Awakening Love: Reborn to Be His Duchess Chapter 428: No One Else's Name

"If anyone comes asking," he said, his voice level, "you make it clear this was my decision. You do not bring Ella into it, and you do not suggest this was done for her."

The steward blinked, caught off guard.

So he's taking all of it on himself... and making sure no one drags her name into it.

That alone made things far easier for everyone below him.

But at the same time...

He doesn't want people talking about how far he goes for her.

Admiration in the open court could turn just as easily into envy, and envy had a way of turning dangerous.

This wasn't just authority. It was protection.

"Understood, Your Grace," the steward said quickly, bowing his head before hurrying off with his men.

Not far away, Rowan had just managed to steady himself as the pain in his face eased slightly. Seeing the steward about to leave, he called out to him.

The man didn't even slow down.

Rowan's expression twisted with anger. "So this is how it is, huh? Covering for each other like nothing happened. You think you can just walk all over me and get away with it? This isn't over!"

Cassian's brows drew together slightly. "He's making a scene. Remove him."

"Yes, Your Grace."

The shadow from earlier moved again, fast enough to blur.

Before Rowan could react, he was hauled up by the collar and dragged straight out of the Pavilion, then thrown out into the street without a shred of restraint.

He hit the ground hard, one side of his face scraping against the stone. The impact sent a sharp burst of pain through him, and the taste of blood mixed with grit filled his mouth.

For a moment, he couldn't even see straight.

He lay there, breathing hard, until his attendants rushed forward and helped him sit up.

His face and body throbbed all over, leaving him wincing again and again.

But as the cold night air cut through the haze in his head, something suddenly snapped into focus.

Hold on... that's not right.

Everyone in Vanelle knew the Duke of Duskmoor had long struggled with his legs and relied on assistance to get around.

It wasn't some rumor whispered in corners. It was common knowledge.

But tonight...

Rowan had seen him standing. Standing like there had never been a problem at all.

Rowan's eyes sharpened instantly.

This needs to reach the Crown Prince. Immediately.

And what he had suffered tonight...

His jaw tightened.

Maerwyn had always had a soft spot for him. She indulged him, listened to him, and she had never gotten along with the Duchess.

If he went to her now, laid everything out, she would take his side without hesitation.

She would confront the Duchess. She would make sure he got even.

One of his attendants asked carefully, "Sir, should we find a physician first, or head back and send for one?"

"Palace," Rowan snapped, shaking them off as much as he could manage. "We're going to the palace."

Back inside, a server soon returned with a fresh gown and set it carefully on the table.

From the moment he stepped in, his eyes kept drifting toward Elowen. Remembering how he had spoken earlier, he looked uneasy, clearly trying to find the right words to smooth things over.

Elowen lifted her gaze.

Her eyes were cool, steady, and direct. The server stiffened immediately, nearly losing his footing.

"Out," she said.

He didn't dare linger, backing out in a hurry and closing the door behind him.

Elowen turned to Scarlet, her tone easing. "Go change."

Scarlet didn't put on airs. She murmured her thanks and carried the gown into the inner room.

Nikki stayed where she was, leaning her chin in her hands as she watched Elowen without blinking.

Elowen caught the look and let out a soft laugh. "Do I have something on my face? You've been staring this whole time."

Nikki shook her head quickly. "No, not at all. I just... you feel different now."

Elowen lifted a brow slightly.

Nikki had been calling her Miss Hale the entire time.

"You've seen me before?"

Nikki nodded eagerly. "I have. My name's Nikki Mercer. When I was little, you came to our house once."

Elowen stilled.

Nikki... that means she's Josh's sister.

The realization landed hard, sending a ripple through her chest.

And with it came a quiet sense of relief.

Good thing I came tonight.

She looked at Nikki again, her voice gentler now. "Then how did you end up here?"

Nikki hesitated, her voice dropping. "I came on my own... didn't tell anyone."

Elowen frowned slightly. "Why?"

"My brother's preparing for the exams..."

Elowen didn't let her finish. "That doesn't cost much. He's already working, isn't he? Why would you need to earn money?"

Nikki's expression tightened with worry. "But I heard people say... even if you're good, that's not always enough. You still need money to smooth things over. At least a hundred dollars."

She twisted her fingers together, her voice growing smaller. "We don't have that kind of money. I didn't want my mother or my brother to struggle, so I came here. I was told this place pays the most, and it's just serving tables and cleaning rooms. I already do that at home."

She meant every word.

She just had no idea what kind of place she had stepped into.