Awakening Love Reborn to Be His Duchess (Elowen Hale) novel Chapter 598

Chapter 598 The Weight of Truth

A collective intake of breath swept through the hall.

The officials present looked at the low–ranking clerk with newfound respect.

Milo continued.

“I was ashamed when I heard her words. But I also knew the Baker family holds immense power. If I refused outright, I might not survive the consequences. So I accepted the money temporarily and stored it at home without touching a single coin. My mother sealed it herself in a wooden chest and marked the date. I intended that if this matter were ever investigated, the money would serve as evidence. If not, once things settled, I would quietly return it.”

Alaric’s hands tightened.

So this is what you call “handled“? I should’ve taken him out when I had the chance.

Milo continued, “Not long after, someone from Hale Manor came as well.”

Theodric’s gaze shifted almost instinctively toward Elowen.

Alaric followed, a cold smile forming in his mind.

So my grandfather failed. You think you’ll succeed where he didn’t?

Milo spoke plainly.

“Your Grace sent a physician, Doctor Dray, to examine my mother. I was alarmed at the time. The Baker family had just come, and then Hale Manor followed. I could not understand what forces were at play. I feared being used, and I feared becoming entangled in matters far beyond my station. So I declined the offer as politely as I could. Doctor Dray did not insist. He only said that if my mother’s condition worsened, I could seek him out at any time.”

Elowen lowered her gaze, saying nothing.

She had anticipated this.

When she learned the Baker family had made their move, she sent Hugh at once.

Milo was known to be deeply devoted to his mother, who had been ill for years. She had assumed that an offer of treatment would win his favor.

But he refused.

Even his mother refused. And strangely enough, that made things better.

Chapter 598 The Weight of Truth

People like them could not be swayed by power or bribery. They answered only to their own sense of right and wrong.

And in a court like this, that kind of person carried far more weight than any carefully planted ally.

Milo’s voice rang out again.

“Later, news spread that the court had begun investigating irregularities in the examinations. When I heard this, I thought back to the visits from both Baker Estate and Hale Manor. I realized this was no simple matter of misconduct. The implications were far–reaching. far beyond what someone like me could grasp. So when the Ministry of Rites summoned me repeatedly, I claimed illness and stayed away.”

He lifted his head fully.

“Only now, with Your Majesty asking in person, do I dare to speak the truth and place everything before you.”

His voice grew firmer with each word.

When he finished, he lowered himself again in a deep, formal bow.

Across the hall, officials stared at him.

His robe was plain. His rank insignificant.

And yet, in that moment, he stood taller than many among the powerful. On the throne. Theodric remained silent for a long time.

His gaze lingered on Milo, then shifted slowly to Alaric, still lowered on the floor.

Then to Colton. Finally, it settled on Elowen and Cassian.

He understood perfectly well what this truly was. On the surface, it was an investigation into examination fraud.

In truth, it was a struggle between his son and his brother’s household.

Choosing a side would not be simple.

After a long pause, he let out a quiet breath.

“Quin.”

Quin stepped forward. “Your Majesty.”

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