The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1288

“Yes, ma’am.”

Jackson and Adonis stopped right where they were. This was the first time they’d seen each other since Newell’s true identity came out, and there was definitely a lot left unsaid between them.

It was complicated. Newell had almost gotten Charlotte killed, but he was also the one who saved her and trained her. Their whole relationship was a mess of blurred lines and hard-to-judge motives.

“I’ll be by the door. Call me if you need anything.” Anthony fixed Charlotte’s coat and gently lifted her chin, his voice soft as a whisper.

“Okay.” Charlotte held his gaze until he finished, then finally looked away and headed toward the back garden.

“Anthony, don’t you think Newell’s feelings for Charlotte aren’t exactly innocent?” Hans blurted out, glancing after Charlotte as she walked away.

“Innocent?” Anthony didn’t move, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “What if they’re not?”

Hans frowned, confused.

“He can be her mentor or her brother. That’s it. He doesn’t get to be anything else.” Anthony let out a quiet, mocking laugh, walked over to a wicker chair, and sat down. He picked up an orange, peeling it slowly. “Find out where G5 is.”

If Lottie didn’t want anything to happen to Newell, Anthony would move heaven and earth to keep him safe for her. The last thing he wanted was for Charlotte to carry guilt for another man.

***

In the garden, Charlotte found Newell in simple home clothes, watering the flowers without a care in the world.

“Come in,” Newell said. He didn’t even turn around—he already knew it was her by the sound.

When he didn’t hear her move, he finally looked over his shoulder. Charlotte stood at the entrance, and there was a tiny smile in his eyes. “Are you just going to stand there? Not going to help?”

Charlotte pressed her lips together and stepped forward. She picked up another watering can and stood next to him, silent.

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