Love's Unexpected Awakening Elowen's Choice novel Chapter 116

Chapter 116 Reversal of Fortune

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The crowd’s gaze toward Daphne softened with pity, while their looks at Elowen turned disapproving.

“Bullying her is one thing, but to want her dead.

“That’s ruthless.”

“No wonder they say a woman’s heart can be the most poisonous…”

Elowen’s expression was one of cool derision. “Lady Daphne, if I wanted you dead, I have a thousand ways to achieve it. Why would I do so in front of a crowd, by first taking you to the water’s edge and then pushing you in? If seen, I would be condemned for murder. Even if unseen, suspicion would naturally fall on me, wouldn’t it?”

Her words gave the onlookers pause. It did make sense.

“Moreover,” Elowen continued, her tone deliberate, “you were the one who insisted on going to the water. I was reluctant. To claim I plotted your harm is pure nonsense!”

“I can attest to that as well,” Piers spoke up, stepping forward.

Seeing him, Elowen knew the situation was secured.

In her past life, he had been nearby when she fell, which was why he had rescued her.

Today, she had deliberately delayed, waiting for him to draw closer before accompanying Daphne to the edge.

Piers was known for his sense of justice, and as the heir to Falconcrest, his words carried significant weight.

Now, standing beside Elowen, he fastened a dry cloak over his own damp shoulders-he had been offered one for himself after the rescue, and had initially considered giving it to the seemingly pitiable Daphne, but after hearing her accusations, he thought better of it.

“It was Lady Daphne who pleaded with Her Grace to accompany her to the water,” he stated clearly.

His testimony instantly shifted the crowd’s opinion.

“So it couldn’t have been Duchess Elowen!”

“She must have slipped by accident.”

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19:24 Fri, Feb 13 TTD.

Chapter 116 Reversal of Fortune

“And then blamed someone else…”

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Daphne gritted her teeth. “But it’s still possible she saw me near the water and seized the chance-”

Elowen cut her off. “Or it’s possible you, bearing a grudge, deliberately threw yourself in to frame me.”

“Why would I bear a grudge against you?”

“You do,” Elowen said, her words precise. “Because you once followed in my shadow and felt inferior. And because you were punished by the Duke of Duskmoor on two occasions. You dare not seek revenge against him, so you transfer your anger onto me.”

The long-standing friction between the Hale and Garrett families was well-known in Vanelle.

The recent incident where Duke of Duskmoor had publicly humiliated the Garretts for Elowen’s sake was a popular topic of gossip.

The spectators’ expressions grew even more knowing.

“You… I…”

Daphne stammered, finding herself cornered, her eyes reddening with frustrated tears. She looked genuinely pathetic.

Just then, she saw Alaric striding over, attendants in tow.

Hope surged within her. The Crown Prince must have heard I fell in! He’s come to support me!

Previously, whenever she confronted Elowen, Cassian had been present, resulting in her punishments.

Now, Cassian hadn’t arrived, but Alaric had.

With Alaric on her side, Elowen couldn’t possibly escape unscathed!

Thinking this, Daphne adjusted her kneeling posture to appear even more delicate and vulnerable. She lifted her tear-stained face toward Alaric.

“Your High-” she began, but got no further.

“Get up at once!” Alaric’s cold voice cut her off. What are you doing on the ground? Have you no shame?”

Daphne froze, utterly stunned.

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19:25 Fri, Feb 13 TTD.

Chapter 116 Reversal of Fortune

This wasn’t right. Shouldn’t he be concerned for her?

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“Someone, assist Lady Daphne to her feet!” the Duke of Falconcrest promptly instructed.

Two maids stepped forward to help her up.

Daphne stood, her elaborate hairstyle in complete disarray, hairpins dangling precariously.

Summer garments were light, and her drenched clothes clung to her like a second skin, outlining her form unmistakably.

Among the crowd of onlookers were many men, their gazes lingering on her with varying degrees of lewd interest.

This would have been embarrassing enough ordinarily, but news of her impending marriage to the Crown Prince had spread.

Her current state was a public humiliation that reflected directly on Alaric.

Alaric watched coldly, feeling not a shred of pity His gaze shifted to Elowen.

She stood calmly by the water’s edge, dressed in silk gown embroidered with cloud patterns, her skin like fine porcelain. Against the backdrop of the endless pond and red lilies, she was a picture of serene elegance.

The contrast with Daphne could not have been more stark!

Looking from one to the other, Alaric felt his irritation flare.

“Your Highness, it was Duchess Elowen who pushed me…” Daphne, noticing Alaric’s attention on Elowen, leaned into the supporting maids and spoke in a choked voice as she was brought to his side.

“Shut it!” Alaric snapped, his face dark. Hadn’t she embarrassed him enough already?

Tears welled and spilled from Daphne’s eyes.

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