Chapter 120 - 120 - The Unfazed Challenger Arrives_Rise of The Abandoned Husband

I considered Asher''s words, recognizing the trap he wasying before me. The Lane family home was their stronghold, where they would have every advantage. But backing down now would undo everything I''d just aplished.

 "I''ll be there tomorrow morning," I replied calmly. "Have the Medicine King ready."

 Asher''s bruised face twisted into a smile that didn''t reach his eyes. "I''ll be waiting, Knight. Don''t bete."

 He turned and stalked away, his followers quickly gathering around him like a protective shield. I watched them leave, noting the whispered conversations and backward nces.

 "Are you insane?" Eamon hissed once they were out of earshot. "The Lane vi is practically a fortress. ze Lane will have his entire security force waiting for you."

 I turned away from the retreating figures. "Let''s go. I''m hungry."

 Eamon gaped at me, but fell into step as I headed toward the exit. Violet hurried to catch up with us, her eyes wide with a mixture of fear and fascination.

 As we passed by Alistair Northwood, I caught his gaze. The momentary sh of unease in his eyes was satisfying—another nobleman who''d underestimated me and was now recalcting. I didn''t bother with words. The message had been delivered.

 "Liam, you''re not taking this seriously," Eamon continued as we emerged from the Water Dragon Cave into the fading daylight. "The Lane family isn''t just some local thug. ze Lane has connections throughout South City."

 "Are you worried about me, Eamon?" I asked, genuinely curious.

 "Of course I am! You just publicly humiliated the son of one of the most powerful men in the city." Eamon ran a hand through his hair in frustration. "And now you''re walking straight into their territory? It''s suicide."

 I ced a hand on his shoulder. "I appreciate the concern. But Asher was using barely twenty percent of the power I possess. His father might be stronger, but not enough to worry me."

 Eamon stared at me. "You were holding back? That... that energy broadsword..."

 "Was about thirty percent of what I could have manifested," I confirmed casually. "I didn''t want to kill him."

 Violet made a small choking sound. "Who exactly are you, Liam?"

 I nced at her, noticing her resemnce to her sister—my now ex-wife. "Just a man who keeps his promises. Let''s find somewhere to eat."

 We settled at an upscale restaurant in themercial district. Violet had texted her friend Selina Burton to join us, and the four of us sat at a table near the window. The elegant setting contrasted sharply with the tension still radiating from mypanions.

 "So," Selina said after ordering, her gaze curious but cautious, "I hear you made quite an impression at the Water Dragon Cave."

 I sipped my water. "News travels fast."

 "In circles like these, always." She studied me. "You''re not what I expected from Grace''s description."

 The mention of my ex-wife''s name didn''t sting as I might have expected. "Grace saw what she wanted to see."

 Violet shifted ufortably. "Speaking of my sister... I heard rumors that you two..." She trailed off, seemingly unable to finish the question.

 "We''re divorced," I stated tly. "As of yesterday."

 Violet''s chopsticks ttered against her te. "Divorced? But she never said anything about—"

 "It was sudden," I interrupted, not wanting to discuss the details of Grace''s betrayal in public. "I''m sure she''ll tell you her version when she''s ready."

 A heavy silence descended on the table. Eamon cleared his throat.

 "So, Liam, where are you staying tonight?"

 "I need to find a hotel," I replied, grateful for the change of subject. "Any rmendations?"

 As Eamon listed options, I noticed Selina watching me with undisguised interest. Unlike Violet''s nervous energy, Selina carried herself with the confidence of someone ustomed to getting what she wanted.

 "I know a ce," Selina interjected smoothly. "My family owns the Jade Pearl Hotel downtown. I could arrange a suite for you."

 Eamon raised his eyebrows. The Jade Pearl was one of the most exclusive establishments in South City.

 "Thank you for the offer," I said, "but I''d prefer somewhere less conspicuous tonight."

 Selina smiled, not at all offended. "Another time, perhaps." She slid her business card across the table. "If you ever need anything in South City, I''d be happy to help."

 I pocketed the card with a nod. Violet was watching the exchange with wide eyes, likely unused to seeing her sister''s friends show interest in her brother-inw—ex-brother-inw now.

 After dinner, Eamon and I checked into a moderately priced hotel near the city center. The room was clean andfortable, if not luxurious.

 "You should get some rest," Eamon advised as I gazed out the window at the city lights. "Tomorrow won''t be easy."

 I turned to my worried friend. "You don''t have toe with me tomorrow. In fact, I''d prefer if you didn''t."

