The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1035

After Nora’s cold words, Steven just collapsed, legs giving out as he hit the ground. He realized Franco was on a whole different level. Ordinary people like them never stood a chance. Prison wasn’t going to be a punishment, it was a dead end.

He and Elizabeth locked eyes. There was nothing left. Only despair.

A few steps away, Olivia watched as her parents were led away in handcuffs and loaded into the police car. Her mind spun, everything inside her felt like it was on a wild roller coaster. How had things turned around so fast? Wasn’t Charlotte supposed to be ruined just a minute ago? Why did it all go sideways?

Her parents were being arrested.

Just the assault charge alone could put them away for decades. If the Gates family decided to push things further, they might never see the outside again. Worse, they might not even survive prison.

Olivia felt cold all over, like icy rain had soaked through her bones.

It was over. Completely over.

***

Once the police cars disappeared, Franco finally turned around. He waved at Charlotte, who was sitting by the flower bed, sipping her milk.

“Come on, let’s go home.”

“Okay.” Charlotte tossed her milk carton in the trash, gave a quick goodbye to a stunned Shirley, and walked over without fuss.

As she went past the reporters, Charlotte lifted her chin just a little. She had that look—like she was saying, See? My parents have my back.

“Go get in the car with your mom.” Franco ruffled her hair gently.

Charlotte hopped into the car with Nora, the two of them sliding in one after the other.

Franco stayed outside a moment longer. He was smiling, but there was something about him that made everyone nervous. “I don’t intend to waste any more public resources. This is where it ends. I hope all members of the press will act responsibly and not stir things up any further. Anyone who’s attacked or slandered my wife and daughter, I’ll be holding you accountable.”

The reporters exchanged nervous glances and hurried to call their offices to delete stories.

People who’d been spewing hate online started frantically taking down their posts.

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