The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1303

Could it really be what he suspected?

Allanson was calling back all the overseas forces. Was he actually about to announce the new heir of the Hawk Family? If he was planning to give the position to Aloys, why make such a spectacle out of it? Unless…

Franco glanced up, his eyes settling on Charlotte across the table as she quietly ate her fruit. His brows drew together, and a chill crept into his gaze.

Would Allanson really be so generous as to hand the Hawk Family over to Charlotte? If not, then there was only one explanation left.

Allanson was gathering his power to strike at him and Lottie.

If he wanted to go up against Solenia and the N Organization, he would need the full strength of the Hawk Family. Allanson’s obsession with genetic mutation had completely consumed him.

Franco could only hope his suspicions were wrong. But if they touched Lottie… he would never forgive the Hawk Family.

“Is something wrong, Dad?”

Anthony’s voice broke through Franco’s thoughts. He’d noticed Franco watching Charlotte with a heavy, unblinking stare.

“It’s nothing,” Franco replied, squeezing Nora’s hand and forcing a faint smile. His voice dropped low. “The flight’s tomorrow night. You two should get ready.”

Leaving so suddenly, they’d have to come up with a reason for Robert.

“Okay,” Anthony nodded and personally saw the two elders to the door.

Just as he was about to close the car door, Franco leaned in and spoke quietly, his tone sharp and absolute. “No matter what happens, I want my daughter safe. That’s all that matters.”

Nora chimed in, her voice just as firm. “Solenia, our lives—none of it is as important as her and the babies.”

“I promise, I’ll protect Lottie,” Anthony answered, bowing his head, voice husky with sincerity. He would give up everything, even if it meant dragging in the entire X Organization.

“Don’t worry,” Franco said, stepping up behind Nora and wrapping his arms around her waist. He smiled, his confidence steady. “With both the Gates and Blair families protecting her, Lottie won’t ever be left to fend for herself.”

Nora’s throat tightened as she turned into his arms, her voice raw. “Lottie won’t know peace until the Isle of Veil situation is over.”

No matter what, they couldn’t let the Hawk Family hurt her again.

“I’m here. You don’t have to be afraid,” Franco whispered, kissing the top of her head and holding her close. His eyes were filled with warmth. Even if the worst came, he’d walk beside her to the very end.

***

The next day, they explained their sudden trip as simply as they could. Robert didn’t seem to suspect anything, but as he watched them leave, a sense of unease clung to him. He hurried after them, repeating, “Come back soon, okay?”

“We will,” Nora replied, forcing a smile as she climbed into the car, doing her best to hide the sadness threatening to spill over.