The p echoed across the marble floor, silencing every conversation in the vicinity. Nora Donovan''s head snapped sideways, her red hair flying as she staggered backward. The imprint of Isabelle''s hand bloomed crimson on her cheek.


    I stood frozen, hardly believing what I was witnessing. Isabelle Ashworth—the epitome of poise and social grace—had just struck someone in public.


    "I warned you," Isabelle said, her voice dangerously soft. "Insult Liam one more time, and there would be consequences."


    Nora''s hand flew to her face, her eyes wide with shock before narrowing with renewed hatred. "You struck me! Do you have any idea who my father—"


    "Your father is currently nursing several broken bones," Isabelle cut in, "courtesy of the very man you just called ''trash.'' Perhaps you''d like a more personal demonstration of why that was unwise?"


    The crowd around us had expanded into a perfect circle, everyone maintaining a careful distance while ensuring they didn''t miss a moment of the spectacle.


    "How dare you defend him?" Nora hissed, regaining someposure. "He''s nothing but a pathetic leech who—"


    The second p was even harder than the first. This time, Nora stumbled back into Lucas Rhodes, who caught her awkwardly.


    "That''s two," Isabelle said calmly, lowering her hand. "Would you like to try for three?"


    I stepped forward, cing a hand gently on Isabelle''s arm. "Isabelle, it''s fine. She''s not worth it."


    Isabelle didn''t look at me, her gaze still fixed on Nora. "No, it''s not fine. I won''t have anyone speaking about you that way. Not in my presence."


    Lucas finally seemed to recover from his shock. "Miss Ashworth, I must protest this treatment. Do you know who I am? My uncle is on the city council, and—"


    "Ah yes, Councilman Rhodes," Isabelle interrupted, turning her cool gaze to him. "The same uncle currently under investigation for epting bribes from the Hansen Development Group? I''m sure he''d be thrilled to have his name brought into another public scandal."


    Lucas paled visibly. I watched the calction in his eyes as he reassessed the situation.


    "Miss Ashworth," he began again, his tone significantly more subdued. "I apologize for the disruption. Nora is... upset about her father''s recent injuries. She spoke without thinking."


    "Is that right?" Isabelle raised an eyebrow. "Because it sounded quite deliberate to me."


    Nora tried to shake off Lucas''s restraining hand, but his grip tightened. "Lucas, let me go! I''m not finished with—"


    "Yes, you are," he said firmly, then turned back to Isabelle. "We''ll be leaving now. Please ept my sincere apologies for the disturbance."


    He began steering a still-protesting Nora toward the exit. Just before they reached the door, he nced back at me, something like grudging respect in his expression.


    "Mr. Knight," he said with a slight nod, "it seems I underestimated your... connections."


    As they disappeared through the doorway, the crowd began to disperse, conversations resuming with renewed energy. I turned to Isabelle, who was straightening the sleeve of her emerald dress as if nothing unusual had urred.


    "That was... unexpected," I said quietly.


    Her eyes met mine, still bright with indignation. "She deserved worse. I''ve never particrly liked Nora Donovan, but her behavior tonight was inexcusable."


    I couldn''t help but smile. "I think you made that abundantly clear."


    "Did I embarrass you?" she asked suddenly, a flicker of vulnerability crossing her face.


    "No," I said honestly. "I''m just not used to having someone defend me like that."


    "Well, get used to it." She looped her arm through mine. "Now, there''s someone I want you to meet."


    As she guided me through the crowd, I felt the weight of numerous stares. The whispers followed us: Who exactly was Liam Knight tomand such fierce loyalty from Isabelle Ashworth?


    I was wondering the same thing myself.


    "There he is," Isabelle murmured, nodding toward a distinguished older gentleman standing near the bar. "Leopold Shepherd, manager of Eldoria Bank." <i ss="in-imprint-b">This copyes from content on *.</i>


    "Thergest financial institution in three counties," I recalled. "Why do you want me to meet him?"


    "Because connections are currency, Liam," she said, her voice low. "And it''s time you started building your own portfolio."


    Before I could ask what she meant, we''d reached Mr. Shepherd. He turned at our approach, his face lighting up with recognition.


    "Miss Ashworth! A pleasure as always." He sped Isabelle''s hand warmly before turning his attention to me. "And you must be Liam Knight. I''ve heard some interesting rumors about you, young man."


    I shook his hand firmly. "Only believe half of what you hear, Mr. Shepherd."


