Awakening Love Reborn to Be His Duchess (Elowen Hale) novel Chapter 283

Chapter 283 Reaction

69

fan hed

Alaric took the chair Elowen had been sitting in. Slowly, he picked up the fork from her place setting and asked, “How did she take it?”

Daphne hesitated. “She… barely reacted.”

Alaric’s frown deepened. He turned sharply to Daphne. “What do you mean she barely reacted?”

Daphne’s heart pounded. She had the uneasy sense that if she answered poorly, Alaric would turn his anger on her.

“She… she…”

“Your Highness,” Iris said softly from behind.

Alaric glanced at her.

Iris kept her eyes lowered. “Even if she was displeased, she would never show it in front of the crown princess. But I’m certain it left a crack. What woman would calmly accept her husband keeping another mistress elsewhere?”

Alaric didn’t speak. He rubbed Elowen’s fork between his fingers, as though he might still find a trace of warmth there.

“If Your Highness wants proof she took it to heart,” Iris continued, “it’s simple. Have someone keep watch on that residence north of the city, and keep watch on the duchess as well. See whether she goes there. Then find out whether Cassian and the duchess quarrel. That will give you your answer.”

Alaric studied Iris for a long moment. “You’re a clever girl.”

Iris lowered her head even further. “You flatter me. I’ve only picked up a little by staying close to the crown princess.”

Alaric snorted. “Learned from her? She’s a fool.”

Daphne had been humiliated so openly that even her own maid now seemed to outrank her. Her face twisted with shame, yet she did not dare show the slightest reaction.

Alaric turned back. “Fine. We’ll do it your way.”

Then, using Elowen’s fork, he finished the remaining piece of fish one bite at a time.

In Duskmoor Manor’s carriage, the wheels rolled steadily over the road.

1/3

19:50 Tue, May 12

Chapter 993 Rebrtion

69

Elowen lounged against the cushion, one hand resting lightly over her flat belly. “Alaric really hasn’t changed. He chooses a restaurant, orders a table full of dishes so everything looks impressive, yet hardly any of it actually tastes good. The abalone was overcooked, far too tough. The bird’s nest soup wasn’t even prepared properly. Our cook could throw together a simple plate of greens and it would still taste better than that meal.”

Cassian’s expression, which had been cold carlier, softened slightly. “When we get home, I’ll have the kitchen prepare whatever you like.”

Elowen looked at him. “Were you angry when you saw him trying to serve food?”

Cassian didn’t deny it. “Yes.”

Elowen smiled, reached for Cassian’s long fingers, and squeezed them twice. “Don’t be upset. I didn’t eat any of it.”

Cassian gave a low sound and closed his hand around hers.

For a while, the only sound inside the carriage was the steady rhythm of the wheels against the road.

After a moment, Cassian asked, “Daphne wanted to speak with you alone. What did she say?”

Elowen’s eyes curved as she deliberately stretched out the words. “Nothing much. She said you’ve hidden a woman away in Elmwood Alley.”

Cassian raised a brow as his

gaze

met hers.

The carriage rolled into Duskmoor Manor. Before it had even fully stopped, several men in official court robes had already gathered around it.

Voices rose one after another.

“Your Grace, did you hear? His Highness released Laurent!”

“Laurent embezzled military funds, an enormous sum. His Highness brushed it aside using the excuse of royal privilege. So blood alone now places someone above the law?”

“This is outrageous!”

Cassian pushed open the carriage door.

The men noticed Elowen seated beside him and immediately fell silent before bowing. “Duchess.”

Elowen looked over their attire. These were high–ranking officials.

2/3

19:50 Tue, May 12

Charter 26 Resume

69

Finished

This was clearly state business, and she had no place involving herself in it.

She stepped down from the carriage and inclined her head politely. “Cassian, I’ll return inside

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify