The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 103

Imperial Heights.

Charlotte made her way home around eight, barely steady on her feet. The grand hall was awash in bright, golden light.

Anthony sat on the sofa, dressed in pale gray loungewear, posture straight and composed. One hand rested lazily on the armrest, his eyes focused on the papers spread across his lap.

The warm light barely touched the cool, sculpted lines of his face. He looked like he belonged in a different world, untouchable and distant, almost like a god sitting high above everyone else.

Charlotte stopped at the doorway, her gaze lingering on him, wide-eyed and silent.

Anthony was almost too handsome. Unfairly so.

“Woof, woof!”

Hearing her, 98K, the dog curled up at Anthony’s feet, barked twice, leaped up, and bounded over to Charlotte. He wove around her legs, tail wagging so hard his whole body wiggled.

The noise made Anthony look up. He caught sight of Charlotte standing frozen at the entrance, and a tiny smile tugged at his lips. Setting his papers aside, he crossed the room and reached for her hand.

“Did you have a good time?” His voice was low and gentle, almost teasing.

He didn’t ask where she’d been. Just whether she’d enjoyed herself.

Charlotte pressed her lips together, about to answer, when a sudden sting ran through her hand.

Anthony noticed right away. He lifted her hand, frowning as he saw the smear of dried blood.

It was bleeding, and had been for a while.

Charlotte’s expression tightened. She must have scraped herself climbing through that window.

Anthony’s calm features sharpened, just a hint of coldness in his eyes. He took her by the wrist and led her over to the sofa.

“I…”

“Don’t move.”

“Yes, sir.” She made a careful note, stealing a nervous glance at Anthony before heading out. Her heart pounded. Was he angry? He looked absolutely terrifying.

In the quiet living room, Anthony knelt on one knee in front of Charlotte, carefully cleaning the blood from her hand with a cotton swab and gauze.

He looked up at her, eyes deep and searching. “Did you get into a fight?”

Charlotte pressed her lips together and stared back at him for a long moment, her eyes shining. She blinked, then whispered, “No. I just scratched it by accident. It doesn’t hurt.”

Anthony studied her face, his dark eyes lingering on hers. He wasn’t sure whether to be angry or laugh.

“You’re not lying to me, right?”

Charlotte held his gaze, lips still pressed together.

Anthony tossed the gauze aside and sprinkled antiseptic over her cut, his movements gentle. Watching her pale face, he let out a quiet scoff. “If you’re living here, I’m responsible for you. Whatever happens, you can tell me.”

Charlotte listened quietly, her heart softening with every word.