Awakening Love Reborn to Be His Duchess (Elowen Hale) novel Chapter 538

Just wait. I'll settle this.

At Hale Manor, in the main dining hall, Elowen and Cassian were seated together for supper.

Mira stood nearby, smiling. "Your Grace, you should've seen Nikki this afternoon. She was in such a good mood the whole time. Probably finally got some frustration out. She even ate an extra half serving tonight."

Elowen's eyes softened slightly as she lifted her spoon, taking a sip of the rich, slow-cooked stew.

Mira continued, "Josh borrowed a book from your study earlier. He returned it just now, not a single page out of place, and he even cleaned up the entire room before leaving."

Elowen gave a small nod.

Those two really were good kids.

Footsteps sounded outside.

Elowen looked up just as Josh stepped in, Nikki following behind him.

Josh came forward and bowed deeply. "Your Grace."

Cassian did not look up, only gave a quiet acknowledgment before placing a portion of vegetables onto Elowen's plate.

Elowen set down her utensils and looked at them with a gentle expression.

Her gaze moved from Josh to Nikki.

The girl stood behind him, head lowered, her foot lightly brushing the polished stone floor, her whole posture slumped with quiet frustration.

Elowen asked softly, "What's going on?"

Josh bowed again, his tone steady. "When I was preparing for the court qualification trials, our situation at home was difficult. Your Grace showed kindness, allowed Nikki to work here, and gave us support. I will never forget that."

He continued, calm but firm.

"Now that the exams are over, regardless of the outcome, I shouldn't continue to rely on your generosity. I plan to take Nikki home tonight so we won't trouble you further."

Elowen's gaze shifted to Nikki.

The girl's head dropped even lower, her shoulders sagging.

Elowen understood immediately. "What about you? Do you want to go back?"

Nikki looked up suddenly, the words slipping out before she could stop herself. "I don't want to..."

Her voice was small, thick with emotion.

Josh turned his head sharply.

Nikki froze, her voice cutting off as she quickly lowered her head again.

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