 "You expect me to let you walk into that viper''s nest alone? After everything you just did for me?" Eamon shook his head firmly. "Not happening."

 "This isn''t your fight," I insisted. "And the Lane family won''t hesitate to strike at you to get to me."

 Eamon crossed his arms. "I''ming. End of discussion."

 I smiled slightly. "We''ll see."

 ---

 Across town in the Lane family vi, ze Lane mmed his fist against the ornate dining table, sending crystal sses toppling.

 "Uneptable!" he roared, his face purple with rage as he red at his son. "You let some nobody humiliate our family name in public?"

 Asher touched his bruised cheek, wincing. "Father, he''s not what he seems. His power—"

 "I don''t care if he''s sprouted wings and learned to breathe fire!" ze interrupted. "No one disrespects the Lane family and lives to boast about it."

 He turned to therge window overlooking their expansive gardens, hands sped behind his back as he struggled to control his temper.

 "Do you have any idea what this will do to our reputation? The other families are already whispering," he said, voice dangerously quiet now. "Our business partners will question our strength."

 "He mentioned connections to the Ashworth family," Asher ventured carefully.

 ze froze. "What did you say?" Ifyou''renoton*,you''reviewingacopy.

 "He imed to be connected to the Ashworths somehow," Asher repeated. "I don''t know if it''s true, but—"

 "The Ashworths don''t involve themselves with nobodies," ze muttered, but a flicker of uncertainty crossed his features. The Ashworth family operated on a level far above the Lanes. If this Liam Knight truly had their backing...

 After a moment of deliberation, ze shook his head decisively. "No. Connected or not, we cannot allow this insult to stand. He''s deliberately provoked us by agreeing toe here. He must be taught a lesson."

 He strode to the antique telephone on the sideboard and dialed a number from memory. After two rings, someone answered.

 "Aidan, it''s ze Lane. I need you at the vi by dawn tomorrow." He paused, listening. "Yes, it''s urgent. A pest needs exterminating."

 He hung up and turned to his son with cold determination. "Aidan Ortega will handle this upstart. Your mother doesn''t need to know the details."

 Asher paled slightly. Aidan Ortega was his father''s most dangerous retainer—a man whispered to have killed dozens without remorse.

 "Father, if he truly is connected to the Ashworths—"

 "Then we''ll deal with that after he''s been properly humbled," ze cut him off. "He''ll leave here on his knees, begging for mercy. No one challenges the Lane family and walks away whole."

 ---

 The next morning dawned bright and clear. I left the hotel alone at precisely eight, having slipped out while Eamon was still asleep. He would be furious, but his safety mattered more than his pride.

 The Lane family vi stood on a hillside overlooking South City, surrounded by high walls and ornate iron gates. As my taxi approached, I counted at least eight guards visible from the street, with undoubtedly more inside.

 I paid the driver and stepped out, approaching the main gate with unhurried steps. The guards stiffened as I drew near, hands moving to their weapons.

 "Liam Knight," I announced calmly. "I believe I''m expected."

 The guards exchanged nces before one spoke into his radio. After a brief exchange, the gates opened with a mechanical hum.

 "Mr. Lane is waiting in the main hall," the guard informed me with barely concealed hostility. "You''ll be escorted."

 I nodded and followed another guard up the winding driveway to the impressive mansion. The grounds were meticulously maintained, with sculptured hedges and fountains that spoke of old money and careful cultivation of an image.

 The front doors opened as we approached, revealing a marbled entryway that sparkled in the morning light. I was led through to a grand hall where three men awaited me.

 ze Lane sat in a high-backed chair that resembled a throne, his son Asher standing to his right. To his left stood a lean, hard-faced man with cold eyes that evaluated me with professional detachment—this would be Aidan Ortega, then.

 Guards lined the walls of the room, at least twelve that I could see. A deliberate show of force.

 "So," ze Lane''s voice echoed in the cavernous space, "you''re the man who dared toy hands on my son."

 I met his gaze steadily. "I''m the man who epted his challenge and won fairly."

 ze''s eyes narrowed. "And now you''ve walked into my home, alone and apparently unconcerned." He gestured around at the armed men. "Either incredibly brave or remarkably stupid."

 I shrugged. "I came for what was promised: the Hundred-Year Medicine King."

 "Did you really think it would be that simple?" ze asked, leaning forward in his chair.

 I smiled slightly. "No. But I hoped you might surprise me."

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Chapter 120 - 120 - The Unfazed Challenger Arrives