Love's Unexpected Awakening Elowen's Choice novel Chapter 427

Chapter 427 A Line Drawn

None of it sat right with her.

:..

Cassian’s voice came down, low and final. “That ends tonight.”

Elowen paused, turning toward him, a flicker of surprise in her eyes.

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The steward hesitated, clearly not keeping up. “Your Grace… I’m not sure I understand.”

Cassian spoke evenly, like he was setting policy, not asking for agreement. “The Pavilion operates under new rules. Starting now, serving staff do not sit in with guests, and courtesans do not stay the night. No one bends this.”

The steward’s face lost color. “Your Grace, if we make that change, the upper floors will take a hit, especially with noble patrons. A lot of them come here for exactly that. If we shut it down, business will suffer badly. And besides… this place ultimately serves His Majesty…”

Cassian looked at him without speaking. The steward lowered his gaze.

Cassian turned slightly. “Ella, go get some rest.”

Elowen nodded, then helped Scarlet to her feet and drew Nikki along with her toward a private room.

Scarlet’s gown had already been cut for display, and after being grabbed earlier, the fastening had come loose. The fabric had shifted, leaving her entire arm and part of her shoulder bare.

Elowen caught it in her peripheral vision, her expression tightening. Once inside, she turned to a server. “Bring a proper dress in her size.”

She added, firm and clear, “Something simple. No performance pieces.”

The server knew exactly who he was dealing with. “Yes, Your Grace,” he said quickly, hurrying

out.

Nikki spoke in a small voice. “Miss Hale…”

Elowen paused and looked over.

“His Grace said the Pavilion won’t do that kind of business anymore. Is that really true?”

“It is.”

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Chapter 427 A Line Drawn

::.

Elowen studied her for a moment. “Does this happen often here?”

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Nikki nodded. “I’ve only been here about half a month, so I didn’t know much at first. But there was another girl working like me, just helping out. She had just turned thirteen. Everyone called her Lark.”

Her voice grew quieter. “Two nights ago, a guest picked her to sit with him. I stayed up waiting for her. She didn’t come back until late. They carried her in wrapped in blankets, and there was blood all over.”

Elowen’s brows tightened. “No one stepped in?”

“They did,” Nikki said, her head dropping. “The steward gave her ten coins.”

Elowen froze for a beat, then anger sharpened her voice. “That’s vile.”

“Your Grace, please don’t be upset.”

Scarlet spoke softly. “The steward didn’t have much choice. That guest is Her Majesty Isla’s cousin. Someone like that… most people wouldn’t dare stand in his way.”

She paused, then added calmly, “And people like us have always known where we stand. No one keeps track of what happens to us. We get used to it.”

Elowen looked straight at her, her voice steady, each word deliberate. “I don’t.”

On the other side, once the Duchess stepped away, the steward quietly let out a breath.

This is just His Grace calming her down. Once she’s satisfied, things will go back to normal.

After all, Theodric stood behind this place. No one would truly disrupt that.

He moved closer to Cassian, forcing a smile. “Your Grace, please don’t take offense. I understand your position. You answer to His Majesty and to Her Grace, and that’s not easy. But you can leave this to me. I’ll make sure Her Grace believes the upper floors won’t follow those practices anymore. Once you’ve both left, everything can continue as before.”

Cassian looked at him, his gaze steady. “You’ve planned this out.”

The steward gave a small, practiced laugh. “Experience, Your Grace.”

Cassian nodded once. “Then we’ll appoint someone else to your position.”

The steward brightened instinctively. “Thank you, Your Grace, I—”

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Chapter 427 A Line Drawn

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He stopped mid-sentence, the meaning finally landing. His eyes widened. “Your Grace… replace me?”

Cassian’s expression cooled. “You think I speak without meaning it.”

The steward panicked. “I wouldn’t dare!”

“You just did.” Cassian’s gaze sharpened. “I said the rules have changed. You’re already planning to undo them.”

The steward’s voice trembled. “I was only trying to keep Her Grace satisfied…”

Cassian’s tone remained even. “When it comes to her, I don’t say things I won’t follow through

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