Awakening Love Reborn to Be His Duchess (Elowen Hale) novel Chapter 21

Chapter 21

Lylah’s POV

For three days, Rowan remained at the manor.

Finishe

He lavished me with care each day. I tried to send him away with minor pack matters, but he handled every task swiftly and still found time to return to my side.

By the time the fourth day dawned–the day I was meant to leave–panic had taken hold.

My thoughts clawed at one another, searching for a way to push him out without drawing suspicion. I wa still trapped in that spiraling unease when Gavriel and Rosella arrived just before lunch.

We ate together beneath the manor’s vaulted ceiling, porcelain plates and polished silverware reflecting the false warmth they wore so convincingly. I kept my expression cool, my emotions tightly leashed as I

ate.

“Lylah,” Gavriel began lightly, swirling his wine, “you’ve truly outdone yourself. Convincing an Alpha to disappear from his office for days?” He chuckled. “The entire tower is buzzing. They thought he’d vanished.”

“Gavriel,” Rowan warned from across the table,

“I didn’t ask him to stay,” I said calmly.

Rosella’s smile widened, syrupy and sharp. “Don’t be modest. Alpha Rowan wished to spend time with you. Surely you sensed that?”

My stomach twisted. They loathed me, but before Rowan, every claw was perfectly sheathed.

“That’s it,” Gavriel said smoothly, “We actually came to request your help, Lylah.”

I met his gaze. “What kind of help?”

“We need Alpha Rowan at the Corlis Prime Accord Gathering tomorrow. Every Alpha investor will be present, and his absence would speak louder than his presence.”

“The alliance is already secured,” Rowan replied coolly, “Tomorrow is a formality. Don’t turn it into a spectacle in front of Lylah.”

I knew these events. Corlis Prime project inaugurations were never simple formalities; they were lavish pack gatherings of feasting and calculated conversation, consuming a full day before spilling into the night.

“I think you should attend,” I said.

Tomorrow evening, I will be gone. I couldn’t afford complications.

Gavriel straightened slightly, hope flickering behind his eyes.

“You are the face of Corlis Prime,” I continued, keeping my tone neutral. “It would be seen as disrespectful

:13 pm MMM.

Chapter 21

if you weren’t present.”

Rowan turned fully toward me.

The air shifted, his Alpha aura pressing closer. “Is that truly what you want, Lylah?”

Both Gavriel and Rosella held their breath.

… Fine,” Rowan said at last. “If you ask it of me, I’ll attend.”

Finis

Rowan extended his hand. “Come. The Alpha investors want to meet you.”

“I–but I can’t Rowan-”

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4:13 pm

Chapter 21

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Finisher

“You were one of the few who stood with me when I built Corlis Prime from nothing,” he said, his voice firm yet gentle. “So today, I want you beside me before every investor’s eyes, Lylah.”

Before I could step back, his arm slid around my waist. My wolf stirred uneasily beneath my skin.

“I promise it won’t take long,” he murmured. “We’ll be finished before dusk.”

He guided me toward his sleek black car, already opening the door. “And don’t worry about proper attire,” he added, a knowing glint in his eyes. “I’ve already taken care of everything.”

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