Awakening Love Reborn to Be His Duchess (Elowen Hale) novel Chapter 709

3

Chapter 709 Could We Speak in Private?

Evelyn offered a poise, graceful smile. As right

Once Evelyn was settled. Roger and Maud changed into fresh cishes and set out with Draven

When their carriage arrived at Duskmoor Manor, they were surprised to find Elowen and Cassian waiting to greet them in person. Elowen looked elegam and composed in a begonia–pink robe, her hair adorned with a dangling gold and pearl hairpin. Beside her stood Cassian dressed in dark, casual attire, his handsome face bearing a characteristically cool expression.

Caught off guard by the honor, Roger and Maud hurriedly bowed in unison. “Greetings, Your Graces.”

Cassian gave a slight nod.

Elowen offered a warm smile. “Draven is always so reliable in his duties. I often thought he must come from a wonderful family, and seeing you both today proves me right.”

“You flatter us, Your Grace,” Roger said quickly. “Our boy is stubborn, but he is incredibly fortunate to have your guidance and favor.

Beside him, Maud smiled in polite agreement.

“You are far too modest,” Elowen replied gently before gesturing inward. “Please, come inside. Dinner is ready–just a few simple, home–cooked dishes, so I hope you will bear with us.”

The party made their way into the manor.

Dinner was laid out in the Great Hall of Stillwater Court. But just as everyone took their seats, footsteps echoed from the doorway outside.

“Scarlet, you’re back!” Mira’s cheerful voice rang out first.

“Yes,” Scarlet replied softly.

Inside the Great Hall, Roger and Maud froze slightly at the sound of the name. They exchanged a brief, silent look but said nothing.

Outside, Scarlet asked, “Where is Her Grace?”

“She’s in the Great Hall,” Mira replied with a laugh. “We have guests tonight.”

“Guests?” Scarlet repeated, stepping across the threshold into the hall.

Scarlet paused on the threshold, surprised to see the crowded table, her gaze lingering a moment longer on Draven. She had been working at the Silverloom Exchange all day and had no idea they were coming.

had never met Roger and Maud because of their fierce opposition to the marriage, she

almost instantly.

d process the surprise, Elowen spoke up with a warm, welcoming smile. “This is Scarlet, of the Silverloom Exchange. She is incredibly sharp and meticulous; the entire lly runs on her dedication.” Turning back to the door, Elowen beckoned her. “Come in.

napter 799 Could We Speak in Private?

Starlet. These are Draven’s patents.”

Scarlet stepped into the room, maintaining her composure as she offered a graceful curtsy. “Greetings, Your Graces. It is a pleasure to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Hall Finally, she turned to Draven. “Hello, Draven.”

Without a second thought, Draven grinned broadly. “Don’t be so formal! You must be exhausted after a long day at the Exchange. Come, sit down and have some-

He was cut off by a sharp cough from Maud.

Realizing his blunder, Draven shut his mouth. Besides his wife, Roger looked equally uncomfortable.

Taking the cue, Elowen addressed the room. “Cassian and I are well aware of the deep affection between Draven and Scarlet, and even His Majesty has taken a personal interest in the matter. I understand the Hall family values propriety, and given Draven’s close position to the taperor, you might worry about Scarlet’s less–than–perfect past. However, Scarlet now leads the Silverloom Exchange–ar, institution established by royal decree. In terms of standing, she is a perfectly suitable match for Draven.”

Roger glanced sideways to gauge Maud’s reaction, while Draven watched his mother with bated breath. Maud simply knit her brows. “Your Grace, if I may, could we speak in private?”

“Of course,” Elowen agreed readily.

By choosing to speak privately rather than refusing outright in public, Maud had shown there was still room for negotiation.

As the two women withdrew to the back parlor, Draven’s stomach churned with anxiety. He looked toward Scarlet, his heart in his throat. Scarlet met his gaze, her eyes soft, gentle, yet filled with an undeniable strength. Looking at her, the fear inside him slowly began to fade.

*********

In the back parlor, Maud spoke in a low voice. “Your Grace, if I am to be completely honest with you, my husband and I were actually at the grand opening of the Silverloom Exchange.”

Elowen blinked in surprise.

r

“We saw with our own eyes when someone started a riot outside, openly dragging up Scarlet’s checkered past,” Maud continued. “But right there, in front of a massive crowd, Scarlet kept her composure, remained utterly unfazed, and exposed the instigator’s tricks. Even then, we thought to ourselves that this girl had real courage and integrity. She is truly rare.”

Elowen realized that Roger and Maud’s presence at the grand opening was likely engineered by the Jones family. Yet, in a twist of fate, it had backfired, showing them exactly how brightly Scarlet could shine.

“If that’s the case,” Elowen probed gently, “then you actually like Scarlet?”

Maud let out a soft sigh. “The world has always been harsh on women. A young girl doing whatever it takes to survive often has no choice in the matter. The Hall family isn’t some grand nobility, so who are we to look down on anyone? Scarlet is a good girl, and we hold absolutely no malice toward her.”

Elowen frowned, genuinely puzzled. “Then why refuse to let Draven marry her?”

Chapter 700 would We Speak

in Private?

3

one

Maud patred for a moment. “The first time Draver, came home and said he wanted to marry a maid who used to be a laver Hostess–we naturally feared fie had been seduced and led astray. He is the

wardrobe Commander of the Imperial Guard, responsible for the Emperor’s safety. It is entirely possible for treacherous people to approach him, bribe him, and ultimatery harm His Majesty. That is why we gave him a thrashing Later, we learned Scarlet was your personal attendant, and after seeing her for ourselves, we realized Draven truly loves her.”