment Pills."

Monroe laughed too loudly. "Interest? Come now, Mr. Knight. Everyone knows you're just riding the Ashworths' coattails. What could you possibly contribute to this discussion?"

I felt Eamon stiffen beside me, ready to intervene, but I subtly gestured for him to stay quiet.

"Perhaps I'm the old Chinese medicine doctor everyone's been asking about," I suggested with a slight smile.

Monroe's laughter died in his throat, uncertainty flickering across his face before he doubled down. "You? Don't be absurd. That doctor is supposed to be a master of ancient techniques, not a failed live-in son-in-law."

His words drew chuckles from those listening in. I simply watched, mentally noting each face that smiled at my expense.

"The pills work miraculously," another businessman chimed in. "My father's arthritis improved after just one dose. No offense, Knight, but that kind of formulation is beyond someone of your... background."

"No offense taken," I replied mildly. "I'm glad your father found relief."

"See? Even he admits it," Monroe pressed, growing bolder with his audience. "Knight's just here hoping to pick up scraps from Hawthorne's table like the rest of us small fish."

The group around us had grown. I noticed Sebastian watching from across the room, a satisfied smirk on his face as he observed my public humiliation.

"I believe Mr. Knight has misunderstood the nature of today's gathering," another voice added. This time it was Marcus Pierce, owner of a chain of luxury hotels. "This is for serious investors and potential partners, not curiosity seekers."

I remained silent, watching the performance unfold around me. Every man trying to one-up the others with increasingly pointed jabs at my expense. All to impress Sebastian Hawthorne, who continued watching from a distance.

Finally, Sebastian himself approached, silencing the group with his presence alone.

"Mr. Knight," he said, his voice carrying a practiced smoothness. "I must say, you have a remarkable talent for inserting yourself where you don't belong."

I met his gaze steadily. "Mr. Hawthorne. I was just thinking the same about you."

A ripple of shocked murmurs passed through our audience. No one spoke to Sebastian Hawthorne that way.

Sebastian's eyes narrowed slightly, but his smile remained fixed. "Bold words from a man who lost everything and now survives on charity."

"Is that what you think?" I asked.

"It's what everyone knows," Sebastian replied, gesturing around the room. "Look around you, Knight. Every person here has earned their place through years of business acumen and strategic relationships. What have you done except fail spectacularly at maintaining a marriage?"

The barb stung less than he hoped. That life seemed so distant now, almost like it had happened to someone else.

"I've learned to recognize true value," I replied simply. "Something you seem to struggle with."

Sebastian's jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. "You speak of value? Your entire worth could be written on a postage stamp."

Before I could respond, a hush fell over the room. Roman Volkov had arrived, commanding attention without saying a word. Tall and confident, he moved through the gathering with the ease of a man who knew exactly what he was doing.

Sebastian immediately pivoted away from me, his attention shifting to the new arrival. The crowd followed suit, abandoning our confrontation to swarm around Roman.

"Mr. Volkov!" Sebastian called out, his voice warm with false camaraderie. "We've been eagerly awaiting your arrival."

Roman nodded politely but made no move to engage with Sebastian directly. This subtle snub wasn't lost on anyone in the room.

"When will we meet the doctor?" someone called out.

"Yes, when does this mysterious Chinese medicine expert arrive?" asked another.

"I'm particularly interested in discussing expansion plans for the Soul Nourishment Pills," Sebastian added, stepping closer to Roman. "Hawthorne Pharmaceuticals is prepared to make a substantial offer for exclusive distribution rights."

Roman surveyed the eager faces surrounding him, a slight smile playing at his lips. He was clearly enjoying being the center of attention—the man everyone needed something from.

"All in good time," Roman replied smoothly. "The doctor will be introduced when appropriate."

"But surely we can begin preliminary discussions," Sebastian pressed, impatience creeping into his voice. "My schedule is quite demanding, and I've cleared this afternoon specifically for this meeting."

Roman's expression cooled. "The doctor will arrive when they arrive, Mr. Hawthorne. If your schedule is too demanding for patience, perhaps you should go."

The room fell silent. No one had expected Roman to speak so bluntly to Sebastian Hawthorne of all people.

Sebastian's face flushed with barely contained anger. "I don't think you understand the opportunity I'm presenting. Hawthorne Pharmaceuticals could take your little pill global within months."

Roman shrugged, unconcerned. "The Soul Nourishment Pill is already going global, with or without Hawthorne Pharmaceuticals."

Sebastian stepped closer, lowering his voice, though in the silence, everyone could still hear him. "Don't be a fool, Volkov. You need our manufacturing capabilities and distribution channels."

Roman Volkov's smile never faltered, but his eyes hardened. "You're so anxious, go away if you can't wait!"