    "The half where you humbled Robert Donovan inbat, or the half where you''ve be Miss Ashworth''s most trusted advisor in a matter of weeks?" His eyes twinkled with intelligence and curiosity.


    "Both are true," Isabelle interjected smoothly. "Liam has proven himself exceptional in multiple arenas."


    "High praise indeed,ing from you." Mr. Shepherd studied me with renewed interest. "What''s your background, Mr. Knight?"


    "Medicine, primarily," I answered. "Though I''ve developed other interests recently."


    "Liam is being modest," Isabelle said. "He''s an extraordinary doctor. His diagnostic skills are unmatched in Havenwood."


    Mr. Shepherd''s expression shifted subtly. "A doctor, you say? Any particr specialty?"


    "I focus on integrative approaches," I replied carefully. "Combining traditional techniques with more... innovative methods."


    "Interesting." He swirled the amber liquid in his ss, seemingly lost in thought for a moment. "My wife, Eleanor, has been unwell for some time. The specialists at Havenwood General have been less than helpful."


    Isabelle gave me a meaningful nce. "Perhaps Liam could offer a consultation? His approach is quite different from conventional medicine."


    I understood immediately what she was doing, and yed along. "I''d be happy to see Mrs. Shepherd, if she''s willing."


    "Would you?" Relief shed across the banker''s face. "Eleanor has been suffering for months. I''ve tried everything—brought in specialists from as far as Capital City, but nothing has helped."


    "What are her symptoms?" I asked, professional interest genuinely piqued.


    "Chronic fatigue, joint pain, recurring fevers thate and go without exnation. The doctors keep suggesting it''s psychosomatic, but I know my wife." His frustration was evident.


    I considered for a moment. "Those symptoms could indicate several possibilities that conventional testing might miss. When did they first appear?"


    "About three months ago, after we returned from our anniversary trip to the Southern Isles."


    "Interesting," I said, already mentally cataloging potential diagnoses. "I''d need to examine her and review her medical history, but there are several tropical conditions that might present that way."


    Hope sparked in the man''s eyes. "Could youe to our home tomorrow? I''ll pay whatever fee you ask."


    "Let''s not worry about payment yet," I said, surprising myself with my confidence. "Let me see if I can help Mrs. Shepherd first."


    "You''re a godsend, Mr. Knight." He pulled out a business card and handed it to me. "Our address is on the back. Would two in the afternoon work?"


    "Perfectly."


    After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Mr. Shepherd excused himself to speak with another guest. As soon as he was out of earshot, I turned to Isabelle.


    "That was your n all along, wasn''t it?"


    She smiled enigmatically. "I may have heard through mywork that Leopold Shepherd was desperate to find help for his wife."


    "And you just happened to position me as the solution."


    "Is that a problem?" she asked, arching an eyebrow. "You are a talented doctor, Liam. And Leopold Shepherd is one of the most influential men in Havenwood''s financial sector."


    I shook my head, partly in admiration, partly in disbelief. "You''re ying chess while everyone else is ying checkers, aren''t you?"


    "I prefer to think of it as creating mutually beneficial opportunities." She took two champagne flutes from a passing waiter and handed one to me. "If you help Mrs. Shepherd, you gain a powerful ally. That''s how this world works."


    I took a sip of the champagne, considering her words. The old Liam would have been ufortable with such strategic rtionship-building. But I was no longer that man.


    "Thank you," I said finally. "For this, and for dealing with Nora earlier."


    "You''re wee." Her eyes softened slightly. "Though I must admit, pping her was oddly satisfying. I''ve wanted to do that for years."


    Iughed, the sound surprising me with its ease. "I noticed you didn''t hold back."


    "I rarely do, when it matters." Her gaze held mine, something unspoken passing between us.


    We were interrupted by the arrival of Emma, Isabelle''s secretary, who whispered something urgently in her ear.


    "I have to take care of something," Isabelle said apologetically. "Will you be alright on your own for a few minutes?"


    "I think I can manage not to get pped in your absence," I replied with a smile.


    As she walked away, I moved to the edge of the rooftop terrace, looking out over the glittering expanse of Havenwood City. The cool night air felt good against my skin as I reyed the events of the evening.


    Isabelle Ashworth had publicly defended my honor, then deliberately introduced me to a man whose connections could prove invaluable. She was systematically dismantling the barriers that stood in my way, using her considerable influence to pave my path forward.


    I sighed inwardly, the realization settling over me. She wasn''t just helping me—she was investing in me, creating opportunities and alliances I would need for whatever challengesy ahead.


    The question was: what did she expect in return?