Awakening Love Reborn to Be His Duchess (Elowen Hale) novel Chapter 823

Chapter 823 The New Heir

“What was your mother’s name?” Malkor demanded.

“Aguna,” Thomas replied.

Malkor’s fingers tightened on his seat.

“When did she pass?”

“When I was ten.”

“What were her final words to you?”

Thomas stared back, his tone flat to the point of hostility.

“She told me my father was Malkor, and if I ever hit rock bottom. I should take this pendant to Kingsport to find you.”

A complex flicker crossed Malkor’s eyes, “Then why show up only now?”

Thomas let out a cold sneer. “Because I never wanted to see you before.”

Malkor narrowed his gaze.

Thomas pressed on, “My mother waited decades for you, yet you never searched for her. On her deathbed she claimed you had your reasons, but I never bought it.”

The surrounding attendants paled; no one had ever dared speak to Archduke Malkor like that. Yet Malkor showed no rage, merely staring at Thomas, “Then why present yourself today?”

Thomas raised his eyes, cold gloom gathering inside them, “I was forced into Nordia as a servant by Lady Elowen. Last night, I had to reveal myself at the Crimson Lantern.”

Malkor’s expression shifted dramatically.

“To complete her tasks, I was forced to present the pendant and invoke my mother’s name. If Lady Elowen catches wind of this, she’ll turn on me. I refuse to die at a woman’s hands. Besides, if you disown me, word will reach the streets sooner or later anyway.”

Malkor slowly burst into laughter, “Are you threatening me, boy?”

“Not a threat-a reminder.”

Malkor scrutinized him, the lingering complexity in his gaze morphing into intrigue. Cold enough, brave enough. Far more like him than Ronan ever was.

“What do you want?”

Hidden inside his sleeve, Thomas’s hand clenched tight, though his face remained stone-cold. “I want to see what House Harrow truly commands.”

Malkor asked, “Such as?”

Chapter 823 The New Heir

Thomas answered, “The Crimson Lantern.”

Silence blanketed the grand hall.

Malkor locked eyes with him, suspicion creeping back, “Do you even know what that place is?”

“I know enough.” Thomas replied without haste, “Which is why I want to see it with my own eyes.”

Malkor stayed silent.

Thomas continued, “Since you can reclaim one son, you should know sons evaluate their fathers too. If yo only heir is a weakling trapped in Princess Valessa’s prison over a woman, I might not even want you as father.”

The words cut brutally deep. Everyone in the hall held their breath. Yet instead of raging, Malkor brøke int a grin.

“You’re far more entertaining than Ronan.”

Thomas remained indifferent, “I was born to your lawful wife. A b*stard like him isn’t fit to stand beside m

Malkor stared at him for a long silence before barking. “Guards! Escort the Heir to the Crimson Lantern.”

The advisor gasped in surprise. “My Lord?”

Malkor shot him a side glance, “My son wants to inspect House Harrow’s assets. Why shouldn’t he?”

Hearing the phrase “my son,” Thomas felt no warmth inside, only icy detachment, a frozen blade had finall been placed directly into his hands.

Half an hour later, Thomas stepped into the Crimson Lantern.

Stripped of its nighttime shimmer, the brothel by day reeked of decay hidden beneath layers of powder. The stench of thick perfume made him sick.

Ursula rushed out in person, wearing a plastered smile. “And this esteemed guest is…”

The Archduke’s trusted confidant leading the way snapped, “This is the Heir.”

Ursula’s eyes flickered, not daring to ask why a new heir had suddenly replaced the old one, bowing even lower. “This way, my Lord.”

Thomas cast a sweeping glance across the courtyard. Every inch of red silk, every hanging lantern, and every echo of fake laughter made his stomach turn. Yet he could not betray a hint of disgust.

Stepping into the private parlor, Thomas asked casually, “I heard someone broke out of the Moonlit Pavilion last night.”

Ursula’s smile faltered before recovering, “Just careless guards. The staff responsible have been handled.”

Thomas said, “What about the blind courtesan who helped her escape?”

Ursula’s smirk froze, “Why does the Heir ask of her?”

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15:18 Sat, Aug 8 )

Chapter 823 The New Heir

Thomas turned his gaze onto her. That single glance made Ursula’s heart skip a beat in fear.

“I ask, you answer.”

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