Love's Unexpected Awakening Elowen's Choice novel Chapter 433

Chapter 433 A Price Well Paid

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The attendant answered with a quiet “yes,” her eyes lowered as the attendants scrambled to haul Rowan away, half dragging him down the corridor in a clumsy rush. She watched them go, her expression unreadable, though something sharp and unsettled flickered beneath the surface.

Rowan had just said that the Duke of Duskmoor had been inside Stargazer Pavilion.

Standing there as if nothing had ever been wrong.

The implication settled heavily in her chest.

If that’s true, this isn’t something I can sit on. Her Majesty needs to know immediately.

Upstairs, in a private chamber on the second floor, Elowen had just finished speaking with Scarlet when a soft knock came at the

door.

‘Ella, we should be heading back.”

Cassian’s voice carried through the door, low and steady.

‘Coming.”

Elowen crossed the room and opened it.

Cassian stood just outside, posture relaxed but composed, one hand resting lightly at his back. Behind him, the steward hovered a step away, shoulders slightly hunched, his head lowered in careful deference. A thin sheen of sweat clung to his temple, and his expression was arranged into something overly polite.

The moment he saw Elowen, he stepped forward and bowed deeply.

‘Your Grace, please forgive the disturbance earlier. I hope you’ll be merciful.”

Elowen gave him a brief glance but did not respond. Her attention returned to Cassian.

Cassian reached for her hand as if it were the most natural thing in the world, his fingers closing around hers with quiet certainty.

‘From tonight onward, no one in this house will be forced to entertain, drink, or keep company against their will,” he said evenly. ‘This place returns to what it should have been from the start. A house for food, music, and company that people choose freely.”

He paused, then added with deliberate clarity, “Nothing beyond that.”

The steward nodded quickly, almost bending over himself in agreement. “Of course, Your Grace. Orders have already been passed down. Everyone understands. There will be no exceptions.”

Cassian turned slightly toward Elowen. “It’s getting late. Shall we go?”

Elowen nodded, then remembered something. “I’m bringing Scarlet and Nikki with us.”

Cassian did not hesitate. “That’s fine.”

At that moment, raised voices broke out from the upper floors.

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10:08 am

Chapter 433 A Price Well Paid

“What is this supposed to mean? We’re halfway through the night and suddenly everything changes?”

“Since when does this place run like a church hall?”

“I heard it came straight from His Grace. All for someone upstairs.”

A scoff followed, thick with wine.

“Really going that far for a woman? What happens to business now?”

“This is ridiculous. Do you know how much I spend here every year? And now we’re just done?”

“Unbelievable. Treating loyal patrons like this. Fine. I won’t be back.”

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The complaints rolled through the building, uneven and loud, colored by drink and irritation at being cut off mid-indulgence.

The order had been enforced quickly and without compromise, and it showed.

Elowen’s brows drew together slightly.

Cassian felt the shift in her hand and gave her fingers a small, reassuring squeeze before turning to the steward.

“Let everyone know that tonight’s expenses are covered.”

The steward blinked, clearly caught off guard, but the question died in his throat the moment he met Cassian’s gaze.

“Yes, Your Grace. Right away.”

He hurried off, nearly stumbling in his haste.

A moment later, his voice carried through the building.

‘Ladies and gentlemen, your evening is on the house. All food, drink, and entertainment have been fully covered. Please enjoy yourselves.”

There was a brief pause, as if the entire place needed a second to process it.

Then the reaction hit.

Cheers broke out from the lower hall first, loud and immediate.

For the merchants and lesser officials, this was nothing short of a windfall.

“To His Grace and Her Grace!”

“Our thanks, Your Grace!”

The excitement spread quickly, climbing to the upper floors where the private rooms were filled with higher ranking guests Even there, irritation gave way to approval once the meaning sank in.

“Well, that changes things.”

“Can’t argue with that.”

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